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Location

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Date Posted

Grittyville, WA

The pumpkins are just too malleable until about DAP 50 or so when they have begun to thicken and strengthen.

I'd throw some sand all around the sides of that 80 lb/ day kin. Shore it up, like Notre Dame cathedral the weight needs to be butressed back inward.

There's risks any way you do it, but I dont want you guys to lose another one this early in the game!

I know there's reasons NOT to do this, but it sounds like at this point it would be your least worst option...

Good luck...

7/14/2023 3:52:45 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

LK, you must be kidding. This is a joke right? You aren't really giving one of the best growers in the world, the guys who grew the biggest pumpkin in the world, growing advice?

WOW.

7/14/2023 5:28:35 PM

Grittyville, WA

The mouse and the lion... the old fable. The lion laughs but later, as improbable as it seems, the mouse does save the lion.

Anyhow, obviously giving advice that isnt asked for is a no-no. But whatever. All I can say is, I did what I could to try help. No benefit to myself here at all.

7/14/2023 8:18:06 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Yeah, back in the old days when unsolicited advice from questionable sources or a difference of option was brewing, someone would eventually pipe up to the offender with what I feel is appropriate now “what’s your PB?”

7/14/2023 8:34:46 PM

Kelowna, British Columbia

I tried growing a pumpkin in a plywood box one time to get a square fruit and it literally pulled the nails from the wood once it outgrew its box. I seriously doubt that some sand would offer much support or resistance against the outward growth of the fruit.

7/14/2023 9:17:55 PM

Torrance, Ca.

I'll text Ian and let him know this recommendation.


The reason we don't see them on here as much during the summer , is because there're always in the patch or at work. Every time I've called across the pond to ask a questions, they've been doing patch work. They do stop and ALWAYS answer any question a grower may have though.

2 of the best out there and always willing to share their knowledge.

7/15/2023 11:17:19 AM

Lymington UK

Just thank you all for your concerns and support.
We say in a very windy UK “Every day is a school day”
Your never to old to learn so thank you all for your suggestions here, by text, by email and the rest.
The bottom line here is ; Pumpkin growing is difficult and at times brutal.
We only have one opponent and that’s Mother Nature
So we’re all in this battle together.
Good luck everyone Ian

7/15/2023 2:59:36 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yep, it is a slog sometimes even for the smaller growers.
Come what may... Or better yet, where there's a will there's a way!

7/15/2023 6:47:49 PM

Syracuse, NY

'We only have one opponent and that’s Mother Nature
So we’re all in this battle together.'
Now, that is classy! eg

7/15/2023 10:13:44 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Keep at it boys!!


You know how many are cheering you on and I know one person that really wants a nice long summer vacation.:)
She whispered in my ear at the convention. WR = a year off guys!!
Taking the year off to fight disease, I've never seen my family so happy.:) We can do whatever we want whenever we want and just have to stay on top of the cover crops.

7/16/2023 12:48:20 PM

Grittyville, WA

Sorry to hear. Yeah, prob. nothing could be done about it. But would have enjoyed reading the posts about those little late season gains, the ones that would have put your pumpkin atop that highest podium...

7/19/2023 3:29:18 AM