RE: Absence of Southern Growers in the 1,000 lb club

I've noticed the same things; vines actually don't seem to really take off until august. I agree part of the issue is lack of growers in general, but according to Langevine, we are also outside the range belt. I think the gentleman in the Bahamas may have disproved this.

Here in Virginia we have several accomplished growers, but this past spring's rainy season really put a damper on us so I doubt we see anything remarkable this year. I believe 1000 pounders are attainable, but it is going to require a great deal of diligence and finesse. I think you'll see one, from this state anyway, within the next 3 years.

I too think it is largely a matter of a massive "Get the Word Out" campaign, but in our area the Agricultural Fairs are in August, far to early to even display one. I know one thing that is lacking that might be beneficial and that is more in the way of information at our state fair weigh-off in October.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Smith [u*@ureach.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 8:22 PM
To: Mike Nepereny
Subject: Re: Absence of Southern Growers in the 1,000 lb club

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the excellent overview of the situation from your
experienced viewpoint.  Because of the variety of variables in
growing AG pumpkins, I am sure that we have several that are not
in our favor when trying to grow them.

I am not sure how to get the local southerners interested in
growing AG pumpkins but maybe a bit more publicity whenever
there is a regional event might be in order.  For example, there
is a Agricultural Exposition that is held every October in
Moultrie, Georgia (which you may know about).  It is one of the
largest farm exhibitions in the country.  It is not until around
the middle of October, however, but having the best pumpkin
grown in the South exhibited at such an event would give some
good regional exposure to the sport.

I am still not quite convinced that a strain that is bred and
re-bred in the South only, might not one day reach the 1,000 lb
plateau.  If most growers in the South are relying on strains
that have been grown in cooler climates, they are almost
guaranteed to run into problems associated with temperature the
first time they try to grow a particular seed from a particular
pumpkin.  The next year, that same pumpkin (if self-pollinated)
should be a bit more resistant to the heat and perhaps even to
insects that plague all growers.

You are probably very likely correct when suggesting that a
pumpkin from the South that is grown at altitude might have a
better chance at getting to 1,000 lbs.  This would be especially
true if seeds from more northern (North America) regions are
used.  I disagree about your observation about the fertility of
the soil at altitude, however.  I think that the fertility of
the soil can be improved to an optimum level whatever the
altitude of the AG patch.

One question.  If pumpkins that are grown in Southern climates
grow about 50-60 days in general, then is it possible that
Southern growers are setting their pumpkins too early on their
vines.  I see on the AGGC that July 4 is still the general time
around which pumpkins are pollinated.  Has anyone(in the South)
tried purposely pollinating their pumpkins around the end of
July/firs part of August to see the result (that would be about
60 days before the Allardt, TN weigh-off in October, for
example).  To me, that would seem to coincide with the strategy
by northern growers which is too pollinate in the warmest month
(July) and have August (which I assumein the northern climates
the air and soil temperatures would start to decline) for the
really big final push.  In the South that would be August
(usually the hottest month) and September for the final growth
push.

The reason I point this out is that my vines, for example, are
probably not big enough yet to support a 1,000 lber.  They are
looking good though, and in another two weeks or so, they would
certainly be of a size that many on the list talk about as
necessary to get into the 700+ lb. club.  What has been your
experience?  Have you lost a pumpkin early and had to set one
later in July/first part of August?  Anyone else out there with
experience here regardless of the area of the country or world?

I have Don's book on order and look forward to reading all about
any points that I might have missed in my searches of the posts
to this list.

Thanks again, Mike!

Steve Smith
Harrison, TN

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