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Ct

I bought a pack of Dill's Atlantic Giant at a hardware store not yet fully realizing the importance of top notch genetics. With proper care could I get something in that 400-600# range or am I looking at 200-300# most likely?

I'm in coastal CT and I direct seeded them in a cold frame outdoors. I have six in a hill and they are just starting to grow the 3rd leaf. Can I leave 2 in my hill or do I have to pull the extra 5 if I want a big one? The hill is about 10" across.

I've tilled a good amount of manure into the patch but should I be using a fertilizer? Will Miracle Grow be acceptable?

I was planning on following the guide here:

http://www.howarddill.com/

but is there any other good guides without buying the book?

5/12/2011 1:12:15 AM

Ct

Also is it too late to try and get some better seeds (I'm in coastal CT)? I don't have much money to spend but if it's not too late and this will help a lot I can try.

Thanks a lot!

5/12/2011 1:14:21 AM

New Zealand

howdy gv welcome to the world of of the monsters just my advice but if you dont know the genetics of your seeds then they better for eating than growing. Last year i started with no name seeds when i found out there were better seeds out there i got some 1194 northrups from howard dills they started a little late but my no names grew to 60 pounds my 1194 grew to 1095 well worth the $12 i reckon. also no more than 1 plant per 20'+ they need plenty of room and the site you mention is a good place to start i started there to and then refined my knowledge by asking questions and reading old posts and diaries on this site. Keep growing

5/12/2011 5:35:40 AM

New Zealand

by the way did you know pumpkins are fruit, just kinda thinking you might not its all about learning

5/12/2011 5:40:46 AM

Ct

oh this name is just one i've used on other garden sites, but I didn't know that.

Thanks for the advice... I am surprised the no names only got to 60.. I would have thought at least 100-200 if they were AGs.

So is it too late to try and get some better seeds considering it's May 12th in coastal CT? That seems a bit late to be starting to me.

5/12/2011 8:33:47 AM

Ct

I was so excited to grow a 300+ pounder... what a let down!

5/12/2011 8:36:20 AM

Upa Creek, MO

My 2 Dills AG's purchased from Lowes last year got a little over 100 lbs and torpedo shaped. I'm sure there are generic AG seeds that will grow big, but the % is low. I had 1 plant on 300sq feet and only half the vines were buried. I didn't know what I was doing, so I expanded the garden into the yard once I found out how much room it needed.

You should also get a soil test from a lab to check your pH, N, P, K etc. There is a general nutrient range that you should aim for growing these things, and a test will let you know what amendments to add. Was the manure old and composted?

Go to the grower diaries and read up to get some good info. Use the drop down to select past years like 2010 to see the process through a whole season.

5/12/2011 8:59:17 AM

Mercersburg, PA

growvegetables--send me an email and i will get you an address. if you get a bubble envelope in the mail, i can probably have it back in your hands by next week midweek.
[email protected]

5/12/2011 9:05:13 AM

Colorado

those seeds have 300 to 700 lb potential-its better to grow something you know the genetics on if your going for max size /competition fruit

5/12/2011 1:07:10 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I don't know the potential of those generic A.Gs's, but I would think if you got some A.G. seeds, with known good genetics, and started them ASAP, you could get a pumpkin over 500 lbs.(with good weather and good plant management). I just started soaking some seeds last night for plants I plan on giving away.
Last year I planted out some plants at my brother's place on May 21, and an 856 lb. pumpkin was grown there. No hoophouse used, only some early wind protection. If you decide to start some more seeds, you could grow them in a pot at first, and plant them out when the first true leaf is forming. Best of luck to you. If you want seeds, email me your mailing address, and I'll send you some. If you do so, let me know if you want orange producing seeds, or if color doesn't matter. My email: [email protected]

5/12/2011 1:22:03 PM

Springfield, VT

If you are close to MA, I work in Northampton and have backup plants I could give you. If you can make it up here. Email me at [email protected] if interested.

5/12/2011 3:59:40 PM

Ct

I'm 2hrs from Northampton but I am actually driving right by there on Saturday/Sunday... that would be amazing!

Thanks for all the other advice and offers, I am definitely interested if it's not too late. Been reading through the diaries in my spare time and am learning fast.

5/12/2011 5:51:12 PM

Ct

Oh, and Luke, the manure was old and composted. I'll try to get a soil test done.

5/12/2011 5:58:44 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Welcome to the world of growing. You've come to the right place. What I have found in my pumpkin journey is dedication. If you take a look at some of the heavy hitters youll see that they really enjoy every part of growing. At least they look like they do...lol.. These guys really focus at every individual tasks at hand. The Wallaces, Connolly, Young, Jutras. Just to name a few. My advice would be to get some good seeds and get a hold of every piece of knowledge on growing Ag's that youu can. Read and study. Get some Dvds on the hobby and rewatch them. I can tell ypu that this hobby has me addicted....i've always thought "a house without a pumpkin is like a car with no engine" good luck!

5/12/2011 7:06:53 PM

South Hero, VT

Grow: Click on this link.http://www.sngpg.com/contact_us.aspx Don't be afraid to ask for a backup plant from these guys.

Growing info: http://www.sogpg.com/growing.asp
http://www.starrfarms.net/Howtogrowagiant.htm
http://giant.coloradopumpkins.com/index.php?id=5
http://www.cwpg.org/info.html

This should give you enough info to grow a 500+ pound pumpkin this year.

5/12/2011 8:26:49 PM

Ct

Thanks, I just started reading those.

5/13/2011 8:24:21 AM

Ct

I just harvested (plant had died off mostly due to powdery mildew) and it weighed 290LB! All organic and I didn't bother with any pesticide or fungicide.

Looks awesome! The plant was 35' with a couple dozen 10'+ secondaries. I think I know what mistakes I made so I should be able to do much better next year.

Thanks to all the help from everyone here.

9/19/2011 6:02:12 PM