From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Middle TN

Im trying to get the most use out of my limited space. Would this layout work? Even if Im diligent about pruning would the root system be over crowded? Id appreciate your thoughts on it :)
Tammy

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=151410

2/22/2011 9:03:18 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Good work laying that out. I like your thinking, we'll see what the Pros say! We've got about the same length but a bit wider at 30ft. I'm planing on four AGs in that spot. I'll have a 20x30 for a squash, and I just tilled a 10X20 for a melon! I hope Drumrunner is going to help!!!! BSD, David

2/22/2011 9:14:34 PM

Minnesota

You would be at about 500 sq ft each, so just a little on the small side. I would not worry about the root systems at all, but would be concerned with PM with the crowded plants. Your set-up has the traditional x-mas tree method, with smaller plants you might want to try some of the other methods to get more growth before the pumpkin (you could terminate main after pumpkin and fill in the extra space with secondaries or grow out some of the secondaries parallel to the main). If I was you I would plant 3 in that space also.

2/22/2011 9:41:35 PM

Simi valley, ca

I would say your plan looks good! But if it were me i would run them (turn 90*) ,, then the secondarys could grow out to 12.5 ft ea , then set pumpkin at between 10 & 15 ft out , ,Make the last secondarys curve forward so they could get a few ft longer, Also this way you could have a space between plants as powdery mildew is problem for some people & the best preventive is to give them air ! No more than 3 in that space !!! If you put in 4 you will decrease your chances of the other three getting huge!! Grow them big!!!

2/22/2011 11:14:07 PM

Middle TN

I was reading the 3rd 'how to grow giant pumpkins' book and they talked about using a 20x20 area per plant so I was hoping this would work. Your right about the PM, I hadnt thought of that. It may not be worth the risk. Maybe I should just stick with 2 plants :(

BDS Im sure Stephanie will be an awesome helper!

2/22/2011 11:15:25 PM

Niagara Falls,NY

Tammy,I planted(2006) 9 plants in a 65 x 45 ft plot using that arrangement.It worked ok,just have to keep up on the pruning.

2/23/2011 9:18:14 AM

Alabama

Punk'nLvr how big of a pumpkin did you grow in that space?

2/23/2011 12:36:20 PM

Niagara Falls,NY

My largest taped 745 lbs.It rotted before I could get it weighed.(we had rain for a week straight.I had 4" of water in my patch)I took a 650 lber to the weigh off.The rain really cut my season short.I usually plant 6 plants in that patch-20 x 20 each.I just went crazy that year.

2/23/2011 1:25:31 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Gee...LongMontPete grew a 1306 pounder....(state record for a week)IN COLORADO, in less than 350 sf...huh pete......

2/23/2011 2:23:46 PM

South Hero, VT

Tammy, VT state record of 1392 pounds(2008) was grown on a 20 x 20.
Go for it!

2/23/2011 8:12:51 PM

New Zealand

i'm not sure but maybe those pumpkins are exceptions not the norm from a small patch personaly i would go for 2 plants tammy go big and grow big

2/24/2011 5:33:23 AM

New Zealand

if you do go small the ideas mentioned above to grow secondarys past the pumpkin parallel to the main is a gun idea

2/24/2011 5:38:13 AM

Rhode Island

tt

i followed your diary with interest last year and said at the time i felt you were a grower who would be heard from as the seasons go forward.

for a new grower you asked important questions and put forth the effort and time in research.
ya wanna be a champion? give the plant enough room to properly grow that pumpkins feeding station.

only plant enough to properly grow in the area. over crowding will not improve your chances --- at all.
best in 2011
pap

2/24/2011 7:56:09 AM

Middle TN

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions.

Pap, I truly appreciate your encouragement. You make me wanna keep trying and believe that some day I'll take home a ribbon :)

I think understand what your saying.. by going for quantity (more plants) Im sacrificing quality (pumpkin growth) and in the end its all about a BIG pumpkin not more pumpkins.

2/24/2011 8:30:56 AM

Joliet, IL

I definately agree with pap on the space. I reduced from 5 plants in a 2100 sq ft area to 3 plants about 4 years ago. After I made the switch my weights continued to rise. Also less plants means concentrating that much more on the small things that if caught early can be no big deal but if left unnoticed for too long will take down a plant or a pumpkin. Yes, more plants equals more chances and even with 3 plants, I can count on one of them having a problem. It it is a tough hobby and more plants equal more chances and it was very hard for me to make that change, but I am sure glad I did.

2/24/2011 9:22:13 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

Growing giants is about growing roots. If you have a loose loamy high OM soil with good structure, you can grow a big pumpkin on a smaller square footage.

2/24/2011 1:59:52 PM

long Island

I only have room for 1/2 of a plant. Despite my lack of space, I intend to grow one whole plant. All of my work, and all of my dreams, will be on that one plant. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.

2/24/2011 8:53:54 PM

Middle TN

CountyKid you make a VERY good point about the soil.

2/24/2011 11:25:17 PM

Rhode Island

wally

growing one plant and pinning your hopes on one plant grown in half the normal space is a lot like rowing a canoe with no paddles. but i applaud your determination.
with such a small space and only one plant to work with? id set two fruit on that plant, one at 7 ft out on the main and one on a side vine after the main vine pumpkin.
oh ya ---- pick a good seed as well.

pap

2/25/2011 9:33:29 AM