Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 97 Entries. Thursday, February 21 View Page Sunday, March 31 View Page Happy Easter...Sitting in a snowed under pumpkin patch,taking some sun,washing down a great brunch that G made... Sunday, March 31 View Page For the 150 sq ft contest,I'm going with a 6x25ft plot.For me,the advantage is that I can swerve the main down the strip as females appear,to improve stem angle(instead of turning at a corner of the plot and then having a female on the inside of the main) and that I'll have 14 feet to set a fruit if I start 8 feet from an end,first secondary on each side growing to that end. Sunday, March 31 View Page In one back yard plot I'm planning to grow the 444 Beachy(1725H selfed)and self it,to continue the 1725 project.In the other plot,it looks like the 1753 Bryson(1382 Bryson x 1647 Wallace),already about 75% 1725H genetics.and to cross the 444 into it for about 88% 1725H genetics.I read Chris S's 2011 diary and liked his result with the 444 Beachy,1276 lbs by August 20th,unfortunately stopping then due to root,vine issues...I grew a PB last year with 1725H as half the seed-896 McMillan(1677 Hunt x 1725 Harp).Fruit was still growing late September in cool temps. Sunday, April 21 View Page This is my plot for a 150 sq ft contest.Not the spot,dimensions I had previously thought of.I have about 12 ft to set a fruit to the left of the small brick,planting spot.After that,it's getting tight,lol.....Started the Beachy 225,249,444 from the 1725 Harp project...and the 1753 Bryson(1382 Bryson x 1647 Wallace). Monday, April 22 View Page Heating cable placed in larger backyard plot(330sq ft).PVC pipe is a way to check if there is water accumulation below stump(dipstick method).Clay below patch.I had root issues two years ago after a rainy summer. Tuesday, April 23 View Page Heating cable setup in the 150 sq ft plot.It's amazing the amount of soil that comes out of a 4x4x1.5ft area. Wednesday, April 24 View Page The 444 Beachy and 1753 Bryson germinated in 72 hours. Thursday, April 25 View Page The 249 Beachy is up after 3 1/2 days. Friday, April 26 View Page Started a second group of Beachy 225,249,444.The 249 is the best looker so far.The 444 had a bit of an underdeveloped seed coat and both cot leaves were rotten.Seed produced a club root.We'll see if a first true leave appears.The 225 did nor germinate so we'll go a few more days. Monday, April 29 View Page The 1753 Bryson went into my small plot today.The 249 Beachy,a really aggressive plant,went into the larger back yard plot.The second 444 Beachy germinated in 2 1/2 days.Started a 1391 Wuersching(1596 Werner x 1647 Wallace) and a 1382 Bryson(1419 Bryson x 1725 Harp).About 10 different seeds will be started soon between 4 growing partners. Monday, April 29 View Page Flat Norman came north for a visit.Did I hear him muttering these letters-W T F when he first saw the setup?A Labatt Blue(good Canadian pilsner)often a good solution. Saturday, May 4 View Page The 444 Beachy was planted today.Took the place of the 1382 Bryson that didn't germinate.The 1391 Weurshing germinated(2 days)a second 249 Beachy(4 days)and a 896 McMillan(3 days).On the heating pad are 2x594 Towne,an 896 and 964 McMillan and a 562 Minor. Soon,a 1421 Boyce,581 Minor,809 Breznick will be started.Can't believe this warm dry weather.Maybe a week at 70+ degrees daytime with another to follow....but we did have a snowstorm 2 weeks ago.... Saturday, May 4 View Page I shouldn't drink beer and try to spell names late at night,lol.....(Wuersching) Tuesday, May 7 View Page 249 Beachy at 12 days Tuesday, May 7 View Page 1753 Bryson at 13 days.....562 Minor,896,964 McMillan,594 Towne all germinated in 3 days....A second 249 Beachy was planted yesterday.I had the plot pegged for another seed but the 249 was pushing out roots really fast,lol. Saturday, May 11 View Page The 581 Minor,1421 Boyce and a second 594 Towne germinated.The 1391 Wuersching was planted a day after the 444 planting.The 896 was planted 2 days ago.I have to get a bigger cover for the first 249 Beachy as it's on the move.First rain last night in about 3 weeks.Corn really needed it to start.Fields are really dusty.Apple blossoms are out.What a sight and smell in the orchards.Bit of a cold snap on the way.Back to a normal May.... Wednesday, May 15 View Page Planted the 562 Minor,964 McMillan,my cousins' competition plants for "0range" and the 594 Towne today.Night temps improved earlier than forcasted.Wrapped up plants looked great after 2 days of hibernation,30-36 night temps.Standing straight up looking for light. Thursday, May 16 View Page 249 Beachy...drenching with fish and seaweed 2x week. Thursday, May 16 View Page 1753 Bryson... for my 150 sq ft plant... Monday, May 27 View Page 1753 Bryson Monday, May 27 View Page 249 Beachy....and yet I'm only planting tommorrow(581Minor) in my last country plot as it was snowing Saturday night,lol Monday, May 27 View Page Everone is enjoying the sun today...after days of rain and cold temps.I took the plastic off the soil around the plants.Sunday morning,the plots looked a bit discusting....but the plastic did the job... Sunday, June 2 View Page Had some violent storms yesterday but all plants are good.Nothing like lots of bamboo sticks.Will have to install a few wind fences soon.Plants are thickening up with this heat.Already doing cuke beetle prevent,as one of these days... Backyard 249 and 1753 are 3ft long.Have to put some mychor.under the vine roots. 1421 Boyce will be planted this week.Gave it to my dairy farmer friend,fellow grower.Not hard to guess what I received in return,aged 3 years.He has a stunning location nestled in between small mountains,no PM issues but a later planting date.Could be a PB for him this year. Friday, June 7 View Page Both the 249 Beachy and 1753 Bryson(next pic)have main vines over 6ft despite cool temps and rain,again.The 896 McMillan was still growing last year, late September,cool temps.Common relative in all three-1725 Harp. Friday, June 7 View Page I bought the 1753 Bryson seed from the St Croix auction.I was given two more by a fellow grower,former collegue France,who took her family to a publicity event last fall,for the 1753.The pumpkin was cleaned out,seeds saved.After everyone left,she went adiggin' in the garbage(guts) and found a couple.Guess we are a special group,lol Wednesday, June 12 View Page Finally some sun,after lots of cloudy weather,2 inches of rain yesterday....A first female of the season,today on the 249 Beachy,at 8ft.Lots of males already at the party....1391 Weursching and the 594 Towne are chunky vined plants at 2ft....809,1092 Dill and the 1149 Reid were planted Sunday at grower friend Pete's patch.Lots of space,aged horse manure for a big one,we hope.He is in the hills also,so a little later planting date. Saturday, June 15 View Page A female at 9ft on the 1753 as well as one on a secondary.3 days of sun,no rain,lol Saturday, June 22 View Page 249 Beachy #2 Saturday, June 22 View Page 562 Minor Saturday, June 22 View Page 964 McMillan Saturday, June 22 View Page 896 McMillan Saturday, June 22 View Page 594 Towne Saturday, June 22 View Page 1391 Wuersching Saturday, June 22 View Page 444 Beachy Sunday, June 23 View Page First pollination today on the 1753 Bryson(selfed)at 9ft.This main isn't too flexible for positioning.I've been trying for a few days,lol.Six females on secondaries.I could pollinate one far out as I don't have a lot of room left in this 150 sq ft contest plot.But there is another chance at 12 ft on the main....maybe not necessary... Sunday, June 23 View Page 249 Beachy.First pollination maybe tomorrow(to be selfed for 1725 Harp project).Flexible main.Seven females on secondaries. Monday, June 24 View Page Installed a shade netting today on the 1753 Bryson...More flexibility in the main vine with the high heat...Female on the 249 Beachy still has not opened... Saturday, June 29 View Page First pollination today on the 249 Beachy(selfed)at 17ft. Saturday, June 29 View Page Back end view of the 249.The stump is 10ft from the end of plot so I can have 5-6 secondaries at 10-15 ft in this 12ft wide patch.Hard to believe this plant was 15sq ft(6 ft main),3 weeks ago. Saturday, June 29 View Page Fruit on the 1753 Bryson still shiney.I have shade cloth around it in case a squirrel visits.Usually I use white bedsheet but it rains EVERYDAY.Not a nice way to treat a pumpkin with cool,damp cloth. Wednesday, July 3 View Page Pollinated the 1753 Bryson with the 594 Towne(that grew on 180 sq ft).Both plants have the 1382 Bryson on the maternal side.The first pollination on the 1753 didn't take...Pollination on the 249 Beachy is looking good so far.Tomorrow,polllination on the 1391 Wuersching(selfed)then Friday,on the 444 Beachy(selfed)...Soon one for the 964 McMillan. Thursday, July 4 View Page Happy July 4th to my southside friends!....Pollination on the 1391(selfed) early today...Looks like the best growing day in a while with warm temps day and night.249 Beachy pollination is a softball size.Fingers crossed for the 1753 pollination.Not much room left for the 150 sq ft contest,lol... Sunday, July 7 View Page Pollinated the 444 Beachy with the 249 Beachy(instead of selfing)today,about 11ft down the main.Set on the 1753 and 1391 both looking good.Still a few days away for pollinations on the 562 Minor and 964 McMillan.Good looking plants,dark leaves.Second 249 is a bit smaller.574 Towne,country version,and one of the 896 McMillan's are in a tough place,lack of drainage,rainy year.Plants are small but the 574 has a 6ft main vine.I'm impressed as even weeds are not growing well.Got to get some sand under the 249 #1 set.Fruit will be volleyball size in two days. Sunday, July 7 View Page That's more like it... Monday, July 8 View Page 1753 Bryson x 594 Towne at about 15ft,ideal for the 150ft plot. Monday, July 8 View Page A second selfing on the 249#1,main vine,yesterday. Monday, July 8 View Page Three pollinations today on the 1753(x249),one on the main,two on secondaries near end of main. Wednesday, July 10 View Page No wonder why one of the 896 McMillan's,country location,is growing.... Friday, July 12 View Page Second pollination today on the 444(x249).First did not take.Five going on the 1753.Choices to make soon.Second pollution on the 249#1 didn't take.Growing fruit seems to be dominating other female development.Basketball size now. Saturday, July 20 View Page 1753 Bryson at about 16 days.Had a volleyball and 4 baseballs going on this plant a few days ago.Down to one by choice.(Pic taken two days ago) Saturday, July 20 View Page 249 Beachy at about 20 days. Sunday, July 21 View Page The 444 Beachy and 1391 Wuersching both have shiney volley sized sets.The 1391 looks to be going orange,surprisingly after looking at the pic of the mother fruit and the pollinator seed background.A completely dark,green vine also....The 562 Minor and 964 McMillan both have softball sized sets.The 594 Towne,in the wet location it unfortunately has,an 8ft light green plant with 20 small leaves,has a baseball sized shiney set.I'm going to have to put this seed in a dry location next year,let her run!!The other 591,in a 4ftx15 ft spot,is really taking off,after a late planting,extra plant.581 Minor and the 896 McMillan,in a second country location,have really picked up,producing some females. Monday, July 29 View Page 1753 Bryson,69in circ.,150 sq ft patch.Growing a little slower than I hoped.Some leaf issues,maybe downey mildew.Still many good leaves though.Usually I get PM but taking care of that,none so far. Monday, July 29 View Page 249 Beachy at 216 OTT.Really happy with this plant. Monday, July 29 View Page 594 Towne with the 150 sq ft plot in the background.I planted this 4 weeks ago.Already a set on it.In a 3x4 ft piece of soil,was to be a snake vine,but getting the feeling I'm to be pleasantly surprised in September.Might have to put this seed in a priority spot next year. Monday, July 29 View Page Lost the 1391 to a BES.This was my backup,had been really trimmed to a wide snakevine,had gone to one fruit.Not sure if any more females will appear. Tuesday, August 6 View Page Having a hard time getting a pumpkin past basketball size on the 444Beachy.Healthy plant,lots of females.She is trying hard to produce. Tuesday, August 6 View Page Nice looking sets,shiney,long stems,on the 444. Tuesday, August 6 View Page Concerned about this fruit on the 249 Beachy at 225OTT. Part of blossem end is somewhat soft.Still growing though. Tuesday, August 6 View Page 562 Minor plant in the foreground(about half),964 McMillan in background.Kinda sharin the same room... Tuesday, August 6 View Page 4 like this on the 562 Tuesday, August 6 View Page fruit on 964 McMILLAN Tuesday, August 6 View Page 1753 Bryson IS 79CC Tuesday, August 6 View Page Lost a nice set on the 594 Towne to a squirrel.Usually I'm prepared for this but too many things going on,lol Sunday, August 11 View Page 249 Beachy is starting to go done with a fairly large soft spot near the blossom.Too bad.Rock solid around the shoulders.Was hoping for a PB as the plant is healthy. Sunday, August 11 View Page Flat Norm is saying too many leaves have been lost to downey mildew.Take this pumpkin to the Champlain Valley Fair in two weeks. Monday, August 12 View Page Two like this on the 562 Minor. Monday, August 12 View Page Culls on the 562. Tuesday, August 13 View Page 964 McMillan(pic) has doubled in a week....Cannot get a keeper on the 444 Beachy-about 8 sets have gone down,softball to basketball size.2 more ongoing but I'm not hopeful.Too bad as one of my stongest,healthiest plants ever. Saturday, August 17 View Page The country plot 60 miles from home is doing really well.Two plants,896 McMillan and 581 Minor,both 250-300sq ft,no disease,pumpkins basketball to beachball size,2 remaining on each plant after many culls.896 is yellow fruit,581 cream colored. Tuesday, August 20 View Page I cut open the 249 Beachy that has been going down.Tried to wait hoping to get some mature seeds.Only 10 with 60-90% complete seed coat,1 complete.Would grow this as a pollinator for a different line.One rock solid fruit,10 inches at the shoulder... Friday, August 23 View Page Going to Champlain Valley Fair at 199OTT...At least I have something,LOL...(1753 Bryson on 150-plot) Friday, August 23 View Page 562 Minor Friday, August 23 View Page 964 McMillan Friday, August 23 View Page 896 McMillan...Same shape as my 580(last year) but yellow this year. Friday, August 23 View Page 249 Beachy,#2 Friday, August 23 View Page 581 Minor Friday, August 23 View Page 1250 Vincent-McGill Sunday, August 25 View Page Nice yellow basketball on the 594,maybe 14 days... Tuesday, August 27 View Page The 1753 Bryson,my 150 sq ft plot plant,weighed 178 lbs at the Champlain Valley Fair.Taped 199 OTT. Tuesday, August 27 View Page 562 Minor Tuesday, August 27 View Page 2nd 562 fruit,same plant,another"main vine" Tuesday, August 27 View Page 964 McMillan Tuesday, August 27 View Page 581 Minor Tuesday, August 27 View Page 896 McMillan....(another 5 seeds please,Dave) Saturday, September 7 View Page 581 Minor,10 days later.... Saturday, September 7 View Page 896 McMillan....A good weekly drenching ,4:1 of seaweed to fish,both plants on about 250 sq ft... Wednesday, September 11 View Page Well at least the flowers were good with all this summer's rain,lol. Friday, October 4 View Page 896 McMillan at 272in.Unfortunately a BES 2 days before last week's weighoff in Sherbrooke.Rapid growth,cold nights.It was fun to watch the change though.Had a couple of more weeks to maturity in this one.On 250 sq ft. Saturday, October 5 View Page 331Pons,my sister Sharon's pumpkin,on the 581 Minor,250 sq ft,not at maturity. Saturday, October 5 View Page 435Jones on the 1149 Reid,another early harvest. Monday, November 11 View Page Fruit from the 562 Minor chopped for compost on the 150sq ft plot.Was 7 inches at the shoulders,4 inches at the blossem end....Added a yard of soil,peat moss,raising the plot by a few inches... Tuesday, November 26 View Page Will add more soil in spring,about 6 inches higher than this year,150ft plot.Looking forward to the 2014 contest,many more entries.Thanks Bart for the fun and for sending us a..... Tuesday, November 26 View Page ....certificate.Nice touch to find a way to give us all a first placer.Love the fine print,lol Monday, December 9 View Page More work on the 150 sq ft plot.Probably it will be about 8 inches deeper after soil addition in the spring.Hopefully more roots.At least better drainage.. Tuesday, December 31 View Page That's about it for this year.....