So you
want to grow that huge pumpkin that everybody in town talks about? May be you
would like to become the next world champion pumpkin grower? Can you do it? The
answer is plain and simple YES! So now you would like to know that magic secret
that makes these pumpkins grow into that huge monsters. Sorry no such thing!
A
question that so many first time growers ask : "Can I grow a world class
pumpkin in my first season?" May be not impossible but very unlikely. It's
rather a long term dedication of hard work and learning from mistakes that will
result in that champion pumpkin. Any body can grow a big pumpkin but it takes a
lot of extra work, knowledge and experience to grow a great pumpkin.
The
most popular variety pumpkin to grow is the Atlantic Giant. These giants are
grown in many countries. Even in countries with less then ideal growing
conditions, weights of over 500kg were recorded. The world champion weighs well
over the 700kg and we can expect to see a pumpkin of 800kg or more in the near
future. If they can do it what prevents you from doing it too? My advice is to
make that start and be prepared to learn and work very hard for many seasons to
come.
Always stick to the basics that are necessary
to grow these giants and then improve from season to season as you gain
experience and knowledge. In the next few postings we'll learn what the basics
are and discuss various aspects that will improve your techniques on soil
preparation, seeds, germination, fertilizing, pollination, positioning,
diseases, pests, harvesting, etc.
...
next: The Basics