If you are just getting into growing giant pumpkins you MUST buy How-To-Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins, II by Don Langevin. This book covers everything, including: getting and starting seeds, soil preparation, early and late season protection, watering, fertilizing, insect control, weight estimating and a whole lot more! Don's first book How-To-Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins is also very good. We recommend getting both and reading them cover to cover.