From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Paradise Mountain, New York

I was wondering how serious all the growers on here are. What's most important to you and in what order do you do things. From most important to least important. Finding a great seed, Soil Test, Fertilizer Program, Improving your Soil, Trade Seeds with others, Help another grower out with a problem in there Patch, Try new things to see what works for you the best. Try to make friends with a Heavy Hitter to learn what's best to do, devoting time in your Patch, and last, being there to give the best advice to help someone out. I posted this just to see what growers find that are more important to there self compared to other growers.

10/26/2003 2:17:43 AM

Knopp, Germany

This has changed for me over the last two years. A year ago, I thought the seeds where most important. Now I believe that preparing the soil, maintaining the plant (pruning, burying, etc.), and fertilization are the most important. Once I start doing those things better, then maybe the seed (pumpkin) will be allowed to grow to it's full potential.

10/26/2003 2:22:13 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

Soil health and quality #1...without it you can forget breaking 1000+
#2= Seed
#3= Luck and cooperation from Mother Nature

10/26/2003 4:41:41 AM

North Ga

Having fun, earth, sun and rain.

10/26/2003 7:43:26 AM

Western Pa.

What, no mention of BigPumpkins.com?

10/26/2003 9:45:30 AM

derry n.h u.s.a.

To me having fun and taking my time is what its all about,especially in the spring with soil prep.i guess a good start to the growing season would sum it up,a nice wind proof hoop house is always good.Seed selection is my second choice although i trade in the winter months you cant grow a big pumpkin if the soils not right no matter what super seeds i might have,of course it never hurts to have a few of these seeds tucked away maybe a 582 or 723.then plant care is importent ,training ,pruning,burying,etc,and along the way if i get questioned by friends or growers i try to answer as honestly as i can "got milk":)milk always seems to come up when talking to the uninformed,LOL.then pumpkin care once i,ve have 2 or 3 growing that i think will make it.Shape is also importent tall and round is what i look for in the quest for the biggie,yellow is preferred and i'd go with cream also,but green!!HMM i might pluck it if its to green. all these things are importent to me when i get the season under way,but if the seed doesant do it ,well thats the way it goes,theres always next year:)no one can control mother nature,not in the storms we get from spring to harvest not in the genetics we obtain over the winter from fellow growers.the best source of information i,ve found is right here at this site.also the AGGC is another vital link.Just my nickels worth.John

10/26/2003 10:23:08 AM

[email protected]

Look to the 1458 & the 1301 from Bruce Whittier for an answer. Check AGGC & see the progeny of the parents in the hands of other growers. If Bruce hadn't grown these, demand would be less than par. Yet the 582 has suddenly become the holy grail of pumpkin seeds. WHY? I believe that any seed grown by a person of this caliber would become a hotty.

1.) Soil management (all aspects - chemical & physical)
2.) Weather/environment (or effect of artificial manipulation)
3.) BigPumpkins.com (provides access to the most helpful folks around)
4.) Correct pest control
5.) Vine training
6.) Seed genetics
7.) Understanding & supportive family, friends, & employer
8.) Security

Seems to me that natural disasters, broken main vines, Squash Vine Borers, & vandals will all take their toll on any seed. Regardless of genetics.

10/26/2003 10:26:42 AM

Deer Park WA

1- Soil preperation
2- Plant protection all season
3- Consistant Water/nutrient application system
4- Seed selection
5- Beating my personal Best

10/26/2003 10:43:40 PM