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Paradise Mountain, New York

This is a good topic that maybe Dick Wallace, Dan McKie, Don Young, Quinn Werner, Joe Pukos, Larry Checkon or any other heavy hitter can answer for many of us here.
We all know that it's best to get a pumpkin set by July 1st. At least ten feet out or more.The farther out, the better.
But the question is, What is it that your looking for when you have two or three pumpkins on the main and you want the best one? True, one might be growing a little more then the other. But what is it that you see that makes you decide that one certain pumpkin will be long, high on the stem end, end up being the perfect shape pumpkin at the end of the season. Like lets say Joe Jutras 1689. All around perfect shape. Not something ending up like a big wheel. Maybe there is something that just catches your eye more so then the others?

2/26/2008 12:50:42 PM

Somers, CT

Not a HH but have some insight. First, you want to get the fruit set as soon as possible and at least 10' out on the main. That is why the July 1 date is used to get the best of the season. Next, if you can, see which of the fruit you have is growing the fastest and note it. Next, check the angle off the main. Make sure it is perpendicular to the main. Other things to look for is health, scratches or bite marks, shape (although it will be early) and location. I am sure everyone will jump in on this one. It is an important topic and everyone thinks a little differently.

2/26/2008 3:44:10 PM