Christmas is just around the corner, I hope you are prepared, whatever your plans may be this year.
With Christmas here the giant pumpkin growing season is in full swing here in New Zealand.
For some people it’s been going great, for others not so much. Let’s dive into what’s been happening around here at the GPNZ world headquarters. Video at the end of the post.
My Plant is Looking Better than Last Year
So far my plant is looking pretty good. Bit of a rocky start in the beginning, watch the video at the end to see how I had to germinate my pumpkin seeds this year.
Of course this is all within the confines of growing in a small area, but it’s looking better thank last years.
I’m putting this down to the initial patch prep. Hopefully it continues to grow well and spread out.
The real test is if I can keep on top of weeding and burying vines.
Visiting a Unique Looking Plant
Last month I was asked by a grower to come and look at their pumpkin plants. They were definitely growing well, but also having a few strange things going on.
First off was the very girthy ribbon vine that was happening. Couple this with the clump of buds at the end of the vine it sure was something different to the norm.
It was great seeing growers excited about their plants, growing in the space they had available and I hope it goes the distance and they have something to show at the end of the season.
Bugs Endings the Growing Season
Not for me, and I hope my plant survives until the end.
But for Luke, whose had a couple of tough starts in the past, but always turns up with the goods at the end of the season. Anyone that can pump out a 500+ kg pumpkin is doing some good stuff.
So when he sent me a photo of some sort of bug that had been eating his plant, I was at a loss to what it was.
There are a lot of things out there that can cause havoc with your plants, no matter what you are growing.
The great thing about giant pumpkin growing there is always new things to learn, and anyone that thinks they know everything is sadly mistaken.
Turns out to be a Wireworm
This is the larvae stage of a click beetle and sound like nasty things to get in your garden. They like to feed on plants roots and burrow into tubers.
You can imagine the damage they can do to a young giant pumpkin plant. Luke had not real option than to pull his plants. Effectively bringing his season to an end. What a bummer.
I’m going to have to do more research into these insects and get the information up on the website.
Video
Here’s a roundup of the above stuff in video form.
Christmas and the New Year
As always, I hope you have a great Christmas and New Years period, if you are growing right now I hope it goes well for you. Remember to sort out your holiday plans when it comes to giant pumpkins.
Stay safe out there and I will catch up with you very soon.
Growing giant pumpkins is a passion that I love sharing. 🎃 If you’ve found my content helpful or entertaining, why not say thanks with a coffee? ☕
It’ll fuel my next giant pumpkin adventure!
