|
Ken D.:
Hi Alan, welcome.
|
|
Alan N.:
Hello everyone
|
|
Ken D.:
Are you ready for an evening of questions?
|
|
Alan N.:
Ken, Yes I'm ready
|
|
Ken D.:
We will try and keep the pace but feel free to tell us to slow down when you need too.
|
|
Ken D.:
Just answer them the best you can and try and stick to the order of asking.
|
|
Alun J:
yeah..stop for a rest when your fingers fall off
|
|
Alan N.:
Ken, okay...if I miss any questions please ask again
|
|
Tremor:
Alan. Have you ever used giberrelins or other PGR hormones?
|
|
Alan N.:
No..I haven't used any hormones as of yet
|
|
Tremor:
Thanks
|
|
CEIS:
what pruning patterns and rules do you use?
|
|
Alan N.:
I grow christmas tree style at 700' this year
|
|
Mike Frantz:
how many ft in the past?
|
|
Alan N.:
Last year was 900'...a little too much
|
|
pumknman:
4 plants again?
|
|
Alan N.:
Yes 4 plants this year
|
|
swaintech:
Hi Alan-first time for me on the chat room for myself the correct seed is most important , what is next? amount of water, fertilizer, soil pH?
|
|
Alan N.:
Swain...I would say all, but water is very important
|
|
Hodge66:
Do you foliar feed at night or in the morning
|
|
Alan N.:
I foliar feed in the morning after the dew
|
|
CEIS:
how long are your secondaries?
|
|
Alan N.:
this year secondary will be at 14'
|
|
CEIS:
thanks Alan!
|
|
Tremor:
Any specific type of calcium supplements? Wraps?
|
|
steelydave:
Alan, how often do you water and how much?
|
|
quinn:
hi Alan what's your line up for this year
|
|
lobsterclaw:
Alan ,,,,,how long were the secondarys before
|
|
Alan N.:
16 feet secondaries before...a little much I think
|
|
lobsterclaw:
thanks
|
|
sneakysnake:
I have access to all the horse manure i can use the only thing is they bed with wood shavings does this matter
|
|
SIR pumpkin:
Sneakysnake, it's not a great idea to get shavings in there, (Involving acidic reasons)
|
|
sneakysnake:
thanks will leave it alone
|
|
SIR pumpkin:
Now, if you could get it without all the shavings, then you might just be A.. ok.
|
|
bears:
what is your organic %
|
|
Alan N.:
Organic was 6% at last check...too low
|
|
swaintech:
Alan-how much water per day?
|
|
Alan N.:
Water all depends on conditions....I keep the soil moist..maybe 150 gallons max during the summer
|
|
lv107:
Hi Alan, What do you use for foliar feeding.
|
|
Alan N.:
mainly fish/seaweed for foliar feeding...did use some miracle grow in June
|
|
Ben Bortner:
Any new major additions to your patch this year? Like your windbreak and water tank?
|
|
Alan N.:
Ben...yes a new hail protection set up to be used all season long
|
|
Ben Bortner:
cool
|
|
CEIS:
Alan - Do you use rain water in the collection tank?
|
|
Alan N.:
Water in Tank comes from our well....and a small 15' well that gets full early spring
|
|
pondguy:
what seeds are you planting this year
|
|
pumknman:
what OM% would you strive for?
|
|
Alan N.:
I would love 15 to 20%
|
|
bears:
do you temperate your water
|
|
CEIS:
how warm does the water get in the tank?
|
|
Alan N.:
Water in tank gets to about 75 to 80 degrees
|
|
steelydave:
How often do you apply pesticides and what do you use?
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, Do you have any favorite insecticides? Systemic or contact?
|
|
Alan N.:
Yes..I use liquid Seven and a systemic called Admire
|
|
Tremor:
Thanks
|
|
Alan N.:
Remember Admire is restricted and you need to check your state rules
|
|
Tremor:
Admire contains Imidacloprid which is also marketed as Merit (non-restricted)
|
|
Alan N.:
Tremor...Thanks for the info
|
|
Tremor:
Your welcome
|
|
Alan N.:
sorry if I'm missing questions
|
|
steelydave:
no problem, it's hard
|
|
Stunner:
What do you believe to be a good pollinator for your 845?
|
|
Big Dave the Hamr:
Alan Dave Hampton here What system do you use to pick your main fruit first one on main?
|
|
Alan N.:
Hi Dave...I pollinate all on main and then measure at 14 day's...I'm looking for over 30" at day 14 and solid shape
|
|
Big Dave the Hamr:
same system i use its a great way to do it thanks
|
|
Alan N.:
Dave...It seems to work well and usually I can pick a favorite
|
|
steelydave:
How often to you apply the pesticide
|
|
Alan N.:
Dave...about once a week
|
|
steelydave:
Thanks
|
|
bears:
are you going to plant your 845?
|
|
Alan N.:
I will plant my 845 as a back up
|
|
CEIS:
what else on the seed selection this year?
|
|
Alan N.:
Seed Selection....not sure as of yet...probably 723 and 845 Bobier
|
|
CEIS:
all proven seed?
|
|
Alan N.:
All proven seed for main plants
|
|
CEIS:
Thanks Alan
|
|
DALLAIRE:
what kind of watering system sprinkler, soaker hose or other method?
|
|
Alan N.:
Water system...I have always done overhead by hand...this year I'm using whizzer heads plus hand
|
|
pumknman:
fruit shade - I know you use tarp. Should there be any air circulation or cover it tight?
|
|
Alan N.:
I like air circulation along with enough cover to protect the fruit...I cover during bad weather
|
|
One Dude:
what fungicide do you use
|
|
Alan N.:
Fungicide...Daconil...basic stuff
|
|
steelydave:
Do you bury all vines?
|
|
Alan N.:
Dave...bury all vines except the main...I like to keep track of it
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, someone asked earlier a good question, would you have a preferred pollinator for the 845?
|
|
Alan N.:
Tremor..I have a lot of learning to do as far as genetics go....that's tough for me to answer
|
|
Tremor:
Me too!!! Thanks
|
|
DALLAIRE:
how big would be your greenhouse and how long do you keep it on?
|
|
Alan N.:
Greenhouse this year will be like Joel Holland's....16' by 16'. Last year was terrible with cold and wet and I lost a 723 and 712...OUCH
|
|
Brad:
Alan, Once you have a pumpkin set on your main, how much plant do you let grow behind it. IE main and secondaries
|
|
Alan N.:
Brad...Good Question..I have always let the plant fill up my growing area after the pumpkin...this year I'm thinking about letting only 5'; or so behind the fruit
|
|
Brad:
me too, thanks alan
|
|
pumpkin bill:
hi alan,do you use calcium nitrate,if so how much?
|
|
Alan N.:
About 10 pounds of Calcium Nitrate during starting time...I will be messing around with the Calcium Metalsolates also
|
|
pumpkin bill:
thanks,alan
|
|
pumknman:
I irrigate w/spring fed pond - I am concerned w/water temp. How cold is too cold?
|
|
Alan N.:
I never had too much of a problem with 55 degree water from our well...I just think warmer is better. But remember water is the most important
|
|
pH:
How do you terminate secondaries to reduce or eliminate added growth?
|
|
Alan N.:
I will terminate growth at 14' this year...and cut off every 3rd secondary for more room
|
|
Rick I.:
Hi, Alan; have I missed my Fall window to use manure, or can I still apply (well rotted) this Spring?
|
|
Alan N.:
Rick...I'm applying 60 yards this spring...I wouldn't worry about the well rotted stuff. Getting a test of the manure is good also
|
|
stone_holder:
How often do you fertilize your plants through the growing season?
|
|
Alan N.:
Foliar fertilize at about every 5 days depending on weather...heavy with seaweed
|
|
stone_holder:
thanks
|
|
bears:
do you put any extra calcium in the soil or on the plant or fruit itself
|
|
CEIS:
do you add granular fert during the final tilling? if so how much & what?
|
|
Alan N.:
Granular at about 10 pounds this spring...20-20-20..really depends on your soil test...please remember to NOT over do it. I'm finding that fish'seaweed is really good and you can't overdo that
|
|
CEIS:
Thanks Alan
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, What is Calcium Metalsolate?
|
|
DALLAIRE:
do you dig a pit or mound the dirt where you plant your pumpkin plant?
|
|
swaintech:
Alan-what is your pH?
|
|
Alan N.:
PH is at 7.1 on last test
|
|
pH:
Alan Are you talking about the length of the main?
|
|
Alan N.:
Main vine is planned for 25' length, but I may make it shorter depending on fruit set...sides will be 14'
|
|
Mike Frantz:
cut of third secondary to make room for what?
|
|
pumknman:
ever tested your water, as far as pH?
|
|
Alan N.:
I am testing my water this year once it's in the tank...I never have yet
|
|
Rick I.:
Thanks! Do you use cow or horse (manure)?
|
|
Alan N.:
cow manure mixed with sand from a dairy farm
|
|
Carts:
Hi Alan- Peter Carter here do you put a heat source in your cold frames in the Spring
|
|
Alan N.:
Heat source in frames...YES. but only use if necessary..below 40
|
|
Alan N.:
6 mil plastic builds up heat greatly..along with blankets to cover and also hot water in 5 gallon buckets
|
|
swaintech:
Alan-what seaweed? Neptune Harvest?-which formula?
|
|
Alan N.:
Neptune Harvest Yes...fish/seaweed blend last year
|
|
pumknman:
I have small quantsit huts for my transplants - 6' x 6" w/no electricity - any suggestions for heat in a cold May?
|
|
ocrap:
Alan do you know of anything to lower the pH in water that wont burn the plant
|
|
Alan N.:
I think something like ???? acid will lower the water ph. I forget the name..we used to use it in green house work
|
|
Alan N.:
It did work well to lower ph
|
|
Tremor:
Was it Citric Acid?
|
|
Alan N.:
Citric Acid doesn't ring a bell
|
|
swaintech:
Citric acid is from oranges,lemons etc. and is quite acidic pH 4
|
|
C&R Kolb:
We use phosphoric acid to lower the ph in the brewing industry
|
|
Alan N.:
Phosporic is right....that's what we used
|
|
ocrap:
Got it thanks Guys
|
|
Big Dave the Hamr:
Alan explain Calcium Metalsolates is this easier for the plant pumpkin to use
|
|
Alan N.:
My understanding is Calcium Metalsolates are easier to absorb...along with others..this is very new to me Andy Wolf is helping me
|
|
Big Dave the Hamr:
Does it come granular ,Foliar?
|
|
bears:
How long are we away from seeing a 1500# in the sport?
|
|
Alan N.:
1500 will be hit as long as splitting can be prevented...Splitting is a big problem
|
|
pH:
Alan N. Is this calcium metalsolate caylated (sp) Where did you get it?
|
|
Alan N.:
Ph...I believe it is...but I can't say for sure..this will be my 1st year
|
|
Stunner:
do you think the 922.5 was the biggest contributor to your splitting issues this past year?
|
|
Alan N.:
922.5 was awesome...that 852 was going to be big..it's a real shame it's a splitter. If anything, I thing the heat we had last year had a lot to do with my splitting problems
|
|
Alan N.:
I won't be planting the 922.5 this year because of this
|
|
Alan N.:
It had no dill-rings...was nice and smooth and heavy
|
|
Ben Bortner:
Which of your 02 seeds is your favorite?
|
|
Alan N.:
I think the 948 has potential
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, Have you done any tissue testing to confirm calcium absorption?
|
|
Alan N.:
Tremor..good question...no but I will this year with A&L Labs
|
|
Carts:
Are you growing your plants X-mas style and total sq ft?
|
|
swaintech:
Alan Thanks for the info and you, Len S, Joe P putting west central NY on the map
|
|
Alan N.:
Christmas tree style..back to back
|
|
Ken D.:
Several of Alan's seeds will be going on the seed page in the next few days. Including the 845 and 948.
|
|
Tremor:
Cool
|
|
CEIS:
oh Boy!
|
|
pumknman:
Thanks Alan for your help tonight
|
|
Alan N.:
With Len and Joe, I can't even grow the largest pumpkin in the County. LOL And Bill C is in there too
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, have you ever applied Furadan foliar to pumpkins? If so, burn potential?
|
|
Alan N.:
I have never used Furadan
|
|
pumpkinpley:
Alan,do you use Gypsum in your garden?
|
|
Alan N.:
I haven't used gypsum at this time
|
|
hoppy:
how much time do you spend in the patch a day ?
|
|
Alan N.:
I spend 4 hours a day...my wife says much more, but I'm sticking with that
|
|
CEIS:
Any Helpers?
|
|
Alan N.:
My wife helps out a lot
|
|
DALLAIRE:
do you dig a pit or mound the dirt for your plant where you will be planting?
|
|
Alan N.:
I don't dig a pit around the pumpkin...I did many years ago and found that it gets very wet...I create a 6" high area in a slightly raised area for wet conditions
|
|
sneakysnake:
alan thanks for all the info for us newbies as you's call us lol
|
|
Bantam:
Do you use a misting system to control the leaves from wilting?
|
|
Alan N.:
I work nights..so I am my own misting system during the days. I do it yes
|
|
pumpkinpley:
Alan ,have you ever had vines with 8 inch splits in them,and what could cause this?
|
|
Alan N.:
Splits in vines..yes..this has been reduced with the vine burying.I have had many big pumpkins with split vines
|
|
ocrap:
Alan are you excited about the luck with your 845's planted so far, could be the poor mans 845 Bobier
|
|
PumpkinBrat:
do you think your 845 will be a great seed planted this year
|
|
Alan N.:
My 845 is interesting...the only thing that concerns me is the dill-ring in the back. Although the 846 Calai grows many dill-rings without any problems in the same area
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, What do you place under your pumpkins for support/drainage?
|
|
Alan N.:
I have used sand under the pumpkins..it works good, but I had many mice last year.
|
|
PumpkinBrat:
Alan, you use Alfalfa meal in your patch
|
|
Alan N.:
The 60 yards will be added in the spring at one time only...I don't add extra during the year
|
|
pumpkinpley:
Alan,have you tried the 712 Kuhn seed?
|
|
Alan N.:
I lost a 712 plant last spring...it was washed out. What a shame..the 1075 went in it's place
|
|
hoppy:
are you adding soil / compost to you patch as the season goes or is it done all at the start of the season
|
|
CEIS:
Alan - what is your favorite method of weed control?
|
|
Alan N.:
I weed by hand...Actually I leave small weeds if it means disturbing the roots
|
|
Rick I.:
Presuming you germinate, pot, then put in patch, how deep do you bury the seedling- same as pot, or up to seed leaves?
|
|
Alan N.:
Rick...Right up to the seed leaves I think is important...sometimes I actually add soil around the plant if it grows up more once planted
|
|
PumpkinBrat:
do you believe in using heavy amounts of seaweed and fish fertilizer
|
|
stone_holder:
do you use any type of mulch around your plants to control soil temp's?( basically to keep soil from over heating...)
|
|
Alan N.:
No mulch around plants...my patch is at least 10 degrees warmer due to the windbreaks
|
|
stone_holder:
thanks
|
|
Ben Bortner:
So do you use boards to walk on in your patch?
|
|
Alan N.:
Yes, I use boards..I am making new ones this year that minimize compaction
|
|
CEIS:
is that a specialized design 4 the boards?
|
|
Ben Bortner:
Special design or just wider boards?
|
|
Alan N.:
special design I'm working on...nothing to hard
|
|
bears:
Is there any "snake oil" practices and/or products that should be avoided according to your experience
|
|
Alan N.:
Bears...basically over doing it on certain things is big such as fertilizer
|
|
pumpkinpley:
Alan. just 1 main,or main and a secondary main?
|
|
Alan N.:
Only one main...my 846 that grew the 845 had a flat vine and I grew it on a side
|
|
Big Dave the Hamr:
Alan What is the most enjoyable part of growing for you?
|
|
Alan N.:
Most enjoyable thing about growing is the people and those times getting home from a stressful day from work
|
|
Alan N.:
It's just me and the pumpkins
|
|
ocrap:
Alan if you had the chose of one seed to plant from the last 10 yrs what would it be
|
|
Alan N.:
ocrap..I really like the 705 Stelts..the growth was really amazing
|
|
ocrap:
Thanks Alan
|
|
pumpkinpley:
Alan,How many hours of sunlight do you get in your patch?
|
|
bears:
How old were you when you first started to grow pumpkins?
|
|
CEIS:
How did you get started growing AGs?
|
|
Alan N.:
In 1985 we had a 131 pound pumpkin in the patch..of course I thought it was the biggest until I went to Len Stellpflugs house and saw his 322
|
|
Alan N.:
I was 15 in 1986..set the NYS record that year
|
|
CEIS:
very cool.
|
|
DALLAIRE:
do you use time release fertilizer?
|
|
Alan N.:
I haven't used time release fertilizer, but I like what Brett Hester does
|
|
bears:
What does Hester do ?
|
|
CEIS:
osmocote - slow release
|
|
Alan N.:
Check out Hester's Transcripts on BigPumpkins.com
|
|
CEIS:
Did your family get you started then?
|
|
Alan N.:
It was basically my father who bought the AG seeds in '85 and put them in the garden..I was hooked when I saw this huge 80 pound pumpkin in there in August
|
|
CEIS:
Alan - what else do you grow during the season?
|
|
Alan N.:
I only grow the 4 pumpkin plants..it takes all my free time with them alone
|
|
Bantam:
How large is your patch for the four plants?
|
|
Alan N.:
My patch this year is 76' by 66'. It's the way the numbers work out. I want to create a sort of micro-climate and make it tight
|
|
stone_holder:
That's a patch!!!!
|
|
Ken D.:
Alan, you want to take a break?
|
|
Alan N.:
Ken..I'm fine
|
|
Brian Hildebrand:
What a guy!!
|
|
lobsterclaw:
Alan.....do you find the farther out on the plant the better formed the female flowers are ......Peter
|
|
Alan N.:
Peter...It seems like the females get better..yes...I'm not sure why
|
|
lobsterclaw:
Alan.....I've noticed that too..last couple of years
|
|
CEIS:
What was it like to get the WR squash in '91? Lots of fun?
|
|
Alan N.:
The squash in '91 was fun, but I had to pick it a month early because of a rotted vine...it stayed in the barn for a month and survived to the contest
|
|
CEIS:
wow - I wonder how much weight you lost over the month...
|
|
Ken D.:
How does your new hail protection work?
|
|
Alan N.:
Ken...I'm in the planning stages now...The big things is it has to be very fast..under 1 minute to cover and simple so my wife can do it also during storms
|
|
DALLAIRE:
do you plant your plant back to back approached, how far apart?
|
|
Alan N.:
Plants are 6' apart back to back...it seems to work very well...700' for each plant, but the roots actually have 1400' to roam in
|
|
quinn:
any problems with pythium and fusarium in your garden or any other pathogens
|
|
Alan N.:
Quinn...I haven't had any problems as of yet..they scare me
|
|
stone_holder:
do you apply the 1 inch of water a week method to your plants?
|
|
Alan N.:
Stone...It really depends on weather I would say the plants are always moist and never dry
|
|
stone_holder:
thanks
|
|
One Dude:
alan where do you live?
|
|
Alan N.:
NY
|
|
steelydave:
The plants are moist, but do you ever try to keep the soil soaked?
|
|
steelydave:
I guess my question is, can you over water?
|
|
Alan N.:
Dave, I never keep them wet unless mother nature has her way. Yes over watering is BAD...it's a fine line I guess
|
|
steelydave:
This has all been a great help. Thanks
|
|
bears:
Do you shade your young leaves in hot weather
|
|
Alan N.:
I don't shade the young leaves, but mist them. Shading is a good idea
|
|
lobsterclaw:
Alan......what way do you protect your female & male flowers ?......Peter
|
|
pumpkin bill:
how many pumpkins do you leave on...per plant?
|
|
Brian Hildebrand:
Alan, you said you only bury secondaries, not the main. Would it be difficult to elevate the main to keep it up off the ground, to help with vb invasion or vine rot?
|
|
Alan N.:
Brian, I like to keep track of the main for many reasons
|
|
Mark in Western Pa:
Alan thanks for the seeds you sent, however now I have a dilemma. Which to plant, I have a small patch, I plan on planting the 845 �01, aside from that not sure. Of your seeds which of these would you also choose.
|
|
Mark in Western Pa:
865 �01, 868 �01, 852 �02, 948 �02, 895 �02, 1020 �02, Thanks again.
|
|
Alan N.:
Mark..keep those pumpkins flying
|
|
Alan N.:
Mark, I like the 948
|
|
Mark in Western Pa:
Thanks Alan.
|
|
Tremor:
Alan, Is there much trouble up your way with Powdery Mildew?
|
|
Alan N.:
Tremor, The seaweed seemed to help with powdery mildew last year, but I need to control it better this year
|
|
CEIS:
Alan - was it difficult to build your big wind barrier? you got some telephone poles there...
|
|
Alan N.:
This years windbreak is going to be 16' and yes it's takes some time
|
|
Ben Bortner:
Your building it taller?
|
|
stone_holder:
do you ever allow any visitations to your patch from other growers...?
|
|
Alan N.:
Stone..No problem with visitors many stopped by last year
|
|
stone_holder:
cool
|
|
ocrap:
Alan......what way do you protect your female & male flowers ?
|
|
Alan N.:
ocrap..I use twist ties the night before and after pollinating. It works well
|
|
400 SF:
ALAN what brand of SEAWEED are you using , I know a lot of brands are high in salts ??
|
|
Ben Bortner:
james, he said neptunes harvest earlier
|
|
400 SF:
thanks ben
|
|
Alan N.:
Neptunes yes...55 gallon drum last year
|
|
Ben Bortner:
55 gallons wow!
|
|
bears:
The hot weather was blamed for a lot of splitting last year but was it also the reason for big pumpkins
|
|
Alan N.:
Bears..I was impressed with the growth rates during the hot weather..it's a welcome site as long as splits are not there
|
|
CEIS:
He even fertilizes BIG!!!! gone Nesbitt! LOL
|
|
Brian Hildebrand:
whoa Alan!!! 55 gal!!
|
|
Alan N.:
Please don't feel the need to go with 55 gallons
|
|
400 SF:
that could get expensive !!!
|
|
Alan N.:
I really like what Craig Weir does with with seaweed
|
|
stone_holder:
50 would be just fine...LOL
|
|
CEIS:
he he
|
|
pumpkin bill:
it's only 13.75 gal per plant!!
|
|
Tremor:
That's a lot of Seaweed. Was all soil area treated? Or just the foliage, mains, & secondaries?
|
|
Alan N.:
this year will be 110 gallons......you can get a discount with those
|
|
stone_holder:
haha
|
|
C&R Kolb:
Alan...Just how hot is new York "hot weather" its around 110 in Chicago
|
|
Alan N.:
We hot 100 degree's max last year...I think the average is 82 for us. The patch is about 10 degrees warmer
|
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Bantam:
Do you use a more concentrated ratio of Neptune's than what they recommend?
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Alan N.:
Bantam...yes...about 20 gallons of concentrate will be applied to the ground of each plant
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bears:
How do you minimize splitting?
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Alan N.:
Bears...People say limit water and set more pumpkins...but I have problems with that. LOL
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Bantam:
At one time or during the course of the season?
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Alan N.:
Bantam, I'm thinking 10 gallons in spring and another in July...also foliar feeding during the year
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Bantam:
thanks
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Ben Bortner:
all or none! I like it.
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Alan N.:
Ben, Yes all or none..if they split I like to still get them weighed
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ocrap:
110 GALLONS............WOW .........Sorry still in shock......LOL
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Alan N.:
Again...don't feel you need 110 gallons...time will tell if anything comes out of it
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Ben Bortner:
You said the wall will be 16 ft this year? Are you making it taller?
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Alan N.:
Yes..taller. last year was 15 on half of the break and 11.5 the other half
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pumpkin bill:
alan...do you leave small pumpkins on the side vines to keep the vine more productive?
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Alan N.:
Yes I leave pumpkins on the sides to about 10 pounds or so then cut off
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ocrap:
Alan How much sun do you lose with walls that tall
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CEIS:
any other sun blocking concerns? like trees near by ?
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CEIS:
or FULL sun?
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Alan N.:
Sunlight is a problem...I use greenhouse quality plastic on the top 8' one layer thick. It works well and I don't lose any sun...perhaps it's 90% at some parts of the day versus 100%
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Alan N.:
Basically full sun after 8:30 am
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PumpkinBrat:
how long do you let your secondaries get
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Alan N.:
14'
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stone_holder:
any "secret growing tips" for us?
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Alan N.:
Stone...I think the future of growing is providing a "mico-climate" for these plants. It's really important to grow these thing stress free as much as possible
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PumpkinBrat:
do you think it matters if your plant main runs north to south, south to north
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Alan N.:
I run back to back...so the plants run south and north...it's a good question.. I'm not sure
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CEIS:
Alan - what is your PB?
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Alan N.:
1020.5 exhibition weight and 948 official
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Tremor:
Alan, Do you think PGR's can extend the growing season to our advantage if timing & selection gets worked out?
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Alan N.:
PGR?
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Tremor:
Plant Growth Regulators. like hormones that alter growth rates.
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Alan N.:
PGR's only if we can control the splitting problems...they seem to be growing too fast at the present time
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stone_holder:
Kinda like "Biosphere" down there in the southwest?
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Alan N.:
like a biosphere yes...although for some reason the plants prefer natural conditions so it's a fine line
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stone_holder:
interesting.....
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Ben Bortner:
When do you start your seeds?
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Alan N.:
This year will be 5/2 to about 5/10 depending on weather. I will wait if necessary
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CEIS:
You just need a little more luck to hit 1000 lb official this year
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Mark in Western Pa:
Alan , Are you growing any unproven seeds this year?
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Alan N.:
Probably not any unproven seeds this year.....but there are SO MANY i would like to try
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bears:
When do you start using extra potash and what type do you use?
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Alan N.:
I haven't used extra potash at the season end...it's something for me to look into
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steelydave:
Picture of Alan's 1020 here if interested after chat: http://www.pumpkinnook.com/giants/pics2002/nesbitt1020.jpg
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azkikn:
What unproven seeds look the most interesting to you so far??
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Alan N.:
WOW..there are so many. I like the 1337, the 1074 I can think of about 20
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Alan N.:
I think many unproven seeds are worth trying...I still remember Joe Pukos trying a little 723 with no proven record in 2000
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azkikn:
Thanks
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stone_holder:
what are your plans for growing pumpkins in a "micro-climate"...examples?
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Alan N.:
The big project for micro-climate this year is all season hail and heavy rain protection. Anything that helps control mother nature a little more
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CEIS:
regulate the soil temp?
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Mark in Western Pa:
Alan, You seem to grow very nice shaped pumpkins, do you think it�s something you do or do you think it�s just a roll of the genetic dice?
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Alan N.:
I think nice shaped pumpkins is pure luck
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azkikn:
What is the best thing to put your pumpkin on sand or ????
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Alan N.:
This year I'm using sand and that "fabric" many growers use
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Tremor:
Alan, are your soil test results posted on AGGC or some other location?
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Alan N.:
I think they are posted on the AGGC
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Tremor:
Do you think that late season calcium might help control those splits?
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Alan N.:
Tremor,,,..I really wonder how much calcium would have helped...some of the splits were bad. Anything that helps I will try though
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ocrap:
What are the 3 most important things you would tell a first time grower
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Alan N.:
1st time grower....number one...get that soil LOOSE for the roots to grow in. I see too many examples of compact soil. Water is very important and good seed selection
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stone_holder:
you need a huge retractable swimming pool cover to cover your plants in bad weather....
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Tremor:
Or a domed retractable roof stadium! LOL
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stone_holder:
yeah...that would work even better!
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bears:
Who are your pumpkin grower role models
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Alan N.:
Bears...Norm Gallagher and Len Stellpflug early one. Today people like Joe Pukos give me the motivation to grow bigger
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sneakysnake:
what can you do for cracks in your pumpkins and vines
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DALLAIRE:
do you do the same thing to all your plant or you give them different treatment(fertilizer program, etc..)
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Alan N.:
Basically all the plants receive the same treatment. I will pick my favorites during the season and work on them 1st, but basically they are all the same
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RichardNadeau:
Is it true tilling 4x4x4 is best?
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azkikn:
Alan, do you use mist watering, deep watering, or ???
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Alan N.:
All watering has been by hand in the past...this year I will use "whizzer heads" to help. I like the control I have with hand watering. Having the time can be a factor
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pumpkin bill:
same whizzer heads ..joel uses
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Alan N.:
I bought the heads from Joel
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PumpkinBrat:
do you think warm water helps a lot
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Tremor:
Alan, Do you move away from your water tank in the summer & use cooler water to ward off heat? or would the shock be too much for the plants?
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Alan N.:
No..all my water is from the tank, which is about 75 to 80 degree's. I haven't noticed any stress problems with the extra warm water
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matfox:
what do you look for in a seeds
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Alan N.:
Well, I like proven seeds of course...Unproven seeds with male and female parents that were large look good also
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WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR:
Alan, what seed that's 5 years or older would you grow if you had it.
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Alan N.:
5 years or older...the 935 Lloyd, and the 574 Mitchell from '87.
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pumpkin kid:
oh for a 574 mitchell
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Alan N.:
Jerry, Imagine what the 574 could do today
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pumpkin kid:
world record
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CEIS:
Alan - any thing else you do in particular for maximum root growth?
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Alan N.:
Again with max root growth, I think keeping the soil loose to around 8" or so is VERY IMPORTANT.
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CEIS:
great thanks.
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PumpkinBrat:
do you use a lot of leaves and cow manure in the fall, or just compost
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Alan N.:
I put on a lot of maple leaves on the patch the last 2 years. Along with the manure/sand mixture
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steelydave:
Alan, how do you store your seeds?
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Alan N.:
I have been freezing my seeds for the past 15 years
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matfox:
580 1983 i think would do better
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Alan N.:
580 from '83?
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matfox:
alan first pumpkin to break the 500 lbs barrier
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matfox:
i have complete list of all the world record pumpkin weights
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Alan N.:
Mat...I think those 580's were not correct. I think the 2 pumpkins were weighed together and put into Guinness
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swaintech:
Answer to earlier question-to lower pH of water or soil add powdered limestone (calcium carbonate - CaCO3)-same ingredient as Tums or chalk
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ocrap:
Thanks swain
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Alan N.:
Swain..thanks for info
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Ken D.:
Alan, thanks for taking the time to chat with us tonight!
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Alan N.:
Ken..Thanks for the opportunity to chat with everyone
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Ken D.:
You have done 2 hours non stop, I think that deserves a round of applause!
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hoppy:
thank you Alan
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stone_holder:
Besides too much....what's a rough figure on $ you spend each season?
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pumpkin kid:
thanks alan you coming down tomorrow
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CEIS:
Here here Many Thanks ALAN!!
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pumpkin bill:
thank you alan
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Tremor:
Thank You Alan. Good luck this year.
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stone_holder:
CLAP>>>>CLAP>>>>CLAP>>>>CLAP!!!
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Tremor:
clap clap clap clap
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azkikn:
Thanks your information is appreciated
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docgipe:
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, THANKS ALAN :)
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ice-man:
Thank you Allan
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bears:
Thanks Ken and Alan
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quinn:
thanks Alan good luck this year
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Mark in Western Pa:
Thanks for the information and seeds Alan good luck!
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sneakysnake:
thanks a lot Alan
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stone_holder:
thanks for the advise and seeds Alan...
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Tazman:
Thanks for all the tips tonight Alan
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swaintech:
Thanks Alan-you should sleep well tonight
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Stan:
Thank you, Alan!
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ocrap:
Well done Alan
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steelydave:
Alan, it was great, thanks
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Alan N.:
Thanks everyone...I can still stick around..no problem here
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