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Jericho Vermont

Does anyone have suggestions for pumpkins that are slowing to 2 ott inches a day after only 35 days. This has happened to me for a few years in a row so I don't think it is just because of our lousy weather here in VT. I am wondering if my watering schedule is too little for a 150 lb pumkin to keep growing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. No stem splits nice green leaves no vine probs. just slooooow growth. Thanks . John

8/15/2004 6:05:13 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

John, depending on your climate you may be able to get another 20 or 25 days of good growth still yet. If you are at 150 lbs now (190 OTT)and continue to get 2" OTT, then the pumpkin may end up in the 300 lb range.

Good luck, hope it keeps going.

Glenn

8/15/2004 6:50:32 PM

Jericho Vermont

Thx Glenn. It has been a very cool summer with alot of rain. I am actually thinking of taking down my shade structures. It was sunnt today but about 74 degrees F. Under the shade structure it seemed very cold. I am going to take them down and just cover the actual pumpkin with a blanket. Has anyone found that the shade structure might be keeping the pumpkin too cold during a cold spell and greatly reduces solar heating?

8/15/2004 6:56:19 PM

[email protected]

You might have dipped below a critical nutrient threshold. Now would be the time to get tissue & soil nutrient tests done as well as a very close examination of the vines.

Out of curiosity, how well does the soil drain? Full sun?

8/15/2004 7:05:05 PM

Saugerties N. Y.

Don,t feel bad jkpa mine put the breaks on this wk end also
at 117 82 76 @ 38 days to quick for my liking I thought
I,d get my PB out of this one keep the faith dude.

8/15/2004 10:44:07 PM

Jericho Vermont

My soil is ok Tremor soil tests were good. Drainage I am still working on every year with peet and old manure and compost. I only get about 6 to 7 hours of sun in a good day. I don't think I can change that unless I move. lol. But I was wondering with our cold summer and especially cold nights if my shade shelters were keeping the pumpkins too shaded and cool. I think it could be nutrient related. I get ok growth from every pumpkin of 5 to 7 " ott when they are young, over 100 lbs I average 1 to 3 ".

8/16/2004 7:18:00 AM

Rhode Island

jkpa
if your soil tests are good, plants are good, and you have no internal disease situations going on, then you may have some dud seeds
it happens , not all seeds from a pumpkin will reproduce equally
i also keep my fruit blanketed even during the day if the temp is not over 70 degrees
you may want to have a tissue sample done, the leaves tell it all

8/16/2004 7:47:36 AM

Jericho Vermont

Thx pap this is going to be a busy fall for me. I have not gotten the salt levels checked with the soil sample. I have used alot of Miracle grow type ferts in the past and have tried more organics in just the past year or so. I don't think the seeds are all duds. I am close to Eatons chart right up to 30 inches in diameter and then consistently fall back over all of my plants.

8/16/2004 1:31:21 PM