From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

I was just curious of how many growers out there who have already hit the 1000 pound mark plan to share their expertise with the rest of the community and do a diary this year. Jerry, Drew, Brett, Stan.... and others are you out there?

3/22/2005 7:23:08 AM

Deer Park, WI

I dont consider myself a hitter, but have surpassed the 4 digit mark on two occasions. With that said, i do plan on sharing my experiences with the rest of you on occasion. I dont see the value in sandbagging or secrecy, altho Mr. Koch may think otherwise!

3/22/2005 9:01:39 AM

Ohio

Brett Hester always has a good diary under "The Pumpkinguru"

3/22/2005 11:19:56 AM

New Hampshire

I know this might sound condescending but Many HH are playing in their patches not on their computers. This might be one of their secrets.

3/22/2005 11:20:57 AM

Massillon, Ohio

i think they are on here but more 'lurky' than us non-good-growers lol

3/22/2005 11:26:23 AM

Webster, NY

Also, I am sure that if asked, most of the HH's, on this site anyway would gladly answer any questions asked of them.

3/22/2005 12:03:03 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I know alot of people do not use computers like most of us. My Dad plays solitaire on his...lol..That was about the extent of his computer usage. Before being taught how to send e-mails, attach photos, and now IM. The new wireless laptop was a bit of a challenge though. Kept calling on the phone to ask where to plug it in...lol
Plus they would get Bombarded with requests from new growers for seeds. Most still use the phone.

3/22/2005 12:08:18 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I think some of HHs probably don't bother to post their opinions and advice because sooner or later someone will piss them off with a personal attack. Heavy Hitters have better things to do.

3/22/2005 4:31:14 PM

Puyallup, WA

Although I have hit 1K+, I just do not have time to post in an online diary. I do keep notes, however. I'm making radical changes in my patch by reducing plant size substantially. I'll be growing 14 plants.

3/22/2005 9:01:34 PM

huntsburg,ohio

i keep a diary in handwriting.If i kept a diary on here i couln't grow just typing this little bit takes me a couple minutes.Jerry

3/22/2005 9:35:21 PM

Midwest

Joze...Mr I don't have anything!!!!!

3/23/2005 8:27:49 AM

Commack, NY

I think that not posting anything is way better than posting information that is somewhat "less than accurate", but that's just me :)

3/23/2005 9:06:29 AM

Utah

There are many reasons why people don't do diaries...
I know a lot of people don't do them period ... regardless of whether or not they are heavy hitters.

I think all of the above answers are also good ones. I've been lucky enough to talked many heavy hitters at different times.
I think all are normal people who are quite humble and have busy lives with, children, baseball, soccer, work, church, school, on and on ... as stated ... many don't have digital camera or do the interent or email. A good diary takes a lot of time and they feel they have other more important things to do.
The thing I hear the most for them is ... this is how I have done things and it has worked for me. I know others who do things differently. So there is no one way ... or right answer...
they will be happy to answer specific questions... but "how do you grow?" is to hard to answer and they don't have the time for that.
I can tell you a few things that they all say ...
there aren't any big secrets out there ... yes everyone has this or that thing that they might think is a secret ... but when it come down to it ... other have thought of it and do it also.
work hard in your patch... soil prep is key!
spend a lot of time preparing your soil... do what everyone says to do ... add A LOT of OM to you soil.
get good seeds- this is the easiest thing to do ... you don't need the hot ones... there are plenty of good ones out there.
spend time in your patch...
keep up with your plants - prune well and don't get behind.
do what you need to do in your area to take care of bugs, disease, etc... take care of the bigs things that could end your season.
if you are new find someone who will mentor you... don't be afraid to ask for help. i think most help isn't posted but comes from one on one with someone ... be it in person, via email or the phone.
work hard ... have fun...
i've rambled on more than enough... but you get the idea
good luck
gordon

3/23/2005 5:16:43 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Well said Gordon. I can remember in one of Joel Hollands older videos, at a weigh off Kirk Mombert was asked by the guy doing the interview what the secret to growing these big pumpkins was. Kirk thought for a second and then said "has anyone mentioned it takes hard work?" I liked that answer and it stuck with me. I think it is important for a grower to not plant more plants than they can handle properly. I realize that not everyone likes the diary gig or has time for them. I enjoy reading them and one can pick up valuable information from observing. Best wishes all.

3/23/2005 5:36:42 PM