From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Going Green

Everybody was new at one time or another. When I was a new grower I asked a lot of questions and some of the answers I got were not very nice. They hurt my feelings and my pride. I had been a business owner earning over $200,000 a year and nobody ever told me off like some of my fellow growers. I wrote Ken and I talked with Pap and others and things improved over time. One of the things a newbie should do is realize that every year the same questions are asked over and over again. Rather than asking every question that comes to mind it was suggested that I read everyone else's questions and go to the diary section and read the diaries. It was also suggested that you I join a club or two so that I got their newsletters each year. At wrigh'off visit with other growers and make friends. Exchange seeds and keep in mind that seeds grown locally may preform better for your type of soil and weather conditions. Find a mentor and share with him or her what your doing and come it to what they are doing. Today I am a member of four clubs and I enjoy their newsletters so much. I have grown as a grower and have won many ribbons and cash prizes. In 2013 I was extremely fortunate to have grown both the first and second place in largest pumpkin, largest squash, largest cantaloupe and placed second in largest tomato. Your day is coming, don't rush yourself. Read everything on bigpumpkin.com and in the newsletters. This is a great hobby and the people are great or can be if you give them a chance. There is no better place for a serious GIANT GROWER to be and you will do well as your soil improves along with your technique which will improve with your experience. I hope for you the best and want you to succeed by reading all the diaries and instructional blogs available through big pumpkins and club newsletters.

4/18/2015 10:36:37 PM

Grant, AL

Great advice Pumpkin Farm! This is our second year growing giant watermelons and I can say that you will gain more knowledge initially from asking questions to experienced growers. At some point though you have to use that knowledge to start solving problems on your own. That is the only way you will gain the confidence to become a great grower and be able to help new growers in the future. The diary posting do give a great visual aid for new growers also though!

4/19/2015 12:01:15 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I say research and ask again too. The hobby is constantly evolving and information can be outdated. Plus, that's the point of a message board and the grumps can get over it.

4/19/2015 3:40:58 PM

Grant, AL

Well said Luke!!

4/19/2015 6:02:49 PM

Central NY

Yup

4/19/2015 7:18:18 PM

Going Green

I agree with Luke that the grumpy need to get over it. I hate it when I see someone tell someone off when they are asking g a serious question.Many of these grumpy have so much knowledge they have forgot not everyone knows what they know. Luke and Pork chops are both great people!

4/19/2015 7:45:58 PM

Grant, AL

Don't really know Luke or Porkchop but in the little time I have been on BP they have never hesitated to share their knowledge with me when I had a problem or question. Thanks a lot guys! I don't know why anyone would want to be rude to someone when they need help. We were all newbies at one time! Whoops!! I STILL AM A NEWBIE!!!

4/19/2015 9:52:19 PM

Muddy Waters

Very good post!

4/19/2015 10:21:52 PM

Nottingham, UK

Just my 10 pence........ As Pumpkin Farm said 'the same questions are asked over and over again.

best way to find those questions is to type it into google followed by site:www.bigpumpkins.com

For example if you typed in 'Advice to new growers site:www.bigpumpkins.com' then your first result would be a link to this post.

If you don't find what you want, rephrase the question OR just put in key words.

It's all there!

However, asking questions that have been asked before is your way into the community and there is always people willing to do their part and pass on info and familiarising yourself with other growers.

I would only say that if your not a new grower and you don't have anything positive or helpful to add then just don't respond. I have seen too many unconstructive comments but these are a minority on this great site


For example, if you typed in as follows: Advice to new growers site:www.bigpumpkins.com

4/22/2015 6:39:04 AM

Going Green

Outstanding advice Dandytown

4/22/2015 9:43:37 AM

Aurora, Il

I am also experienced as a student, now a graduate student and a mom. Best advice - be patient with anyone who asks and remember, no question is ever a dumb question. If their asking you its probably because they believe you all have the experience and low down on what to do. Most here want to offer what they know and for those not willing, so be it-that's on them. I am new to this, so I will ask questions.

5/5/2015 3:55:24 AM