World Class Giant Pumpkin 3
Gentlemen,
Start your engines, and put on your thinking caps (or vice versa).
I'm beginning the writing of How-to-Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins III, and
thought you might be interested in contributing.
I'm always looking for good pictures (sharp and clear) of every stage of the
growing season - from seed starting to carving. I will credit all those who
contribute images that I use in the book in a special section at the
beginning of the book. You must grant me permission to use them so that any
publisher will not be leery about copyright infringement. Include a self
addressed envelope for their return after scanning, and send your best shots,
prints or slides, to me at the address below.
A partial outline of the book follows with comments.
Records - anyone who holds a state, province, territory, or country record
should contact me by email to verify what I already have.
The Heavy Hitters - I will be distinguishing ten new Heavy Hitters in this
book (previous Heavy Hitters will be mentioned, but there will be ten,
entirely new growers added). I have my own list, but would be interested in
who you think ought to be added. Send a top-ten list that does not include
anyone that has already received the Heavy Hitter designation in my two
previous books. Remember, weight should not be the sole reason for
distinguishing a grower. Generosity, development of new ideas, organizing
weigh offs and associations, and other variables should also be looked at in
determining your choices.
Seed Selection - I will attempt to demystify the process of choosing the
right seed to plant. "Following the herd" has already been established as one
way to determine the best seed, but I'm looking for your method. Example: Why
did Craig Weir grow the 845 Bobier in 2001 (producing his 1260.4 pound
pumpkin)? Everyone else was planting the Bobier 723. And even more
surprising, why did he plant the 490 Donker in 1997 (producing an unofficial
1100 pound pumpkin)?
Seed Preparation - Let's finally put this subject to bed. Do you soak or not,
use soluble solutions for soaking or not (ie., seaweed, fish, etc.), file or
not, use growth regulators or not (B9, gibberellins, cytochinins, colchicine,
etc.).
Transplanting - Do you plant in raised hills, or not. Do you transplant from
a smaller pot to a larger pot before sending the plant outside? Or, do you
have a novel method that works very well for you.
Warming, Cooling, Warming - What methods work best for you in warming the
soil? Do you use heating cables? Do you use misters to cool your plants on
hot days? Do you cover your pumpkin at night, regardless of the time of the
season?
Fertilization - What are your thoughts on Nitrogen? Are we feeding too much?
What about Potassium?
Calcium - Do use calcium, in any form (lime, gypsum, water soluble calcium
chloride, etc.)? What products and methods do you use, and when? Do you use
calcium blankets?
Growth Regulators - Has anyone had a verifiable success with either
cytochinins, gibberellins, or colchicine?
Pollination & Genetics - Anyone know Nic Welty, or have good strategies?
Disease & Pest Control - What are your thoughts on Subdue Granules, Aliette,
Manzate, Copper, and Tetramycin? What do you think about Merit and Warrior T?
Pruning Strategies - What is the best method (Christmas Tree, flag, every
other side vine, two primaries, etc.)? How much space is adequate, and get
this one, how little space is needed?
Watering - Do we water way too much or not enough? What signs do look for
before watering? Do you inject fertilizer and minor elements when you water?
How often?
The World Wide Web - What are your top three websites?
Groups and Associations - If you are a member of an organization or
association that meets periodically (even if it is only at your annual weigh
off) do you have a group picture to submit for inclusion in the book? If you
know everyone in the picture, submit their names.
Carving Giants - Lots of great carvers out there. Who is your favorite? Do
you have any "stunner" photos of carved giants?
Look forward to your response, and hope that each and every one of you finds
a way to get into my next book. Publication planned for October/November,
2003.
Best wishes,
Don Langevin
Author & Publisher
How-to-Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins I & II
Annedawn Publishing
P.O. Box 247, Norton, MA 02766
Phone: 508-222-9069
Fax: 508-223-2703
Email: annedawn@aol.com
website: www.giantpumpkin.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing archives: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
