Re: help this junior farmer
Thank you to all who have responded with kind offers of advice and precious
seeds. We are currently amending the soil in the raised bed where the
pumpkin will be rooted. It will have room in and around the bed for vines
to roam. We have added a big bag of grass clippings (I hope crabcrass is
o.k.) and turned it under. There are lots of small red wiggly worms in the
bed from manure I added at the beginning of the growing season. More aged
manure will be added when I can get some.
I am wondering how much peat moss to add and whether to add it now or wait
for spring. I have 6 cu. feet in bags right now that a neighbor tossed out
unopened. Is there such a thing as adding too much peat?
Also, are fish remnants recommended as compost for pumpkin growing? Do any
of you have ideas about where to get fish waste for free?
Thanks again, folks.
Therese Dillon wrote:
> 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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