O.K.     So my husband and his five siblings decided to have a giant pumpkin growing contest.  We planted our seeds in june and they did wonderfully until about a week or so ago.  Then all of a sudden......The vines started dying off and the three pumpkins stopped growing.  Any Tips would be great.  We water every other day and fertilize every two weeks.    

Thanks

vic

People who grow the giants often feed milk to their plants.

egg shells around your plants will add calcium to the soil

I grew giant pumpkins this year.  They are beautiful but the squash vine borer is addicted to the tasty insides of the vine.  Basically, this insect eats the plant from the inside.  Look for a black/crimson moth that flies in the cool of the day (usually morning).  As it lights on your plant, it is laying eggs.  When the larva hatch, they tunnel into the vines.  Look for small holes with what could appear to be sawdust extruding.  If you split the vine, you will find a grubworm looking larva inside.  If you have fish--they will love to eat these garden thugs!!

I have read that you can keep these insects at bay by dipping the pumpkin seeds into kerosene!! before planting.  Not sure if it works...

Thanks for all the tips!!  I'll let you know how they turn out.  We are ending the contest on Oct. 15th.

Vic