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Vermont Green MTN State

Hi There!
Just wondering if some want to share some patch disasters, some that were accidental and others that could not be avoided like weather & pests.
I think maybe if we share these then we can all use them as an example for next year, maybe we could give some hints to some that have had accidents and pest problems. I also like to hear stories, not that I would like to hear all the bad stuff, but maybe what you did after the problems to bring you success!
Thanks, & Never Give Up on growing the BIG ONE!!!!!!!!
Doeski

8/10/2004 11:07:43 AM

Wichita, KS

SOmetime last Saturday, a gopher tunnelled under my 659 Troy 03 plant, reached up, an grabbed the main vine about 2' from the base. Too bad, it had a pretty fruit.

It was the best plant I owned. The 252 Sawtell now holds that banner.

8/10/2004 7:33:36 PM

New Brunswick

Last year, I foolishly allowed one of mine to sit on its vine. Result? a vine that split lengthwise at the pumpkin stem. I glued and taped and managed to keep the pumpkin growing (tho slowly.) It matured at 350 pounds approx. Another no no is pulling out unwanted plants in a patch instead of cutting them off.

8/10/2004 9:14:30 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

My 898 Knauss went down today. Grew over and on top of the blossom and rotted at 217#.

8/11/2004 12:24:27 AM

Vermont Green MTN State

My first major disaster happened last night. We had a huge storm and I had covered the plant with the biggest pumpkin to keep it warm. It has been hiting 50's - 60's here at night. There was so much water that the plastic colapsed breaking even the expensive hardwood stakes I bought. Guess I will not be covering it again unless there is frost. It flatend one entire vine, not the main but it did damage to the plant. Man am I F#^%!* pissed today.
Doeski

8/11/2004 8:38:35 AM

Williamsburg,KY

unfortunately Ive lost 2 big ones and still have 2 kinda growing with 2 other ones that are small only 100 lbs. the real big one is so far so good. the ones that died, just melted at the bottom even though i had styrofoam under it...not sure what happened perhaps a crack underneath but could not tell since it mushed out.

8/11/2004 9:29:19 AM

Vermont Green MTN State

I have posted my disasters on my diary
http://bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2004&grower=24118&action=L

8/11/2004 9:35:44 AM

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The virus infection destroyed all my hopes last season. The plant is alive but more like a gremlin than an AG... I prefer PM, stem rot, dogs, cats, mice,.. whatever!

8/11/2004 9:36:42 AM

Colorado Hail, CO. Elev. 5,900 FT

Here are the two links to view the before and after pictures... here is the picture of the 530 Gancarz, this is the B-4 shot...............................................


http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=25468


Here is the 530 Gancarz after the devestation..............


http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=25469

8/11/2004 1:24:45 PM

Colorado Hail, CO. Elev. 5,900 FT

I wanna hear about the 252....!

8/11/2004 1:26:01 PM

Bountiful,Utah,USA

First year growing AGs so lots of goofups that got me started late. First goof was to put my potted seeds out in the sun for warmth ontop of some black plastic. Cooked the seeds. After I replaced the seeds and got them to germinate and put into the ground I ignored the wind warnings. Did not put up a sufficient wind break and my pumpkins broke off at the stump. The main was 3' when it broke. Luky for me a friend still had some backup starts that and he gave me one. Although rootbound It survived. Once its main was about 20' long another disaster. The tip of the main vine was chewed into a mush by some rodent. So I continued the last secondary vine as if it were the main. seems to be ok.

8/11/2004 1:27:10 PM