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Creston, Iowa

So what did I do wrong this year? Last year was the first year at trying to grow a big pumpkin and I was satisfied with a couple 200 pounders. This year, my goal was for a 400/500 pounder. Right now, I have a lot of vine for my six plants but only one pumpkin the size of a basketball. I did notice that I had very few females and of those that did set on, (3 or 4) they aborted at baseball size. The majority of the plants were in the ground by May 5. Is there anything that I can do next year for better results.
Frank of Iowa

8/22/2006 8:40:00 AM

Roanoke Il

Get a soil test most likely to much nitrogen did you hand pollinate maybe it was to hot when you pollinated. you have one the size of a basketball now is it a new pumpkin if it is cover it with a old sheet dead head all of the vines on the plant and there is still a good chance that you could reach 400 lbs if the plant is some what healthy. best of luck mark.

8/22/2006 8:48:55 AM

frank-i got a suggestion if your up to it-stop by my place any time your in area during growing season-to many things to try to type here-il help you out i aint no expert but learning

8/22/2006 6:42:30 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Frank, if you are close enough, this nu-B would guess that a trip to visit Don will be worth the gas money....Peace, Wayne...
PS...Don, how was the juice from W.Va.?

8/22/2006 10:12:44 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Frank,
Did you have a lot of hot weather down there. I have three plants, and only one pumpkin. Two plants produced nothing, which I think is due to the heat.

8/22/2006 11:36:56 PM

[email protected]

High heat does take a serious toll on females. If a heat wave coincided with the "pollination window" then we have our answer. It may have been worth while to ice your pollinations this year.

8/23/2006 1:31:25 AM

Creston, Iowa

Thanks guys for all your suggestion and yes Don, you'll be seeing me next year. If the heat could have caused my problems then that may have been one reason, we sure had some hot weather this year. Regarding a soil test, I had one done by Iowa State University and they reported that the soil was in great condition. Guess it is onto next year.
Frank of Iowa

8/25/2006 7:43:12 PM