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John D.:
Welcome Joel
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Joel:
Thank you John, I am honored to be here.
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John D.:
Without anything further, I would like to Introduce Joel Holland. Many of you may know him for his informative videos...
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Ken D.:
Welcome Joel, we are very glad to have you on the "hot" seat!
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John D.:
Questions Please...
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sneakysnake:
Hi Joel last year i was over run with squash bugs tried sevin they laughed at me what can i use that will kill them
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Joel:
I am fortunate not to have to deal with Squash Bugs as they do not exist in my region. I do not have many bug type pests, only aphids. I use "Red Arrow, which is an organic liquid rotenone and Pyrethrum blend.
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Water:
on the Average How much water a day for one plant after the fruit sets
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Joel:
Watering for me depends on the weather. In the N.W. we can have extended cool weather when I water very little. In warm weather I try to monitor the plant and apply water as needed. Do not really measure. I have a 1550 Gal tank and have used several tanks
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RayL:
do you use chelated calcium
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Joel:
Last season I applied Biomin Calcium 1 x week. It is a chelated Calcium concentrate.
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SlyChit:
Joel, when do u plant ur first plant outside, and do u plant them in a mound?
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Pumpkin_lover:
When is the right moment to plant young plants out of their pots to the patch ?
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Joel:
I have been using 1 gal. nursery pots, and have been setting plants out at the early 2 leaf stage.
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Joel:
Last year plants were set out in prepared cloches on May 10.
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cliffrwarren:
Joel, I love your videos. I've watched the 2003 video at least 12 times. Great music. Please stop by if you are ever in Idaho.
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Joel:
Thanks, I'm pleased you have enjoyed the videos. Would love to visit you in Idaho.
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Pumpkin_lover:
could you visit Europe this fall?
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Joel:
I've been to Japan for Pumpkins, but not Europe as yet. Carlos visited me from Spain and I'm always up for an adventure!
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John D.:
Joel, on average, how long does it take you to put together a video?
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Joel:
I take all season to shoot about 30 - 40 hours of video. Then it takes about 5 hours for each hour of footage in the editing.
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Kitster:
how much square footage is needed per plant ?
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Joel:
Kitster, I have been working my way down from the excessively large plants of the past and am currently at about 750 Sq. Ft. Sometimes have two fruit however, as the 1134 & 919 last year.
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pumpkinpal2:
i watched the 2002 video today to get some last-minute advice about soil prep--i was once again amazed at the size of your plants in such a short time in the cloches-i am re-motivated to make replicas!--eric gerry
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Joel:
Eric, Thanks, They do grow fast inside the large 20' x 20' cloches.
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BrianInOregon:
I'm not sure if this has been touched on or not yet so I apologize if it's a repeat question, but I was wondering what fertilization program you follow and what you do to do your patch in the Fall to prepare for the following season?
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Joel:
Brian, I try to put on the organic matter in the Fall and also do any pH adjustments at that time. In the Spring I add slow release osmocote, Calcium Nitrate, and sometimes treblesuper Phosphate or 10-20-20, depending on the soil test.
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cliffrwarren:
Do you still use the giant paperclips on your hoophouses? This year in addition to the regular hoophouses, I'm doing some dome shaped structures, and the paperclips really help with that.
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Joel:
Cliff, I still use the clips, they seem to work very well. I have two sizes of cloches this year, 16x16 & 20x20. The key for me is plenty of soil around the perimeter to keep the plastic down.
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Pumpkin_lover:
Do You add leaves to the soil ?
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Joel:
I try to stay a year ahead with leaves. I compost them for a year and spread them in the Fall just before collecting that years harvest. Dr. Rebeiro advised our group that fresh leaves can just feed the Pythium.
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BrianInOregon:
thank you Joel. Any fertilizing during the season or do you depend solely on what's contained in the soil?
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Joel:
Brian, During the season I use plenty of organics. I apply our dry soluble seaweed powder mixed with water every 5-7 days and the same with the soluble fish, along with the Calcium 1xweek.
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pumpkinpal2:
i asked you a long time ago about the reason behind the cal. nitrate ONLY in a small area where the plant initially is growing---is the reason for this so that the plant has used-up most of the nitrogen by the time the plant is ready to be pollinated.....
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pumpkinpal2:
thereby reducing aborts and flowering delays, yet getting the plant big quickly? this question is made for everyone to know why only in a 20 foot circle and not the whole patch getting cal. nitrate...
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Joel:
Pal, That is pretty much correct. I just want some fast acting Nitrogen to get the plant growing well in our cool Springs. I like to have the plant grow well early so I can have a good size plant by Late June/ early July.
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pumpkinpal2:
okay, thanks! pardon my clinical ness i am not a typist...lol...
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Clancy/Z-Green:
what is your soil pH at ?
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Joel:
I try to maintain 6.8. We have quite acid soil because of our heavy winter rain. I started out at 5.3 before amending.
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Brian Allen:
JOEL: what is the minimum temp to avoid exposing seedlings to? What temp do you try to maintain inside your hoop-houses?
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Joel:
After germination, I try for bright light , but cool temps in order to get a short stocky plant. In the cloches, I try for low to mid 80s in the day and over 55 at night,
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BrianInOregon:
Awesome Joel. Thank you.
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mudflap:
JOEL 898 knauss what would be a good cross
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Joel:
Mudflap, I have not had the pleasure of growing that 898 Knauss seed, so have not thought about possible pollinators.
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Pumpkin_lover:
How tall should the seedling be ?
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Joel:
Pumpkin L, I like short stocky seedlings. Only an inch or two from the soil to the two seed leaves.
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jeff352:
Joel,,What's the most lobes you have ever got to pollinate?
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Joel:
Most of my largest fruit have been from 5 lobe females. I have had a few decent ones on 6s and 4s as well. Have seen a couple 7s, but never got anything significant from them.
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Pumpkin_lover:
what to do when my seedlings are aprox. 6,5 inch tall ? Is it a problem ? They have thick vine
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Joel:
PL, You might try planting at an angle towards the 2nd true leaf and use something to gently lower the main to the ground so it does not kink.
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Clancy/Z-Green:
what is your organic matter % ?
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Joel:
Clancy. I,m in my 3rd year in a new spot, and have the organic content up to 12%.
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Copper:
Joel, Do you use calcium wraps on your pumpkins and if so, how often.
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Joel:
When I spray the Biomin Calcium, I allow it to contact the fruit as well as the leaves in the early stages. The fruit are covered with a light colored cloth which absorbs the Ca. solution.
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Pumpkin_lover:
how about planting them deeper so that they would became few inches tall and the rest would be under the ground ?
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Joel:
PL, I have not tried burying young stems, not sure how they would respond.
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JR. REID:
Joel Do you use seaweed?
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Joel:
JR, I use my soluble seaweed powder 1x per week, mixed with water. It has 62 trace minerals, natural growth promoting hormones and is high in K.
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Tom B:
can I try one of your 567.5 mombert remakes?
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Joel:
Tom, I have a few 567.5 offspring. This year I am growing my 945 from the 567.5. I also may have a few 912 & 725.
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matfox:
what varieties of giant vegetables do you grow besides pumpkins
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Joel:
I do a demo garden at the Puyallup Fair which is the 6th largest Fair in the Country at over 1.2 million visitors. I grow Giant Pumpkins, Tall Corn & 3 kinds of Giant Sunflowers there.
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WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR:
Hi Joel , Al Berard , Sanford Maine here, we have been trading seeds since the early 90's would you say your 827 is one of the best you had to produce good offspring ?
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Joel:
Hi Al, The 827 has kind of fallen off the back of many of the family tree charts, but it produced many nice fruit in its day including Geneva's fine 939.
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CEIS:
How many plants this year Joel?
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Joel:
Eric, I will have 8 plants at home and two at the Fair. My wife will have two as well.
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Clancy/Z-Green:
what style do you grow your plants....X-mass tree ?? flag ?? back to back ??
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Joel:
Clancy, I use the back to back style with one main vine and alternating laterals, some of which may be removed if crowded.
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pumpkinpal2:
does that seaweed powder have a shelf life? conditions: unfortunately, -25 degrees F* this winter, out in the garage....
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Joel:
The soluble seaweed is dehydrated and has a very long shelf life. The only thing you have to watch is to keep it tightly sealed in it's plastic container, as it is hydroscopic. ( willl absorb atmospheric moisture.)
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pumpkinpal2:
ooohhh...hydroscopic...i'll have to remember that one! i guess i have half a good amount left---thanks!
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cmfry:
What do you think of the wishbone style of pruning?
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Joel:
CMFRY, I have not tried the wishbone.
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CEIS:
Thanks Joel - What does the seed selection looks like this year? Any of your own?
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Joel:
Eric, This year I have 17 started including my 1134, 966, 945, 919, & 902.
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Clancy/Z-Green:
do you terminate the main after the fruit ?? if so how far past ??
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Joel:
Clancy, I tend to let the main run well past the fruit. I usually keep it growing until early Sept. and then terminate.
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Pumpkin_lover:
and how far should the fruit be ?
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Tom B:
how many years have you tried back to back method?
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Joel:
Tom, I have been using b to b for 3 or 4 years. Previously I was growing 1 plant ant treating the secondary main as the second plant.
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matfox:
have ever flirted with giant watermelons
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Joel:
matffox, Our area is not good for melons, we have real cool nights in mid summer. Need a cloche all season.
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Pumpkin_lover:
How far the fruit should be ?
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Joel:
Pl, I do not really measure. If I had a nice 5 lobe at 7 or 8 feet, I would probably pollinate, as who knows what may come next. If an early set is surpassed by a better prospect down the line, then I will remove the 1st one, but why pass on a good blossom
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Tom B:
is there any particular reason you didn't weigh your 967, I was just looking at the sheet you send it was estimated bigger than the 1026....I know it had a hole in it
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Joel:
Tom, The 967 was my largest fruit in 00. I rolled it up for harvest and it had a small crack underneath, no rot yet. I dropped it in favor of the 1026, and it never got weighed.
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matfox:
what percent does genetic help in determining outcome
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Joel:
matfox, I'm not sure about %, but is probably the biggest factor. I try to use proven seed whenever possible.
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LIpumpkin:
So Joel.....What's your Squash candidate for this years SQUASH TROPHY Contest?
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Joel:
ll I usually don't grow a Squash on purpose. Have had a few greenies by accident. May try one seriously in the future.
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LIpumpkin:
The future is now Joel...lol....
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Joel:
I hear ya.
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Pumpkin_lover:
What will happen if I pollinate the female flower on the pumpkin plant with the male squash flower ? Will the pumpkin be orange or mixed ?
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Joel:
I think you will get a pumpkin this year, but when you harvest the seeds and plant them next year, you probably will get some pumpkins, some squash, and a whole lot of mixes.
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Perriman:
Joel do you have any suggestions for fungus like fusarium etc.?
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Joel:
Perriman, In 02 I had high levels of Fusarium and Pythium by tissue sample and soil sample. In 03 I started using the Endomycorrhizal fungi and had my best year ever.
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Perriman:
Thank you I'm using M-roots this year.
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cmfry:
how can you tell if a male flower is squash or pumpkin?
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Joel:
cmfry, They look the same. I would only assume a male flower was a squash blossom if it came from a plant that started from a known squash seed.
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Tom B:
M-Roots was expensive....310 bucks for 10 bags....hopefully its good! haha
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Perriman:
I got a 25# bag for $49
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cmfry:
What is M-roots?
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Perriman:
It is three different types of Mychoriza fungi including endomychoriza beneficial fungi
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Tom B:
you mentioned earlier that you were planting your 945....what made you select that one to grow? Just its offspring, color, shape? Genetics behind it such as the "567" that grew it? maybe you can enlighten us through that example how you choose a seed
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Joel:
Tom, I will probably plant the 945 at the Fair as it produces a nice size very orange pumpkin which is perfect for the display garden. I would love to grow it one year in a good bed at home because I think it has potential.
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Pumpkin_lover:
what do you think is more important: "parents" or "grandparents" of the seed ?
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Joel:
PL I usually plant proven seed. Things are so competitive, you must plant what has the best chance to get really big. I do try one or more of my own each year as a dark horse candidate.
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Joel:
PL. I'm not really sure on the parents vs. GP issue. Assuming all blossoms are protected, I look for good parents 1st, and then as many great genetics as possible elsewhere in the family tree.
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Clancy/Z-Green:
do you think pumpkin weights will still climb or start to level out ?
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Joel:
Clancy, I think the weights will just continue to go up.
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Perriman:
What do you think of crossing back older seeds into some of the new proven seeds for genes? That is if you can get them to germinate?
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Joel:
P., I think that is a very good thing to consider. Crossing back some old genetics with new, may revitalize the line.
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Pumpkin_lover:
What is the most important in choosing the seedling? I need to chose 1 of 2 seedlings that both look nearly identical and both are unproven seeds. The one has shorter, but thicker vine and smaller seed leaves, and the second one is taller but thinner and it has bigger leaves. Which to chose ?
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Joel:
PL I don't think you can tell much from the appearance of near equals with seedlings, anymore than you can with seeds. i would tend to go with a thick stemmed stocky plant, but have had my largest fruit some years on plants that I only planted because of the track record and not because they looked very good.
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cmfry:
do you know where (who?)? the "very orange" came from genetically in your 945 ?
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Joel:
The 945 picked up the orange from my good friend Kirk Mombert and his famous 567.5
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Clancy/Z-Green:
how do you protect a female before and after you pollinate it ?
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Joel:
Clancy, Both the F & M should be covered the night before with cheesecloth or a bag to prevent bees contaminating with unwanted pollen. After pollinating I tie the blossom closed with string.
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Tom B:
ok, now here is a question for you...how many 567's have you had the honor of trying? And were they all basically the same
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Joel:
Tom, I must have grown the 567.5 about 6 times, once when it was 9 years old. My 903, 945, 879, 912, 725, and others all came from this seed which incidentally came from my 91 616 which was only light orange.
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Tom B:
hmmmm.....609 must have been the carrier for the red color
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LIpumpkin:
Joel...how do you think a given seed from , say 1990...or any older good seed in its day...would fare if grown today with today's growers and techniques? Have genetics come THAT far or is it cultural/talent????
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Joel:
Certain seeds like the 567.5 seem to stay competitive for years, but sooner or later they seem to become surpassed by newer seeds. I think some of the older seeds would have done much better using today's innovative techniques though.
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SIR pumpkin:
Hey Joel I sent Peter Paynter A seed from our auction and he said it doesn't't look like your 1026 does every seed look the same?
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Joel:
Sir, I have had people send me seeds to ask if they were authentic. Some have been and others not. I think most seeds in a pumpkin can be judged to be authentic or not.
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SIR pumpkin:
Thanks!
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SlyChit:
Joel, what is the biggest pumpkin u have grown in the littlest amount of space?
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Joel:
Sly, My 1134 last year had 750 sq. ' , but also had two fruit. My 919-03 came from the same plant.
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SlyChit:
ok, thanks joel
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Tom B:
holy crap 2053 lbs on 752 sq feet...that's a lot of pumpkin!
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Perriman:
What is your water source? Do you first warm your water to outside temp? Sorry if this was asked before.
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Joel:
Unfortunately my water source is from the City and is expensive. I have a 1550 Gal. black plastic tank which warms the water. I have a recirculating valve as the water tends to stratify in layers, cool at the bottom and hot at the top.
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Clancy/Z-Green:
you water overhead or use soaker hoses ?
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Joel:
Clancy, I use mostly overhead as I use it for cooling as well. I do have a lot of soaker hoses and have used them in the past also. Also my water goes through an inductor and I can add my foliars, etc.
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SlyChit:
joel is that lake water in that tank, creek water ?, what do u prefer to use? you think well water would be better then the first two i mentioned?
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Joel:
Sly, It is just City water which originates at an artesian spring. There is a 12" main on the street and I am tapped in with a 2" right up to my garden. I can fill my 1550 gal. tank in 15 min. or run all my sprinklers directly off the main.
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SlyChit:
ahhh ok, bet the water department loves ur business,lol
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Clancy/Z-Green:
you use a dosatron ?
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Joel:
Clancy Yes, I have the model that handles 30 GPM.
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JR. REID:
joel do you use cold frames?
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Joel:
Jr. I use big colches. 16x16 and 20x20. We usually stay cool until mid June and these really help with the early growth and wind protection.
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JR. REID:
how far do you space your plants?
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Joel:
I plant back to back 4 -5 ' apart in each site. Each double planted site is approx. 1500 sq '.
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One Dude:
joel how do you keep your plants from getting too hot in the cloches
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Joel:
I have large doors at each end. The 20x 20s have double doors at ea. end. Our average high in June is 69. It generally doesn't get too hot. On a warm day I will set up a fan. The cloches are generally down by mid June
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One Dude:
thanks
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Pumpkin_lover:
how many flowers should I pollinate ? many and then cull or just one or two ?
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Joel:
PL, I used to set a lot on laterals, but recently have just been setting 3 - 5 on the main vine and making a selection before they get very big.
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cmfry:
At what temp do you cool your plants with overhead water?
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Joel:
Rather than watching a thermometer, because humidity also is a facto, I monitor the condition of the plant. If the leaves are drooping then the stomates are closed and I will attempt to regain turgidity in the leaves by cooling.
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jabathehutt:
How does a person know in which direction a plant is going to grow?
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Joel:
Jaba, Usually the main vine will lay down in the direction of the 2nd true leaf. I plant at a slight angle and use gently pressure to encourage this as well.
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jabathehutt:
Thanks Joel
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Perriman:
How long do you let the secondary vines get and when do you dead-head the main?
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Joel:
P, The secondaries grow until they reach the garden perimeter. I pinch them back about 18 " before that in the cluster and they grow out flush. usually 15 - 18'.
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Pumpkin_lover:
will it grow always to the south ?
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Joel:
Pl. Usually the 1st leaf is small and the 2nd is larger with container grown seedlings. It is a balancing act. Usually the plant comes down on the side with the heavy 2nd leaf.
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John D.:
A few more questions and then we can do the drawing for the door prizes!
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LIpumpkin:
ooooooo....door prizes !!
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Clancy/Z-Green:
Joel, you still a fireman or did you retire ?
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Joel:
Clancy I retired from the greatest job in the world two years ago after 31 years of service.
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Clancy/Z-Green:
wow..congrats......I got 22 years on a Vol. Dept.
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Joel:
Way to go Clancy!
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Pumpkin_lover:
the best job is: professional pumpkin grower :-)
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JR. REID:
joel are you growing a squash this year?
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Joel:
JR. No squash this year. I have already been reprimanded for my neglect of the green. Ha ha, just kidding.
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Pumpkin_lover:
thanks for all answers. I wish you (all) a lot of luck in 2004 season.
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John D.:
First, let's thank Joel for an awesome job!
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CEIS:
Thanks Joel - Great job!
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Perriman:
Thanks Joel, you're awesome!
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cmfry:
thanks Joel
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Ken D.:
Thanks Joel, very informative!
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Clancy/Z-Green:
Thanks Joel
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One Dude:
thanks from carrollton, georgia
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LIpumpkin:
Thanks Joel
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Bart:
thanks Joel
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Pumpkin_lover:
Thanks from Poland, Europe
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Joel:
Thanks to John and Ken for running a terrific web site and to all who participated this evening
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John D.:
Lets do the drawing now...
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John D.:
All of which are available through his online catalog, which can be found in the Odds and Ends section of the site.
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John D.:
Ken, who is the lucky winner of the 2003 Holland's Land O' Giants Video?
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Ken D.:
Bart
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Bart:
GREAT
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John D.:
And the 1 lb. Bio-Grow Endo Plus?
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Ken D.:
The winner is ..................... Copper
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John D.:
And the lucky winner of the 10.7 oz. Soluble Seaweed powder is...
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Ken D.:
the winner is ................. jeff352
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jeff352:
thks!
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John D.:
Joel, thanks again for the taking the time out to join us tonight. It was a lot of fun and very informative!
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Ken D.:
Thanks everybody for stopping in tonight!
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Ken D.:
Thanks Joel. You did a great job!
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Joel:
John & Ken, It was my pleasure, hope someone got some useful info.
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Ken D.:
Goodnight all!!
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