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Wisconsin

The discussion on a seed rating system brings up the question as to which is better - proven seed or unproven seed. Is it better to plant seeds that have been shown to grow big pumpkins in the past (by whichever rating system you choose) or is it better to look for new seeds with more advanced and more highly developed genetics.

The fact that the world record keeps increasing each year suggests that, in general, more highly developed genetics is beneficial. Also if you look at the world record pumpkins, about 2/3rds of them were grown with essentially new and unproven seeds.

I has been suggested that you should plant proven seeds if you want to increase the odds of growing a big pumpkin but plant unproven seeds (chosen wisely) if you want to try to grow a record pumpkin. What are peoples thoughts on this?

Personally, I have decided to plant half of each. It makes it more interesting and maybe more challenging.

11/5/2003 6:39:40 PM

Ontario

With limited space(Bryan grows one plant and I grow two) for us it is essential that we do two things. One seek proven seed with the best potential. Two our soil is just right. If you have these two things then your chances are good that you will grow a monster and challenge for the record. Other growers have the luxury of trying unproven seeds and with out them we would never know the next proven seed. I guess what I am saying is it depends on your garden size and time to look after these things. Biggest mistake I see is too many growers trying too look after too many plants and not enough soil prep in the fall.

11/5/2003 6:54:40 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Heard that Drew...27 was way too many for me. And I never payed too much attention to Fall prep 'cause I've relied on chemicals to come thru in the Spring/ Summer...big mistake.
This year, soil has become the #1 priority for me..organically rebuilt as much as possible.
I've got the proven seed but it's not gonna do me a bit of good until I get the soil righteous enough to do something with it.
Thanks Doc...

11/5/2003 7:13:53 PM

Western Pa.

Try growing a proven seed or two, but also grow a few of your own. Many seeds will never be proven unless the grower "does it himself!" I agree with the above that "it ain't all about the seed!"

11/5/2003 7:25:45 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Drew I agree with your comments. I am a new an ambitious grower with nine plants coming this spring. Hopefully, however out of necessity I will give a few unproven seeds a try. It is has been challenging for me as a newbie to develop trust of the seasoned veterans here at BP.com. I therefore promissed myself to throughly develop my patches. I have to trust my skills in soil management to help thrust my growth for the coming new year. I still like to believe more in Nuture than Nature. The only way to do this hobby is the right way. With Good Soil, Good Seed & Good Luck.

11/5/2003 7:25:48 PM

Webster, NY

I agree with Kilr, but when you only have space for 2 or 3 plants, then you have to be a little picky.

11/5/2003 7:59:53 PM

New Hampshire

Look at Jerrey Rose's,Steve Daletas',Bruce Whittier,s Geoffery Peirce's patches to name a few. These patches produced 2-3 huge pumpkins this year. Some thing in their soil is firing on all cyclinders. PH, certain ratios of nutrients, organic matter, what ever it is these patches pump out big pumpkins! Do you think Jerry Rose got lucky and happen to get two superior seeds that we were not as lucky to plant? Don,t get me wrong if any one wants to donate a 723& a 1260 to me I would put it on the top of my "to plant" list for next year. I would rather get a copy of his soil analyst and ask my county extention agent to get me there with my soil test.

11/5/2003 8:08:31 PM

Chesterfield, MO

I second that :) (bears)

11/5/2003 11:51:57 PM

Western Pa.

Look at Jerry Rose's photos of his manure pile last Fall and Spring. Every picture tells a story.(in advance!)

11/6/2003 8:37:48 AM

Huntsburg,Ohio

My uncle Jerry did not get luck he spends 6-7 hours out there working with the soil and plus he has been growing seces he was 10 years old and he is 34-35 so he has been growing for about 23 years so you have to give him credit and it was first year soil. I think that is what it is because he has 2 patchs and he grew his 960 in first year soil and it was a corn field at one time. Clinton

11/6/2003 8:45:20 AM

Stouffville

I'm glad things worked out so well for Jerry this year, especially since he's been at it so long. Congratulations! Although to some degree luck is involved in our pursuit, the harder you work the greater the chance of getting lucky. I'm just wondering how many competition plants Jerry had this year, and what seeds they were from?

11/6/2003 10:18:10 AM

Montoursville, PA

I understand that Jerry, in addition to new ground and growers experience used the AGRO-K Pumpkin fouliar program.
It can't get much better than that combination of factors.

His shoe soles likely had to be trimmed weekly in that patch. With the experience factor and big fruit to watch I bet none of you even realized his shoe soles were in fact growing.

11/6/2003 10:42:27 AM

[email protected]

It never fails to amaze me that the harder & smarter folks work at something the luckier they get. LOL

11/7/2003 10:22:15 AM

Knopp, Germany

Right on Steve. My dad use to say that luck is when preparation meets oportunity.

11/7/2003 10:25:26 AM

Itzetown City

Or as we say: The stupidest farmers have the thickest potatoes.

11/7/2003 12:01:37 PM