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Delaware, Ohio

My fruits have been gaining 10 to 12 pounds a day. What do I need to do to get more out of the plant and add more weight to the fruit? I've been giving them plenty of water, fish, seaweed, tea, and some tomato food. I have tons of males, I try to get them all, I just don't know how to get the energy to the fruit. Largest fruit is 78 pounds, pollinated 19 days ago. Need 100 pounds by Thursday to be on track like last year, which was 400 lbs.....BUT I WANT MORE!! What do I need to do? Why can't I get 20 lbs per day like some? (feeling sorry for myself) Any and all help would be appreciated.
Thanks
CG

7/24/2007 12:18:59 AM

Nashville, TN

Did you have complete soil tests done last winter? If so, what were the results?

If not, make sure to do a soil test this fall. Then you have the time to ammend the soil to match a 'heavy hitter's' soil as closely as you can....

As your soil gets better 'suited' for the requirements of a large 'kin, then one will grow..

(speaking as someone with a 'kin currently outgrowing my expectations!... better soil!)

7/24/2007 7:02:30 AM

Buffalo, New York

at what size does the 20 pounds per day thing possible to start?

i mean a 5 pounds pumpkin is not going to juymp to 25 in a day, so when in the season would you start seeing 20 LB gains?

7/24/2007 7:14:54 AM

Roselle, IL [email protected]

On my pumpkins this year. I see 20+ by day 20. 30+ by day 30.

7/24/2007 8:14:26 AM

Sheridan . NY

Daily feeding will help this time of year-- the ground is just about stripped of food this time of year--and fish seaweed and tea some times are not enough to catch up on growth--feed em--

7/24/2007 8:45:32 AM

Western NY

it's the cold nights slowing you down. we're all dealing with it.

7/24/2007 8:47:14 AM

Delaware, Ohio

I think I have done every thing I was suspose to. Had the soil tested and ammended according to the lab report, have great seeds, fruit set at the proper footage on the main, watering and giving ferts. Talking to the pumpkins and giving them a hug when I measure, drinking more than enough beer in the patch. I will just have to WEIGHT AND SEE...The good news is I HAVE a pumpkin (4).
Thanks~
CG

7/24/2007 8:52:18 AM

Delaware, Ohio

Lembke....What should I be feeding them? I appreciate any suggestions.
~CG

7/24/2007 8:54:13 AM

San Jose [email protected]

part of drinking of the beer is then "watering" them with the recycled beer

7/24/2007 9:32:47 AM

canal winchester ohio

Just be careful Chriss, I'm seeing fluctuating gains as well depending on the previous days weather. It's a weird summer for the cool temps, but don't over do it trying to adjust or when the temps pick up ( and they will) you just might blow your pumpkins up when they kick back in. Roll with it in this weather & when it changes give it a couple of days after that before you panic.

7/24/2007 9:48:36 AM

Frankfort Oh

yes ,, I agree with Huff ,,the weather has alot to due with it !!Im also having the same problem,,but sometimes we just have to wait it out !,,feeding your pumpkins to much ,,will do more, harm then good ,,,take it from me ,,,I lost four pumpkins in one week two years ago,, when trying to push for growth ,,to much nitro,,did me in ,,only pumpkin i ,had left was 312 lbs,,grown on a back vine ,,,just remember,,,pumpkin like warm nights ,,and if it gets below 50 at night cover them up with a blanket,,will help them hold heat,,,Good luck Rob

7/24/2007 1:34:22 PM

Frankfort Oh

By the way ,,hi paul!!!hope things are going good for you!!

7/24/2007 1:35:32 PM

Sheridan . NY

city girl --look at my feeding sked at www.candjfert.com will give you good idea--yep feed to much to heavy not good--- but feed a steady even feed and as you would feed you self is the answer--as in people if you miss breckfast and lunch and eat about 4 in the after noon all at once and too much -stomach ache --GP same thing --eat too much boom--!!!

7/24/2007 2:12:23 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

When the cool nights set in here, I simply kept on schedule. Trying to make up for slow growth now will bite you in the ass when things heat up again........and they will. Ride it out Chris.

7/24/2007 9:30:42 PM