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Rhode Island

i cant help but notice that it seems like over 50 % of the folks posting this season dont seem to have much knowledge about growing and / or basic gardening in general.

i dont for the life of me understand why people dont ask-
where can i buy a book and get educated on the subject?
what are the good growers doing that im not ?

for the most part it seems that new growers are reluctant to invest in the hobby by edcuating themselves.the same could be said for purchasing insecticides and fungicides.
only after the problem is to far along do they realize it. edcuation teaches you what to look for. the signs that if caught in time could save your season.

this by no means is a slap on anyone. just advise from someone who have been around a pruning knife and shovel for quite some time.and yes have made my share of mistakes along the way.

the first thing we did as soon as don langevins first book came out in i believe 1992 was to buy it, read it, and read it some more.
then we also as additional books came out purchased them as well.
howard dills books are excellent reading as well.

id advise the newer growers to purchase these books, keep asking questions yes, but get some of the basic stuff out of the way by reading. invest in yourself and the hobby.

pap

6/21/2007 5:46:05 PM

Minnesota

nice thread pap!!!! this is the "BEST" advice i heard on this site this year. I hope it hits home.

6/21/2007 6:03:34 PM

C N Y

i have yet to get over a thousand pounds, but that is probably my lack of having read the TIME MANAGEMENT book that should go along with my Don Langevin 3-book set.
Or, is it 4 now, lol.

additionally, i have every Joel Holland video from
present through 1992, i think it is;
I started my collection by branching out from the present year's video and also buying one from years previous,
therefore at about 2 vids per year at about 6 years,
i have them ALL. i think it would be an enriching and rewarding effort on anyone reading this's part to do just what pap is saying, and for the results that could be obtained? priceless. eg 912.5

6/21/2007 6:04:34 PM

learning to use the search feature on this site is a nice tool as well..most of what's asked has been covered many times here.....

6/21/2007 6:21:53 PM

Waquoit Mass

we have had discussions on this many times and it all goes back to the soil it has to be right. there are some good soil videos out there d

6/21/2007 6:37:00 PM

Phoenix, AZ

Pap,

I do agree with you.

However, I know that my issues were in no way covered under any pumpkin growing books. My problems are very unique. The knowledge to solve them had to be learned by observing and TREMENDOUS amounts of time researching the web to determine the reasons for what I have observed.

In some areas, I would be farther ahead if I owned one of Langevin's books. But I doubt he covered my main issues: excessively sodic water, intense heat and extremely low humidity. If he did, I am buying them tomorrow!!!!!

Pap, I agree but just giving another perspective.

Ben

6/21/2007 7:38:18 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Don's books are great and the Holland videos have been interesting too.

Pap is right, read as much as you can, research this site in particular and most important, find a mentor that you can bounce your questions off....like our buddy the Wiz!!

6/21/2007 7:42:38 PM

Nipomo, California

Like Unk said, Search. plus dont be afraid to check new grower posts. And,,, dont argue when experienced growers offer their help.

6/21/2007 8:56:23 PM

Ohio

I know I post on stuff that I could have used the search for, but I myself just like talking to growers on this site, even if the subject has been posted on before or not. I also find on post that been posted on before alot of difference answers from older posts verses newer post,alot different answers.
I myself, hate to read books, I just cant sit down and read a book,now on the other hand though, I can sit down on this computer for hours and research stuff for growing about chemicals, etc etc,, sitting down in front of this computer at night and in the morning before I go to work is just something I really enjoy doing, way more then sitting down and reading, I don't know what it is, but I just don't have the patience for sitting down and reading, never did. (Although I have read all of Dons books,,,, at work,,,and lets keep that between us,lol) '

Pap,just look at all the stuff I learned off you , last couple years I bet I sent you a email a week, and I learned more then any book I could have read. Maybe because you read the book then you shared all your info with me,LOL!!

In all seriousness though, reason why I think people post about things that was posted before and not using the search engine is that I think its more of the grower just wanting to interact with other growers on here, cause if we all used the search about a question we had I think the boards would be pretty much empty, don't you?

Brooks

6/21/2007 9:14:14 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

Good point Brooks, I was sort of thinking that before I got to your post. I enjoy the interaction with you guys. I guess I apologize to anyone here I have irritated with my questions in the past. Guess I'll post less and search more! :-)

Mark

6/21/2007 9:59:42 PM

Grant, MI

I do agree. Everyone should try to research before asking every question that comes to mind. However in my opinion you also have to appreciate the community that this site provides to ALL growers. If research doesn't answer your question then by all means ask. Their seem to be lots of people who are happy to answer your questions. Also new growers should spend lots of time in the new growers forum. At least that way everyone knows what to expect.

6/21/2007 10:36:25 PM

Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

I admit that I did not read this whole thread...but somewhere I saw in there....New Grower's Forum...and I agree that that is where most of these posts belong. I'm such a newbie that I try not to post besides in the non-pumpkin category....let's not waste these peoples' time.

6/22/2007 12:37:36 AM

Wood River, IL ([email protected])

Pap,
I think a lot of use feel were going to get more updated information if ask a question again. I'll search topic before I post,then I'll try and post the question in a way I can better understand the answer.

Sense Brooks started admitting his dislikes I jump in to. I hate science, I know it's sad but true (but I love growing things) Gardening was easier before I started growing these giant pumpkins. I really have a hard time wrapping my brain around all these pesticides. So I'm always trying to get answers in plain english.

In the little over a year I've been on this site I've meet some very helpful growers (you included) that will sometimes answer my posting via e-mail with a long e-mail explaining there answer so they don't clog up the board.

I'd like to say I'll control my posting more. But I don'think it will happen. When I first found BP.com more than one person told me "Don't be afraid to ask questions, there are no dump questions" so I ask questions , and I apologize for all the dump ones.

6/22/2007 7:00:40 AM

Somers, CT

Dick, where can i buy a book and get educated on the subject?
what are the good growers doing that im not ?

6/22/2007 8:49:12 AM

Somers, CT

BTW, if you can't afford it or are cheap like me you can have your library pick up all three of Don's books and any others you find. They are filled with a plethora of knowledge on the subject. I read them over again every year seeing my brain is a seive.

6/22/2007 8:51:58 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

The more I read and learn the more questions I come up with. I do think that some new folks should post the questions to the proper thread as it becomes difficult when someone asks hows my soil test look and its placed in the General discussion cat. Hey but thats small change. This site is super and the folks on it are too. I look forward to reading the threads daily and when the site is down, Im lost. Paps is right, read read read, everything thats out there, google it too...... and then post more questions. That way we can get a new book on the latest and greatest info, share it and we all grow inside and out.....
Grow'em BIG

6/22/2007 9:12:31 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Reading and the science of it is the only way to heavy hitter status. There is no short cut in growing the AGP to a competitve weight.

6/22/2007 10:17:58 AM

Colorado

I agree whole heartedly agree with Brooks. This site is not
only a great source of information for growers at any level
it IS the community for growers of these amazing plants.
I have read Don's excellent books but have also learned a
tremendous amount from the posts and responses on the site.
Several of the responses above mentioned that maybe they
should control or limit the number of posts they make. Baloney. Continue to post your questions. Shared knowledge
is good knowledge. Besides if you good people stop posting
what will I have to do at work :<)....LB

6/22/2007 10:42:25 AM

southwest MO

Do pumpkins need water? Just kidding guys!! Luck to all.

6/22/2007 1:36:20 PM

Midwest

Well, there's a couple of good reasons for people to read books and research on the internet. And, there's many good reasons for people to use this site. Both are absolutely necessary. Four years ago, when I was a beginner, I got so frustrated with growing since I read: do this, do that, do the other. Well, I did them all! And failed. I got all this info but, didn't know how to put it in practice. Don's book and internet studies tell you what to do in a general-sort-of sense. Posting and reading on this site is furthuring your education and getting the comraderie of growers who have experienced what you are going through. Their experiences are golden. It's real-time. And, I love it.

6/22/2007 1:56:16 PM

Jefferson, Ohio

I've been reading these threads for 3 years now... This is the only second time I've posted... you see , I've learned more helpful tips and advise than I am still able to apply. I wonder how many "readers only" there are. I guess I am saying, dont forget there is a bunch of us just reading and learning and Really appreciate the patient tutorials! What a great group. jim

6/22/2007 6:31:55 PM

[email protected]

There are many tens of thousands of "unique hits" to this website very day from users who choose not to post. Folks who frequent these boards do tend to learn if they are careful about who they listen to.

Best educators:

Grow one! Learn by mistakes.
Don Langevin's book series.
Join a local club.
Find a local growing mentor either here at BP, the club or a local weigh-off.
If no one local, find a cyber-mentor.
There are other good websites such as Henry's Hole, Back Yard Gardener, etc.
The Mallorn List archives is still a good resource.

6/22/2007 7:36:51 PM

Littleton, Colo

Hey I read today that LongBeard is going to get beat by a rookie !!lol

6/23/2007 12:12:54 AM

Delaware, Ohio

I'm a "newbie" been here for about a year. Sometimes I search, sometimes I post, sometimes I chat..All the times I learn so much. The best part of this site is getting to know the other growers from all over the United States, (and abroad) what they deal with, what the weather is for them, how the conditions are different. We are all learning. We are all sharing. I don't know dirt compared to Pap or anyone else...but I'll share if it's the correct information. I just enjoy this forum, this community, this crazy sport. I agree, read the books, but come here to ask the little questions. We all want to help. We all want to grow em big!
~CityGirl

6/23/2007 1:31:14 AM

Littleton, Colo

Does LongBeard know how to grow pumpkins ??

6/23/2007 11:21:23 PM

Nauvoo, Alabama

ROFL.
I simply forgot we had a library in town. I have never been there before. Never have the oportunity to go. I buy books on the internet or I read the web sites.
Obviously I havent read enough yet.

6/24/2007 4:11:45 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

Books are fine so is the "How To" section of this site. But to get the most out of growing, join a local pumpkin club, ask them for help. There isn't one grower out there that wouldn't help another.

6/25/2007 1:37:50 PM