Let there be WEEDS! Scott has not had the necessary time to keep things up in the upper patch.  The lower patch is much cleaner.  In addition to weeding, now is the time to start spraying for aphids!

Most growers in our area are seeing record growth!  Here is a side picture of one of the plants growing from Scott’s 1170 giant pumpkin seed. We have been blessed with very good weather and record sunshine days for the month.  Remember to keep the dirt surrounding your plant moist, but not wet.  Don’t let it dry out!

Everyone’s giant pumpkin plants should be growing at a rapid pace now!  As your plant grows, it’s important to secure the vine to avoid the wind from moving it – and breaking it.  In this photo, you can see where Scott used bamboo to stabilize the vine.

This week was sunny and warm up to 28 degrees.  Here is our cooling system in action – misting the leaves during the day.  Scott will be adding an injector so he can apply a very weak dose of his special blends.

Some giant pumpkin plants are doing very well since being put into the soil and a few others have stalled. The seeds from last year’s 1,177 pound pumpkin that placed 1st in BC have had the most vigor so far.  They have been performing better than all the other plants.  It’s good to use pure water for the first few weeks after you plant them.  It’s always good to use unchlorinated water as chlorinated water can kill beneficials.

Everyone should be planting your giant pumpkin seeds now!  Make sure to open your greenhouses during the day.  When it’s really warm out, the tips of the leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight.  They will need some sort of cooling – misting the leaves during the day or providing a shade structure for new growth.  Here is a photo of our homemade greenhouses and misting system.

Giant pumpkin growing season has officially begun!  Here is a video I found on germination of giant pumpkin seeds. You should expect to get started indoors sometime during the first 2 weeks of May. The seed should spend about 1 week inside then be planted outside. Happy Germination!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF-5lKWiNvE&app=desktop

Be sure to follow our blog this season starting in May! We will be posting weekly updates of our giant pumpkin growing progress along with some additional tips for you!

Are you interested in growing a giant pumpkin?  Scott is giving away seeds from his giant pumpkin that weighed in at 1,177 pounds and placed 1st in BC in 2014! He may also include seeds from a 1,170 pound pumpkin! The genetics in these seeds are capable of growing the largest pumpkins in the world!  We have already donated over 800 seeds throughout BC and have LOTS more to share! Please visit our SEEDS page for more information.