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Erin,Ontario.

I was in the patch this morning at dawn to help polinate my first female of the season,when I, for some reason, started to reflect on some of the things I have learned over the last two years of growing AG's.Patience,tolerance and humility are just a few.Curious what other growers may have learned.....

7/11/2003 8:09:10 AM

Deer Park, WI

another good thread...certainly patience and tolerance, i agree 100% with that. I have learned to appreciate the simplicity and beauty (sorry to get sappy) of that bright orange open female glistening in the morning sun. Its quite peaceful actually. Nothing brings a smile to my face like the sight of a happily growing garden in the morning dew. Except when the powdery mildew sets in in august.

7/11/2003 9:03:30 AM

Cologne / Germany

Optimism, staying power, self-confidence, discipline. Things I never thought to be necessary in conjunction with growing a plant in my garden;-)

7/11/2003 9:36:23 AM

Utah

it is certainly peaceful to be in patch alone before dawn.

also... in addition to those already listed...
I have learned:
not sleep at night because it's windy or there's a frost warning...
to try not to yell at my child who is standing right in the middle of a plant...
to be a nice neighbor even though his firework took out a leaf as it landed right in the middle of my best plant...
I have learned to be depressed:
and let out a nice yell after cracking a main vine while try to move it...
after having to yank out a diseased plant ...
cull a fruit that I didn't want to for whatever reason...
watch a plant almost die because you over fertilized it...

With all that ... I think the best thing about growing pumpkins is seeing the face of a person, especially a child, right after he has seen his first ever large pumpkin.

7/11/2003 10:52:36 AM

Knopp, Germany

just to enjoy the fruit of my labor

7/11/2003 12:22:59 PM

Brillion Wisconsin

I have learned that you really become a "jack of all trades" growing A.G.'s. From tilling to tarping, from weeding to watering, you really have to learn to do it all. Not to mention Insect and disease control. Its never the same thing all the time, theres always somthing new to do or try. As the summer goes on you change your day to day duties as you grow your plants. One aspect of growing gaint pumpkins that really hits home with me is setting goals for your myself and living up to them. I will always plan on out-doing myself from the previous year. I love this sport and plan on doing it for the rest of my life. Dean o

7/11/2003 12:37:24 PM

Erin,Ontario.

Wow!These responses are awesome.By humility I mean I'm reminded that no matter how prepared I think I am,and what an amazing patch I have,and how I really will grow a worlds record in the next three years(personal goal is to beat last years best),that Mother Nature can wipe all that out in one fell swoop and I'd better respect her!!!Just wish I'd started this hobby/sport when my kids were younger!!

7/11/2003 4:09:05 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

I've learned that these damn things will drive ya' nuts!

7/11/2003 8:45:38 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Well let me see..I have learned alot this last three years being a "red shirted Junior"....

If it ain't broke....bend it another inch....there that did it!!! Now its broke!

Life has it's cycles
If the vines are yellowing a little throw in some nitrogen!
yup just like they said....all the peas turn to stone!

Then the vines green up to much ya water it till it leaches out and yellows a bit...hey where did all those females come from!
better put some nitrogen in!!!
oh yeah and ya gotta do this a couple of times to be sure its the fert not the weather!

Never I mean Never tell anyone your having a bug free year! That's like asking for the plague...Keep to your spraying schedule even if you think there are no bugs in your county!
oh yeah here ya gotta burn the leaves off a couple of times just to be sure you left nothing for the bugs to eat!!!
that'll teach them bugs!

Weeding and Pruning thats a whole other subject
why is it a tertiary is 4 feet long standing straight up the middle 8 feet into your "no tread zone"...hmmmm and why is it after hours of cutting off or burying every tendril and you pop a cold one there is one ten inch curly thing waving you back to the patch.

But I guess the most important thing I've learned is the people here will help out and take the time to send ya a message when you think all is lost! don't know ya from anything other then your BP.com handle and they seem to know when you need that little extra that maybe this time you've had it with the headaches of growing one....I for one thank ya all for getting me this far!!! maybe this year!

Now about that cation exchange stuff again!! LOL

7/11/2003 10:45:00 PM

Manchester, N.h.

alexsdad, It's almost like you were there when everything you said was happening to me....You hit the nail right on the head.....Flora

7/11/2003 11:05:05 PM

Chesterfield, MO

I'm going to go somewhat off topic here but i feel lead to speak on this...since entering this addicting sport I have been amazed with how helpful everyone is to each other. I'm sure this hobby wouldnt be anywhere near where it is today without close network of friendships this site allows to develop. Personally, I have learned that its not just about helping or worrying about yourself. It's about helping others, celebrating with them when they reach their goals, and encouraging them when they seem to have lost all hope. It's a unique and fresh sport/hobby where almost anyone would kindly put in a little extra time to help a 'newbie' through a problem or share experiences with a fellow grower. Most of all this site is a place where there is always an open ear if you have something to say...thank you very much everyone for all of your help!!

7/12/2003 1:14:04 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

To walk slowly, to look at deeply and... the prize of water.

7/12/2003 7:32:56 AM

White Plains, NY

While working the patch I've learned that one must be proficient in doing the Twist!

I quess I'm not meeting that requirement as I'm breaking some leaf stems. Maybe some ballet lessons would help me as I tip-toe thru the patch.

7/12/2003 8:56:24 AM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I've learned that you can help out many growers by what you have learned yourself. Tell them all your secrets. Then again, you can help someone out for months( All Winter) on how to do everything right and all the in's and out's of growing Atlantic Giants. Then when you e-mail to ask them this or that and now they don't want to even know you.Another words, you have been used and taken for a fool.

7/13/2003 8:53:55 PM

Erin,Ontario.

Thanks to all for your great,inspirational thoughts.Growing AG's is unlike any other sport/hobby,you guys have reinforced that belief!And,oh yes..'Brat,hope you have a better day today.

7/14/2003 8:29:15 AM