Re: Newbie questions?

Rick,

If you are going to cull, the time would be now. One mound will support two plants especially if your not trying to break any records. If you just want big pumpkins for Halloween, you can let most of them grow. Just cull the pumpkins that are in a poor position and are likely to break a vine. Also cut the smaller vines off that come off the secondary vines to avoid over crowding and allow good air circulation. You can also cut a few vines off here and their if they do not have pumpkins on them to help with air flow if necessary.  If you choose one per mound, cut it about even with the ground and put a little sulfur dust on it to avoid fungus or disease from infecting the remaining plant. You  have to adjust your watering according to the temp.. However try to keep the watering and fertilizing  as even as possible. Don't water a lot one week and then drastically cut back the next. To decide how much water is enough, the top of the ground should dry out by evening. If you dig a shovel full of dirt and see moisture just below the surface for you should be ok. Keep it moist down to at least 8" or so. Right now, I am watering for about 15 minuets every other day.
To keep the plants from wilting during the day, you should mist or use shade cloth over the plants. If you mist, it should be a fine mist that does not add a lot of water to the ground. You just want to cool the air above the plants. Misters are the ones you find over the vegetables in a grocery store.
Different climates and soil types require different growing methods.

Bob Troy
Torrance, Ca.
 
 

Ricardo Lagman wrote:

I have one mound with two plants and the other has three plants growing. The
largest vine is about 33" and I did the direct start method.
I'm in California and the weather has been in the 70s and 80s with a 90 degree
day once or twice since planting a little over a month ago. I have several
questions. I'm not trying to grow huge ones but just 50+ pounds would be great.
Wheat time frame do you cull back? Will one mound support two plants if you just
want to grow several on each. Or if I haveto cut back to one plant can it grow
many Pumpkins but still good sizes. If I do have to choose one per mound do I
just cut it at the bottom of the plant? How often do you water and how much at
this stage? Last question, Some of the leaves are starting to dry out how do I
prevent that? Thanks

Ric

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