2011 Pumpkin Patch Thread

[Shadowbat]

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Its almost that time again when the pumpkins get planted. Last year was my first year, there were ups and downs, as some of you may remember, but I will not be detered. I ended up with 5 pumpkins last year so it wasnt a failure. lol

Yesterday I went out and tilled 2 sides of the patch. Im only doing 2 mounds this year, 2 sprouts for each mound. The center is going to be covered and mulched, which is why I didnt till it. Ill be putting the scarecrow in there along with my owl and windchimes.






Anyone else can post their progress too, just like last year.

So whos in?

[obsessedjack]

Bout to plant my seeds. I don't think I planted them early enough last year so I didn't get any pumpkins. I'm also not going to plant as many also. Hopefully it will be better this year.

[Frankie's Girl]

I have two volunteer vines right next to my back patio. We carved pumpkins last year out on the patio, and some seeds must have landed in the dirt. I have no idea if they'll make it in our heat, but I'm going to try to keep up with the watering and see where that goes.

They are only about 3-4 inches tall, but they both have leaves already.

[TrickRTreater]

Holy crap.

I thought I was the only one who wanted to plant my own pumpkins for Halloween!

*tears up* I...I love you guys.

[bl00d]

Got 14 last year and it was my first time doing it, I did lose alot from rats getting in there grrr

going to turn over my dirt and plant memorial day weekend. Osmocote is a awesome product

what is the owl for?

[Jonathan]

MY seeds have been planted actually. Each year I have taken old pumpkins w/ the seeds and I smash them about in the planting area I have for my patch.

Over the last 3 seasons now I have had a good turnout of pumpkins. Not huge but good enough for some fun.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's patch at it develops.

[Sublime Nightmare]

I've tilled up my patch, but am waiting impatiently to plant the seeds. Last year, I planted them too early (in May) and the pumpkins were rotting by October. I saved seeds from last year's pumpkin carvings and bought some giant pumpkin & Luminara seeds so we can have white pumpkins, too. I host a Halloeen party for my kids and their friends every year and like to supply pumpkins for carving. Any other Virginia pumpkin gardeners?

[jaybird1043]

I planted my seeds in mid to late April and already have vines that are 4ft long. Thinking about planting some more seeds the end of the month just in case the other pumpkins are ready too soon. I live in Florida so I'm worried about the heat factor, but I water twice a day.

[Shadowbat]

what is the owl for?

Just another deterent, like the scarecrow. Every morning Id go out and put the owl in a different location in the patch.

[Xane]

I planted my seeds in mid to late April and already have vines that are 4ft long. Thinking about planting some more seeds the end of the month just in case the other pumpkins are ready too soon. I live in Florida so I'm worried about the heat factor, but I water twice a day.

Easy on the watering. Keep it too wet and you're going to have mold problems. You're better off with a soaker hose so you don't get the vine or fruit wet, just the ground. It can be difficult to keep fungus away from them. They're actually starting to breed hardier, more heat resistant pumpkins to start a small farming industry down here since they're always so expensive, half of the cost is shipping from up north. My jack-o-lanterns all collapsed in 3 days from mold last year, I've never seen them die that quickly before. I should bleach them or something this year.