Winter on the thread.
Time was when most of the posts on this thread were about how to grow a big
pumpkin, how to get seeds, understand genetics, pruning, soil amendment, how
to interprete your soil analysis, handling critters, fertilizers, bug
killers, how to deal with fungi, rototilling, organic additions to the soil,
weather protection, making pumpkin measurements, how to transport a big
pumpkin, watering (how much and how to), mulching, composting, germinating
seeds, Dill rings, stem rot etc, etc. There was an occasional disagreement.
Some occasional bashing. An occasional personal post. But now it seems we
have an inordinate amount of personal messages that could be sent directly
rather than on the thread. We have far too many apologies. More personal
comments than are needed. I know it is winter in North America. Winter is
only really taking hold. We have a good ways to go before we see Spring. I
feel that if you don't have something to say that is not about pumpkins then
nothing should be said at all. I don't want to have to read through a bunch
of posts that don't relate to getting a bigger pumpkin. Does anyone agree
with me? If so, say nothing as you will just be cluttering up the board with
stuff that isn't about pumpkins. Also I don't want to hear complaints about
my doing exactly what I am complaining about. With that in mind, here is the
big pumpkin advice. Get seeds that have the best genetics and a history of
producing. Improve your soil until it is perfect. Fight plant disease and
critters. Prune properly. Protect your stem. (Especially important to male
growers and maybe females as well.) Give your plants just enough water.
Control the weather. Pray.
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