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Western WA

This question has more than likely been asked before, but because i wasnt able to find it im asking it. Do ribs early in the season on a pumpkin mean its going to mature early? I have one now that is at 24inches on day 11 an it already has ribs in it. They are not very distinct ribs but they are there. The pumpkin is still growing 3inches a day, so im hoping the answer is no. thanks for any help.
Antonio

7/25/2003 1:32:59 PM

Montoursville, PA

Part of the culling process it to look for nicely spaced and uniform ribs begining to form. One of those maybe things. Certainly if all else were equal and I could see the above on one but not another I would go with the apparent equal growth trends of the ribs....unless the other was lots of pounds ahead of the ribbed one. We go for weight only. Pretty does not count.

7/25/2003 1:38:47 PM

Nova Scotia

my thought is that i don't like to see the ribs form until later. i like to see multiple ribs early but the latter it \dips the happier i am. shoulders started on the 14 day and ribs on the 28 day. taped 806 but went heavey by 12% or 900lbs. my 2 cents

7/25/2003 2:07:30 PM

Utah

i don't think there is any correlation between early ribs and early fruit maturation. some fruit have deeper ribs others don't. I have heard of ribs coming back together and causing a split... but there is an easy solution to that...
:)

7/25/2003 2:48:15 PM

Knopp, Germany

dangit, i thought there was something to eat here, i love ribs

7/25/2003 3:42:06 PM

Whidbey Island

Remember, deep ribs when they get wet can lead to a rotten gob of pumpkin pulp one week before the weigh-in.......happened to me last year. Try to keep those puppies dry come fall.

7/25/2003 9:02:35 PM

Montoursville, PA

With all the help and guidelines on here today I see no reason why the larger fruit can not be brought to finish by anyone who has the time, patience, ability to read and persistancee to hang in there through thick and thin.

Some of us even live close to excellent growers for occasional coaching. Our State Organizations help and lets not forget Don's great book.

Recent beginners need not make some of the mistakes the early growers have duked out and clearly guided us to highter ground with better growing practices.

In the thick of all this activity there are common good threads anyone can pick and follow. I am most greatful for the small team of watchers who have given me a hand as a new grower.

Thanks to all. Hope I have and can continue to give some of it back.

7/25/2003 9:17:39 PM

Western WA

yeah thanks a lot. The ribs are in a fairly oridinary pattern and the pumpkin grew another three inches so im thinking it should be fine. Thanks again. (like docgipe said)

7/25/2003 10:27:03 PM

Montoursville, PA

I know exactly how many feel who do not live right beside an experienced grower. Words alone sometimes fall short of my comfort zone. I am somewhat a herd person. I like to rub elbows and BS and BS and BS to arrive at where I hope to go. Now in this ding dat foolish and great activity many of us stand alone in a dark forest and wonder if we are going the right direction. We also know there are a few hungry bears in our forest. :)

7/26/2003 7:54:49 AM

Kansas

German Pumpkin....Me too! I thought I was going to see several good rib recipes on this thread. Guess my tapeworm was just crawling.

Shawn

7/26/2003 12:28:25 PM

Western WA

lol stone_holder

7/26/2003 11:00:26 PM

Washington State

Hey there fellow washintonian!!! I don't know where in wash you are but hasn't the weather been great for the 'kins!! I am new at this but can't wait til I can help others!!! Good luck with the ribs!!!! Boiling them first makes 'em more tender for the grill!!!

Steph

7/28/2003 11:22:12 AM