2014 Pumpkin Patch Thread

I tried pumpkins every year we have lived here in SoCal until this one (so, eight years). Each time, even my set females would die very soon. It's the excessive heat...I think. (100F or so for three months in a row without relief.) I've tried shading, lots of watering, different potting mixes, everything I could think of, but always, I end up with nothing...so sad.

So this year I'm trying gourds. I don't know why, but gourds (small to medium size) do tend to work out for at least a few to harvest. I started very late - just a few weeks ago. I have vines, lots of males and a few growing (but not yet fertilizable) females. It is hilarious because one of the vines is growing straight up one of my palm trees! Kind of incongruous! I will post pics later.

When I lived in Northeastern PA for two years, I had success with pumpkins (standard Howdens). So sad that I really can't do the "big guys" any more!

I love seeing everyone's pics. Keep posting.

Okay, thanks, WitchyKitty!

UnOrthodOx said:

Oh, I've been debating the pumpkins on a stick for a few years, let me know how they do (I thought they were eggplants though?). What kind of gourd is that?

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I will! So far there are no fruits at all, just leaves. And yes, sorry, you're right, they are an eggplant. Don't know where I got the peppers idea.

My gourd is from a medium and small assorted mix so I don't know what she'll be yet. But I'm guessing some oblong variety.

Deadna, I have never heard of gourds budding at night, but perhaps someone more knowledgeable than I will hop on to give some input. Mine all bloom in the early morning, as the sun is coming out. However, I did want to say - your arbor is amazing! I LOVE it! (And I love snake gourds.)

Shadowbat said:

Yeah, Im not expecting big things this year. Between critters, squash bugs, and now mold, I'll be lucky to get 3 small ones. I'm fighting, but I'm losing. lol

I'm a bit upset to say the least, especially after such a successful crop last year. 15 pumpkins.

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Oh no, so disappointing. I hear ya.

WitchyKitty said:

If it were me, I'd paint faces on those baby pumpkins and give them a chance to be Jack o Lanterns before they shrivel, lol. Make them happy for a day!

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I agree. Why the heck not? That would be cute.

No new females yet...so far, I just have one matured gourd...hmmm........

Lots of males, obviously, but there always are.

Thanks, Witchy. I had actually read that some gourds and pumpkins won't produce females if it is above 80F, and I am wondering if that's actually the problem. I mean I potted these in nutrient-enriched bagged soil only about a month ago or so. It has been in the 90s to the 100s and will stay this way until October, so I'm not sure I have any more hope this year than last year. But on the chance it's a question of nutrients, I will look those up and give it a shot. I do remember getting some females after planting eggshells one year (can't remember what the nutrient was but I had researched that).

WK, I read the comment about heat and females on a gardening site...I can't remember which one it was now. ETA: maybe gardenweb.com? We have been in the 100s or very close to it (98, 99) for about two months and recently got down to 93-95 each day for the past few days. How hot does it get by you?

I am going to try eggshells again.

Adorable, UnOrthodox! Your little one is a chip off the old haunt! Hope she had a great first day at school. She is a very pretty little girl.

UnOrthodOx said:

So how long from planting did it take to get those lovely eggplants? Wondering if it's even feasible in my area.

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Hmmm...I don't remember the exact date I planted the seeds, but I think about eight weeks?