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Danville Va.

Will be growing a pumpkin next year for the first time.If I can get 1 to be 500# Id be happy.My question is how deep do the main roots coming off the stalk grow?Ive got about 5 inches of good topsoil till I hit clay.2nd question is on average with good growing conditions how long will a plant get? I need to make sure I have enuff room.

8/28/2008 4:30:22 PM

South East

if you can make those 5 inches about 30 inches then that would be better. Most roots stay fairly shallow, but others reach a bit deeper. You need atleast 500 sq feet. It can be done in less but most growers use 500 or more, some even grow plants up to 900sq feet or more.
A soil test would be a good idea for you, and spent winter learning, on this site and others. Theres also books available: how to grow a worldclass giantpumpkin. volume 2 and 3 being the best. Good luck!

8/28/2008 5:42:11 PM

Pataskala,OH

ok here is some advice, get a soil test where you want to grow the pumpkin and make the soil better, Start seed in mid /late april with good genetics, Plant may 1st and put a coldframe over them/it untill it gets warm, Then In june start using pesticides to control vine borers, one last note one plant takes up 500sq ft.

8/28/2008 5:56:16 PM

Pataskala,OH

also here is a link to the Pa giant pumpkin growers http://www.pgpga.com/ its the closest group near va

8/28/2008 6:01:23 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Welcome to our sport and hobby......Enjoy and GrowZ'em Big......

8/29/2008 9:41:11 AM

Going Green

Hello Shelly....welcome to Giant Pumpkin Growing! A plants roots will go as deep as the soil will let it if the season demands it! With a really raining season the roots stay shallow! Step 1 is to get a soil test! Step 2 make improvements based on the test! Step 3 gather seed and learn all you can about how to germanate the seed and when for your area! Step 4 get another soil test to see if improvements were successful or whether you need additional improvements!Step 5...realize that when you have done all you can do you have done all that can be done! In otherwords...good soil, good genetics on the seed and good luck equal a good year!

8/30/2008 12:33:31 AM