From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Houston, TX

I just moved and dont have much room to work with. Ive got a 10x10 raised bed now. Is it possible to grow a big one, or medium big one ;). Any Suggestions? Can I wrap the plant around the border of the bed as it grows in a spiral pattern as it grows to maximize space? thanks.

3/10/2003 8:24:11 PM

So. Maine

Randy, how about planting in the center then training the vine to go in a spiral pattern ( trimming side vines,etc. )and you might think about planting tall corn on the east and west sides of your raised bed to provide shade in the early morning and late afternoon plus a misting system to provide cooling in that hot Texas heat, Al

3/11/2003 12:52:40 AM

Long Island,New York

Ive seen/heard of two many people trying the "serpentine pattern" (single main , no sides) and not getting fruit to set so Id try the flag..single main, let only one side of plant grow 10 foot sidevines, but run the main along the perimeter.......

3/11/2003 4:57:45 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Hey Randy1, 10X10 is a 100 sf...even an extra 2 ft 12X12 would give ya 144 or 44% more growing area...These want as much space as they can get and anything extra would be appreciated by the plant...see if ya can steal as much space as ya can!! goood luck! Prune prune prune!

3/11/2003 5:43:54 PM

Rm, Tn

Thanks Randy for this question.I'm reading your advice for my own bed. I have 2 raised beds with 130 sq ft in each of them. My problem is my vines can only grow to the north because of property lines. Last year I planted my seeds on the southside and the vines went north just like I needed them to. I'm concerned about the growth on the roots. Will the pumpkin be smaller because the roots are growing in half circle rather than a full 360 degrees? What do you think? Does any one know? I hope you grow a monster!

3/12/2003 2:58:29 PM

San Diego

I grew in a real small spot my first year, in 2001. I planted in a planter box, 1.5 foot by 10 feet long. The rest of the plant was over ivy (100 sq ft total including planter box)). I did a horse shoe pattern for the main due to my unique area. I grew a 250 lb estimated from a 357 mongeon, plant died early due to powdery mildew or it would have been bigger. Didn't have much experience. Go for it in your 100 sq feet and see how big you can get! good luck. Jim

3/12/2003 6:46:07 PM

Deer Park WA

rANDY1, (MeTwO), 100 sQfT is big enough to grow a respectable P'kin, say 100-200 ##. Maybe more, but lets be realistic.. Now if you were to trail the main and secondary vines, adding another 150 to 300 sQfT to the plant, while following careful pruning, fertilizing, watering, and burying techniques why then I would say the sky is the limit ##,#S..... Happy trails

3/13/2003 12:32:20 AM