Overview

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