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EC, Wi

I'm new to the site and know next to nothing about growing pumpkins. I've got an itch to give it a go, though. I am looking for a "beginners guide" or "how to" start-up tips or "pumpkins for dummies" or something like that. There looks to be a ton of posts about this sort of thing on this site, which is great. But is there any one cosolodated post that is a must read for a beginner? Any posts or articles like "this is what you need and these are the basics of what you need to do" would be very helpful.

Much appreciated!

Whittsend

9/29/2009 3:43:24 PM

Waterville, Ohio

There are many posts on this site that will help you throughout the season, however there is not nearly enough space to put all the knowledge of these growers down on one specific post. Don Langevin's books "How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins" are the best source of knowledge that a new grower can obtain along with "Dick's Tip's" a collection of knowledge that I believe Seedoutlet.com, Bigpumpkins.com and extremepumpkinstore.com sells.

Soil testing, seeds with large genetics, fertilizing and alot of time and work will get you well on your way to growing giant pumpkins. When specific questions arise this is absolutely the best site to come to and ask for advice.

9/29/2009 4:09:42 PM

EC, Wi

Thanks... Just wondering if there is a "quick and dirty" guide to getting started. Just the basics of the basics, nothing even remotely in depth. I don't even know enough to know where to start. Thanks for the book suggestions, I'll look into those - sounds like a grade A source.

Whittsend

9/29/2009 4:28:30 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

A local experienced grower would also be a plus.

9/29/2009 4:35:14 PM

Okla

Whittsend, letting everyone know where you are located would be a big help in everyone providing help. Also be sure and check out www.extremepumpkinstore.com for all your growing needs for just about everything you need to help with your growing, not just for pumpkins. While your at Extreme Pumpkins Website be sure and check out the link down a little ways on the left side of the webpage that says ARTICLES and RESOURCES. You will find some very helpful info there.

9/29/2009 4:53:41 PM

Puyallup, WA

Whittsend.....answering your question regarding a "quick and dirty" way to get started in AG growing would be like asking a heart surgeon for a "quick and dirty" afternoon couse in Heart By Pass surgery!

9/29/2009 5:11:13 PM

Puyallup, WA

Sorry..."course". This antequated board is tough for us old geezers.

9/29/2009 5:12:40 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Good soil, good seed, good weather, hard work.

Get a soil test done of where you're going to grow, and add (amend) the soil to get it in better shape. (A&L labs)] and do you have enough space to grow in? 20x25 feet is a minimum for one plant, 30x30 is a lot better.

A lot of growers will share seed for asking, do NOT buy it off eBay or a seed rack.

Let people know where you're from... and hook up with a more experienced grower.

Check out Don Langevin's Book #3, and the sites and links suggested; and Dick's Tips 2.

That's the 'very beginner chapter 1' ....

9/29/2009 6:45:53 PM

Connecticut

To anyone looking for a beginners guide I would recommend checking out...

www.Team-Pumpkin.org

There have been many new growers that have followed what is posted and they have had success much greater then my years starting out at giant pumpkin growing.

You will notice it is organized in such away that it does not tell you only what to do, but when during the year you should be preforming the tasks. Just a note it is written for the Southern New England area but can be shifted for just about any where in the country.

Hope you like it.

9/29/2009 6:49:31 PM

Denver, CO

Here is a good link. You dont need to dive into the deep end of the pool the first year out. This link will give you the basic understanings of growing a Giant. From there, expand by reading as much as you can over the winter.

http://www.backyardgardener.com/wcgp/tips/10steps/10steps.html

9/29/2009 7:56:03 PM

Frankfort Ohio

Dick's Tips 2 helped me a ton the most important thing i learned is what you keep out of the plant is more important than anything !!!! dont matter what kind of fertilizers you use it dont do any good unless you have a healthy plant

9/29/2009 8:44:39 PM

Western PA

Whittsend, you can take a look at my blog, I have a growing basics section on there with good info for someone starting out, I have not had the time to finish it up yet, but there is enough info there to get you going.

Also read through growers diaries, there is alot of good info in some of them.

If you need some seeds for next year let me know, I can get you some.

http://yardgiant.wordpress.com/growing-basics/

Good Luck

9/29/2009 11:04:49 PM

South Finland

Here is one "Pumpkin growing basics":

http://www.cwpg.org/info.html

9/30/2009 2:21:11 AM

EC, Wi

Thanks for all of the tips!

Maybe a better way to repharase my question... I'm looking for a list or general guide telling me what I will need to learn about to be successful or even just get started. I'm not looking for the answers nor any details (yet), but rather what topics I will need to know about so I can start my research. (I love to learn about fun things such as this - right now I don't even know enough to know what is is that I need to know! :)

Thanks again, great site!

10/1/2009 3:04:38 PM

Minnesota

Seeds with good genetics, soil, what to feed, how much water, read a few books on giant pumpkins, like Don Langavins, the sun, & luck,, somebody who lives near you so you can go and see first hand how they do it, join a club, there is a st'croix giant pumpkin growers association, Wisconsin giant pumpkin grtowers site, there is a weigh off on Oct. 10th in stillwater, mn you can ask all kinds of questions there.

10/1/2009 3:40:18 PM

Minnesota

Don't forget there are many more clubs associations, on the main page here, on the menue, go to Links, there is a list of Ass.'s, you can also join any or all. For seeds just ask here, all it will cost you is a bubble envelope with postage. Continue asking questions, there is a New Growers Forum message board for new people. YOu also might use the site search box for any questions. Hope that helps some.

10/1/2009 3:46:49 PM

Bloomington, IN

First things first, how much sunny ground space do you have to work with? A minimum of 200-500 square feet per plant is required to grow anything of decent size, if your looking to grow big that is.

Second, what can you amend that dirt with? At the very least add some compost to 'fluff' it up a little and add to the soils biodiversity.

Third, if your looking to grow the biggest pumpkin you can, use the Atlantic Giant variety only. More specifically the A.G. seeds you can get from the people on this site or the clubs mentioned, not the ones in the store.

Fourth, become familiar with these little devils:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1209.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1208.html
http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/cucs/scb.htm
and at least this disease, since its almost guaranteed to afflict your plant/s.
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbits_PM.htm
this link will come in handy in the future:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/cucurbitproblemsolver/

Thats the most basic way I can think to explain it at the moment. Hope it helps. Brian

10/1/2009 4:30:33 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Joel Holland has some great dvd's on the whole growing season. He goes from seed starting to harvest to competition. You can also buy some seeds and other pumpkin needs. Get some of his dvd's and watch them a few times and make sure you take notes. Getting with an expirienced grower is what i'm doing for next season. Not to mention a soil test. Good luck and join an organization that will help you.

10/1/2009 7:16:51 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Joel Holland has some great dvd's on the whole growing season. He goes from seed starting to harvest to competition. You can also buy some seeds and other pumpkin needs. Get some of his dvd's and watch them a few times and make sure you take notes. Getting with an expirienced grower is what i'm doing for next season. Not to mention a soil test. Good luck and join an organization that will help you.

10/1/2009 7:18:14 PM

Gold Hill, Oregon

starrfarms.com

10/4/2009 8:49:01 PM