Re: General Newbie Questions
Joe, I'll answer what I can, others will have fill in the blanks....
Joseph Derting wrote:
> Regarding composting. I know Oak doesn't work but what about Beech? Can
> I use fallen brown Pine needles? (Pinus Mugho)
Don't think pine needles are a good idea, I believe they may be too acidic.
> Should I place anything under the young pumpkins to prevent damage?
> (i.e. dry pine needles or something else that is resistant to moisture.)
Most growers use styrofoam or wood. You can buy the styrofoam at Home Depot.
They come in about 2'x4' sheets.
> A nursery owner suggested clipping some of the extra immature male
> flowers because they may be using resources that the pumpkin would
> otherwise receive. Any validity to this?
Some do, some don't.
>
>
> How large should the pumpkin be before I begin to measure it's growth
> rate. (A somewhat Heisenbergian question I know...) I don't want to risk
> damaging it before it's fully comfortable with the concept of being
> alive.
Would wait until it is about the size of a beach ball.
>
>
> What are the rules of etiquette regarding begging for good seeds?
> Postage and packaging? Recognition of the parent? Fawning? Feigning
> ignorance to earn the pity of the really good growers? (OK, I admit I
> probably have very little need to feign...) All of the above?
Watch the post's, If a grower has seeds to give away they will post it. Most
correspondence from that point on is done privately so as not to clog up the
mailing list. Most growers ask that you send a "SAE" ( Self addressed bubble
pack envelope ) and sometimes a few bucks to cover misc. They usually
indicate the genetic history with the seeds. You can also get good seeds by
joining one of the associations or attending a growers meeting etc. Most
seeds are sent out before or after Christmas.If you don't see any post's,
Just post your own, asking for seeds. Someone will help.
Be sure to buy the two books on pumpkin growing by Don Langevin. If you need
the address just ask.
Bob T.
>
>
> Joseph in Tualatin
>
> p.s. I've been taking time-lapse photos of my plant at 3 day intervals
> for about 5 weeks and plan to continue until harvest. I'll make these
> available as thumbnails for anyone who might be interested once I finish
> out my first roll.
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