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Location

Message

Date Posted

Appalachian Mtns.

Here's your sounding board, let's here about your crappy season this year.....
We've had over 25" of rain here since end of May, little sun, and cool temps. Where I should be getting 20# + growth a day, I'm getting 6, 8, 12#. Mildew, root rot, early maturing, nutrient leaching...all have been a problem this year. It's gonna be a challenge just to break a PB, maybe even get close.
Others?

8/19/2003 6:36:18 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

excuse me, I meant 35" + rain...

8/19/2003 6:37:10 AM

Montoursville, PA

It has been a challenge and opportunity to learn bad weather gardening. When the going gets tuff the tuff get going. ]:o)

8/19/2003 8:58:08 AM

[email protected]

Let my plants suffer 7 days of over 105*F temps in their enclosures. Two of those days I recorded highs of 115. Full thermostatic controlled ventilation is already in the works for 2004.

NOW I learn the high temps may be why I had all male gay plants for 6 weeks. We live & we learn.

But hey. I have absolutely the biggest, healthiest, greenest most insect & disease free VINES you'd ever want to see. So my recent sets are screaming & we'll at least have some fine carvers.

My stupid tree guy still hasn't removed the offending shade prodcuers but that matters little now. January cometh.

Over 20" of rain this summer here too Kyle. And soil temps reached 65* a full 2 weeks later than normal as well.

Steve

8/19/2003 9:55:13 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Kyle, It sure has been a strange year for growing. Colder nights than normal and the most rain since I have been growing has not helped at all. Will not reach PB, but will have something for the fair and to carve for halloween. Take care
Phil from Cameron

8/19/2003 10:53:30 AM

Cheyenne, Wyoming

From late June to mid July, we had 20 consecutive days with 93 degrees or more for a high temperature. I so many aborted pumpkins, that I quite keeping track.

My friend down the street kept track of his aborted pumpkins. He had over 70 between two plants.

John

8/19/2003 2:55:30 PM

Whidbey Island

Kwitchur whining! Not every year will be a great one. Out here where it is cool all the time we use huge wind breaks, plastic over the vines just to eke out a little more heat for the fruit. Last year we had cool weather all summer and still had fun. Some of us got PBs. Get a grip folks and remember, it is a hobby, not a life altering experience. Thank your lucky stars that you have the time and money to spend growing a simple little pumpkin.

8/19/2003 11:08:43 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

not whining, just lamenting.

8/20/2003 6:12:02 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

....and although it's a late set, I do have a 20 day'r at 76" today, in the front yard!
Will it roar thru Sept?

8/20/2003 6:13:46 AM

Ohio, USA

one of the best years ever for growing in my area.Although, the higher than usual rainfall caused fungus infections.

8/20/2003 10:10:26 PM

porterville,california usa

WOW! i wish i had all the excuses for not growing the big one that ya`all have. it must be really hard to not be discouraged with all of the negative influences in your different regions. all i can blame my lack of pumpkin tonnage on is my lack of experience. i had good soil, good seed, good weather, good advice. all i needed was some good luck. but i`m not done yet. my 2nd,- second half is just beginning for this year. Heeee Haaaaw .. .. .. PS....smile. there`s always next year!!!

8/21/2003 2:18:09 AM

So. Maine

Booth, you are right about next year. What a wet summer most of us had on the east coast, gotta keep trying.

8/21/2003 9:46:45 PM