| Term: |
Definition: |
| Atlantic Giant |
This is the variety of pumpkin that has consistently produced the largest
pumpkins and are used in competition. |
| Blowout |
When a pumpkin grows so fast that it outgrows it's skin and literally
explodes, splits or breaks apart. |
| Cocktail |
A liquid mixture of foliar fertilizer(such as MiracleGro), insecticide
and fungicide. Pumpkins enjoy this mixture in mid-summer as all three items
are essential. |
| Cold Frame |
A small glass or plastic enclosed structure which allows plants and seedlings
to grow out doors prior to the last day of frost. |
| Crop Rotation |
The process of rotating the crops in your garden each year to reduce
the risk of disease and replenish the soil. |
| Foliar Feeding |
Spraying liquid fertilizer onto the leaves which will absorb the
fertilizer. |
| Fruit Set |
A fruit which has been properly pollinated and successfully begins to
grow. |
| Genetics |
The genetic quality and potential of a seed. |
| Hardening Off |
To prepare a seedling(any vegetable) for planting outdoors by leaving
outside during the anytime for several days. |
| Heavy Hitters |
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin growers who have grown the largest of the largest
pumpkins. |
| Hills/Hilling |
A mounding of soil at the site where your seedling will be planted. |
| Jack-o-Lantern |
A common term for a carving sized pumpkin. |
| Root Nodules |
Beneath each leave, a root node or nodule exists. This can easily develop
into a secondary root system. Promote this growth by covering the vines with
soil and watering. |
| Secondary Roots |
Roots that can form on the main vine and sideshoots below each leaf stem. |
| Shoulders |
This is the top of the pumpkin around the stem. As it grows the shoulders
extend outward. |
| Side Dressing |
In large-scale farming this term refers to the practice of applying
fertilizer on either side of a row of planted seed. Usually a couple inches
to 1/2 foot from the seed row. As the roots grow, the, they reach this food
source. |
| Suck-Up |
A pumpkin that is growing extremely fast and is absorbing all the nutrients
that the vine provides, robbing other pumpkins and leaves located beyond
the fruit of nutrients. |
| Squash Vine Borers |
Abbreviated "SVB". A grub like insect that bores into the vine, usually
at the base and can fatally chew your vine. |
| Weigh-off |
A fall festival where pumpkins are officially weighed. |
| Went Down |
A large pumpkin which has rotted or been damaged by animals in the field. |
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