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Highland, Ca

Last year I planted two plants in a 35' by 15' patch, I started them at opposing ends and grew them towards each other pruning each in a half christmas tree, both plants seemed to grow just fine but I ended up with a pumpkin on each one that was a little under three hundred pounds. The seeds that I used were proven, so I was thinking that even though the plants seemed to be good on top of the ground, maybe I was crowding the roots and stunting the the growth of the pumpkin. Any opinions?

1/20/2010 7:05:15 PM

South East

35 x 15 is just enough for one decent plant. And although i,m sure there folks that gonna say they grew 800 to 1000 lbs on 250 sq feet, the norm for a decent plant would be around 400 to 500 sq feet and upwards.
Theres just enough leaf and roots to support the growth of something truly big in such a very small surface. (exeptions are plenty)

1/20/2010 7:12:06 PM

Ohio

Im going to try and cut back on sq ft this year Frank, like the 400 to 500 your talking about and try not set my pumpkin out on the main vine no more then 12 to 15 ft if I can help it,
I just think anything out further then that and your plant isn't making the pumpkin its main sink.
just in my opinion though, and what I have been seeing when I have grown my pumpkins with alot of plant and the pumpkin way out on the main vine.

1/20/2010 7:46:01 PM

phoenix AZ

I dont think overcrowding is you main problem. The last few years I planted 4-5 plants in a 4x4 pit in a circle within 2 feet of each other, and they have grown to about the same size as yours. I would concentrate more on other factors such as soil because people have grown 1000 lb pumpkins with plants closer together than yours. Of course the more room you give them the better they will do but I don't think that is the main factor limiting your fruit growth.

1/21/2010 6:08:22 PM

Highland, Ca

Thanks for the advice, I will get my soil checked again just before planting, my test in the fall showed pretty good soil. Tina and Frank Cook were kind enough to send me one of their seeds from last year so as long as it I don,t screw it up it will be the one. I learned so much in the last year hopefully it equates to one to be proud of. I will definitely keep a diary this coming season.

1/21/2010 10:05:34 PM