help this junior farmer
Dear Pumpkin-Growing Folks,
I am hoping to get some seeds and general help with growing an Atlantic
Giant. I live in a suburban community and have some raised beds where I
grow vegetables in the sunniest part of my backyard. My son is 6-1/2
years old and has been very enthusiastic about gardening. He is all
revved up about starting a giant pumpkin, and i want to encourage him.
Here's a bit of our gardening history: we have done green beans,
tomatoes, various squashes, and lots of herbs. We now make our own
compost with yard and kitchen waste, and we do have access to free horse
manure (although it is mixed with shavings from the stalls which may or
may not be a good thing). This was the first year we built the raised
beds and they have made all the difference in the world. Our tomatoes
were red and ripe when everyone else's rotted or never ripened because
of all the rain this year. Our normal soil is heavy clay here on the
southern CT shoreline. Hence our decision to make the raised beds and
to start composting like mad.
Well, we would like to designate one of the beds for a pumpkin in the
spring. This is not competitive but just for fun. The bed is 4' X 8'
and about 18" high. We are already adding organic material to replenish
it as we used this site to grow beans all summer. Every time my son
eats an apple, he runs out to put the core on the pile "for our
pumpkin".
In a couple of weeks we will visit the Eastern State Exposition & Fair,
and among the wonders we will view are the giant vegetables. This is
one of our favorite exhibits. Perhaps some of you will be showing a
giant there? We would love to chat with some of the growers about their
fertilization methods etc.
I have learned a lot from the various pumpkin websites and that's how I
know we have to prepare the bed now so it will be ready in the spring.
If anyone can offer any advice or seeds or both, it would be greatly
appreciated! If you contact me I will give you my address.
Thanks!
Teri
(a stay-at-home Mom whose kid likes to garden)
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