First Pumpkin

[lorna]

I have a pumpkin seed which has just poked it's head through. First time in my life ;D
Only put a couple in as I thought  was a bit early. Will sow rest of seeds later on.
Lorna.

[lorna]

[busy_lizzie]

Congratulations Lorna! That is the great thing about pumpkins they are such vigourous and hearty plants that it is a pleasure to plant them and witness how quickly they grow. They really reward all your tlc. They will be eating you out of house and home before too long.  ;D busy_lizzie

[daisymay]

B*gger! am I meant to have planted my pumpkins already. Time seems to be running away from me at the moment.

Well done Lorna BTW  ;D

[Mrs Ava]

I haven't even thought about mine yet Daisymay - still plenty of time.  They are so tender that unless you can keep them cosy you may as well wait a touch longer.  I will start a few courgettes and cucumbers in the next week or so, then do a major pumpkin, melon and squash sow at the end of the month or start of April.

[busy_lizzie]

Have to agree, we are a long way off from planting our pumpkins and squash seeds. It will probably be April or May before I do ours. busy_lizzie

[lorna]

Emma. From the advice I have been given (you included :)) I knew it was early but just couldn't resist sowing a couple of seeds, did the same with cues. All on windowsill. Have made sure to keep the bulk of seeds for later date.. I have printed out all  advice which you and other members kindly gave me, so can refer to notes.
Best wishes Lorna.

[myrtle]

Sowed mine on Monday and one is up and out of its hat already!  You can almost watch them grow.  :)

[busy_lizzie]

It is a temptation, I know. My OH has planted some courgettes seeds, he just couldn't resist it either.  Just wish the winter would end and we could make a proper start up here in the North East.  You might outdo everyone yet Lorna with your early starters.  :) busy_lizzie

[Curryandchips]

Congratulations, I guess the pumpkin competition is now officially under way ? I sowed a couple of seeds yesterday, so hope to be close on your heels  !

[supersprout]

what a lovely picture lorna, I still remember the season of running out to the greenhouse every morning before school to see if the courgette seeds were poking out complete with hats (lol myrtle) when I was about 11, never loses its magic every year, so glad you are getting pleasure from the big little things in life ;D ;D ;D

[grawrc]

I checked my seed box which is in chronological order of planting dates and the earliest date quoted for pumpkin is April?? Given the weather we've had that may well become May or June ;) :D

[Alimo]

Lorna - I know the feeling about wanting to sow something!  The winter is still holding on, icy blasts of Easterly wind here today - and we're in the warmer part of the country.

Alison

[lorna]

OMG. The pumpkin seedling is already 3ins high. I expect it will keel over soon?? Just two leaves at the top. Never mind I am having fun, the other seed hasn't germinated yet.

[Mrs Ava]

It will be fine Lorna, just don't keep it toooo warm.  That thick stem can be a right pain as I have often snapped them by mistake.  Treat 'em mean, keep them sturdy!  ;D

We gave in today and the kids and I had a squashing session.  I am hoping to prevent a huge courgette glut by staggering my sowings and lengthening the season...famous last words!

[flowerlady]

:o do you know I don't have a single pumpkin seed to sow, seemed to have overlooked something!  :o

[lorna]

Flowerlady. Would you like 6 of mine. 3..Conneticut fields and 3 Howden? They were part of the seeds that I got from America hence the names. Have no idea what they will turn out like. PM me address if you want them Had to clear my PM's where all addresses were on. Regards Lorna.

[flowerlady]

WOW ...  you are such a kind and generous lady, pm on it's way. 

Thank you so much. FL

[Rhys]

TIP: don't grow too many pumpkin plants.

It was my first year growing pumpkins last year and I planted 5 plants....I had 113 pumpkins!



This year I am only growing one plant - Atlantic Giant

[supersprout]

Had a great laugh at this Rhys, wonderful photo. If that was my first ever attempt I'd have taken dozens. You trying to psych out the competition already? 8)  8)

[lorna]

RHYS. Crikey. I think I will grow say..6 seeds and if they germinate will just pick a couple of the best looking plants. I have so little space. Nice pic!!