Hello evryone

Hi there, just thought id introduce myself, im sort of new to gardening, my grandad has grown veg on his allotment for decades but i was never interested untill now, anyway im up against time a little as i didnt get my own plot while the begging of april, so far i have planted, onions, cabbage, carrot, potatoes (early and maincrop), parsnip, tomatoes, cucumber, pumpkin, beetroot, and a few other seedlings yet to plant off including a range of herbs, i think ive done ok with my limited knowledge. I also have a greenhouse and shed on the plot but the best thing of all is i feel great, ive lot half a stone and feel a lot more fit than when i started. Ive included some before and after phots, they are taken from different ends of the plot, but give you a general idea. Now ive introdued my self id like to ask about pumkins, i have some young plants with 4-5 leaves, that i think are ready to plant on, what i need to know is, how much space do i need to allow, i know they take up a fair bit but how much?, i read somewhere to plant on raised mounts 1o foot apart, does this sound about right?, the variety is Rocket F1, i als read conflicting reports about shade, some sites say to give them shade other say gives them as much sun as possible, id appreceate any help.

regards

Woody

 

greenwoody, sorry I can't help you with your pumpkin question. Just wanted to say well done with your plot, I know it isn't easy to get it in shape, good job ! :thumb: Cheers...freddy.

 

One option with Pumpkins, on a new plot, is to cover the plot in weed suppressing membrane and plant through that. The membrane will kill off mayn weeds that germinate from seed, so the ground will be cleaner next year. I expect you can plant the Pumpkins 2.5M apart!

 

Hi Woody welcome to the forum.

Well done for being one busy bee you have done a brilliant job.

I agree with John don't put your pumpkins out just yet wait until the weather is more constant.

Down on our site one neighbour planted 2 pumpkin plants on a 20ft wide bed and the plants seemed to like the space, although I think any decent size space will do as you just flip over the growing stalks back into the centre of the plant.

Another plot holder grew 3 plants in a 15ft wide bed and managed just as well he just flipped the growth over as I stated above.

Both growing areas were in full sun one was on heavy water logged soil and the other on very dry dust like soil so I don't think it matters too much where you plant pumpkins although they do like an awful lot of water when the are fruiting.Hel.xxx.

 

Thanks for the advice, ill pot em on and leave them in the greenhouse for a little longer. I forgot to mention that the plot was covered in blackberry, you can see some on the other plot on the photos, it was pretty easy to clear off the top but, takes ages getting all the root from the soil

Another question for you, how do you know when spinach is ready to harvest, mine hasnt grown for a while and wonder if its finished, its has leaves around six inch or so, does that sound about right ( 5 or 6 leaves on each plant)

regards

Woody