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Northwest Missouri

Hello all,

This is my second year trying to grow a giant pumpkin. Last year I killed everything thinking if a little miracle grow is good, a lot has to be better. It still hurts thinking about it.

This year, I'm going about it a little more methodically. I have a friend that is offering some advice and let me borrow "growing giant pumpkins II".

I was wondering if you more experienced growers could look at my photo progressions and let me know if it looks like I'm on track or not. I have 3 vines in all. I'm in Northwest Missouri and the dates on the photos are correct.

Thanks to all in advance.

North vine 6/3 and 6/13 and 6/21
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2192.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2196.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2211.jpg
The North vine had some deer damage. Looking fine now. This vine will probably be allowed to be a little more "free" than the others. May end up having one or more primary vines that I let go.

Middle vine 6/3 and 6/13 and 6/21
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2191.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2197.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2212.jpg most recent
Middle vine continues to look strong. Secondaries not as developed as South vine, but it has looked macho from the start and continues to do so.

South vine 6/3 and 6/13 and 6/21
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2190.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2196.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/hound46/100_2213.jpg most recent
Reallly starting to take off. Hand pollinated a female that was probably too close to the main root, but not sure it took anyway. Starting to see female flowers that will be positioned pretty good on the vine and they should be blooming in a week or less.

6/21/2007 10:03:15 PM

Somers, CT

Looks green, has lots of big leaves with no bite marks. Off to a good start. Pick up some liquid fish and seaweed fertilizer and follow the directions on the bottle. Also, pick up some bug killer and fungicide. Cuke beetles are now out in Connecticut. They can make a mess of the leaves. Also look into burying the main vines. That means throwing some dirt over the top of the vine between leaves. This helps it root and I think it reduces the chance of SVB getting in and laying eggs in your vines. See if you can get your library to purchase How to grow Giants III. There have been some updates that are well worth it. Don is very knowlegeable and has a very experienced circle of friends.

6/22/2007 8:42:44 AM

Somers, CT

One more thing. As you progress, ask lots of specific questions here such as which secondary vines to terminate and what to put under your pumpkin so mice do not live under it.

6/22/2007 8:44:41 AM

Northwest Missouri

Thanks for the input Rob. I've been treating with Sevin with amazing results. The cucumber beetles started showing up about 3 weeks ago, but have been in check since.

I'm buring the vines and have noticed that they have rooted underneath as you said they should. I don't think it's far off until I have to start figuring out what to do with tertiary vines.

I've actually held the liquid fish fertilizer in my hand, but after last years fiasco(burning them to death with miracle grow), I've just been using miracle grow weekly. Do you have any advice on how to apply the fish fert and particularly in conjunction with the miracle grow?

I'd also welcome anything you want to share on how handle the secondary vines and protect the pumpkins from mice.

Sounds like the Giants III book might make a nice Christmas present for next year!

6/22/2007 2:20:25 PM

Delaware, Ohio

hound46, this is my 2nd year also. I had some freshman luck and grew a nice pumpkin. These people here are fantastic...ask any thing, get on the chat, post on this board, they will answer any question you have. Even if you think it's a silly question and they have answered it a 1000 times, they will still give you the answer. They want to help!! I don't know dirt compared to all the members here, but I do know that miracle grow is how do I say "so last year". Use the fish. I was scared of it last year. And didn't use it. But it won't burn your plant...read the label and it won't hurt. Also use seaweed, it will help too. I mix the two together. I'm just getting into the molasses stuff and don't understand that much. Brew some compost tea and foliar feed. Bury your vines as soon as you can. It promotes good tap roots. A lot of the groups get on a "program" for ferts. Do you have a club close to you or any other growers in your area? They can be so helpful. The books are so helpful, but you have the help here from hundreds of really really crazy dedicated people who will help. Ask the question and they will all be there with the answer. Trust me, I've asked some really dumb questions and no one has told me I was blonde yet.....Good Luck and I'd be glad to help if I can.
~CityGirl

6/23/2007 1:07:52 AM

Northwest Missouri

Thanks for the warm welcome, CityGirl. I'm glad I found a place like this. I can see how every year, you'd be that much better than last with all the information to take in and learn. Hopefully the season will last longer than last year and I'll be able to ask some of those questions.

6/23/2007 9:22:12 PM