Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 198 Entries. Saturday, March 13 View Page The start of another growing season is just around the corner.This is the current patch conditions for Anchorage Alaska. I plan to start the germination process around April 1st, since the weigh-off is around Sept 1 st Saturday, March 13 View Page This is my new greenhouse,I tore down the old one and expanded it to 529 sq ft so now both are the same size.I painted it white for better light diffusion and longer life for the poly film.PLan on getting her all sealed up soon...but Saturday, March 13 View Page First, a little soil prep... Saturday, March 13 View Page a alaskan roto- tiller..lol.. Saturday, March 13 View Page This year's patch Saturday, March 13 View Page Our newest patch member Sitka. My daughter Kayla brought her home.She's a husky mix that was rescued from one of the villages..she.. Saturday, March 13 View Page Sitka thinks she is just like these dogs... Saturday, March 13 View Page running the 2010 Iditarod ,as they go thru Anchorage during the ceremonial start Sunday, April 4 View Page Well ,its that time of year again .So here is a look at my final 4.I would like to start out the new season by,thanking all the outstanding growers , who were kind enough to return my bubble requests, thank you. I'd never sent out a bubble before ,so I wasn't sure if any would come back...after some tough decesions ,this is my team for 2010 Sunday, April 4 View Page germination box and official patch beverage (used for medicinal purposes only) Sunday, April 4 View Page a look inside ,Hydro farm heat mat with digital thermostat,with soil probe is the heat source,also redundant thermometer with soil probe Sunday, April 4 View Page soil temp Sunday, April 4 View Page this is my 3rd edition of this green house, no more additions..(yeah ..right) Sunday, April 4 View Page This is # 2, this year trying something new ,with the poly film.(hope it works) instead of the standard reinforced poly ,I'm trying Tufflite 6 mil IR/AC 4 year pol film made in Louisiana (might as well been made in antarctica for the cost to get it up here) by Berry plastics, Sunday, April 4 View Page a look at both.. hopefully a new state record lives in there...lol...JD's 1019 will be tough to beat ..could this be the year.. Friday, April 9 View Page 5 of the 7 are up and growing...only the 900 wallace was a know show I tried everything but it didn't do anything, still in the box hoping ,the 762 rodonis is on life support, but it might still make it yet Friday, April 9 View Page this baby is at the other end of the spectrum...came up strong and isn't slowing down Friday, April 9 View Page this one started out a little rocky, but once i got the seed cots off, it greened up and now is picking up the pace Friday, April 9 View Page my 594 from last year ( 1349 sherwood x self ).off to a good start ,this one might get planted again this year,since the 900 and 762 probably won't be there..bummer Friday, April 9 View Page my 2 give away plants..the 313 (1363 Werner)...329 (1568 Connolly ) Friday, April 9 View Page some of the organic fertiliers I'll be using , going to try a few new products this year ... Friday, April 9 View Page current patch conditions here in anchorage...today's high 38 and low of 17 F...just lovely..for putting plants in the ground ... Sunday, April 18 View Page things are starting to get crowed in the interior mini patch,plus with hardly any fresh air getting exchange, these need to get in the ground ...just like the song ..plants in the ground ..plants in the ground, so off they go.. Sunday, April 18 View Page Well, these are the plant choices for 2010,the 1544 is my #1,the 594 I wasn't even planning on planting.but with germination difficulties, with the 900 Wallace and 762 Rodonis (hopefully not my my fault )and the clock ticking. It will share a spot with the 1483 ,which is going to be my #2 Sunday, April 18 View Page These are going to people here in Anchorage Sunday, April 18 View Page finally in the ground on Sat the 17th..so attention all alaskan growers ..the race is on..lol..good luck to all Sunday, April 18 View Page this baby is moving right along.. Sunday, April 18 View Page also ,something new this year.A 50 cfm fan that is thermostaically controlled,pulls the hot air from the peak and blows it underground,through a series of 4" perforated pipes.Providing both cooling and soil warming in the green house at the same time ...so far so good .. Sunday, April 18 View Page this pic should have gone with a previous post..oops Monday, April 26 View Page Well, another week has gone by. This the 1544 Revier at Day 26. This is a strong growing plant and right trying to the main to lay down. Its past the 3 foot mark or so Monday, April 26 View Page another lookat the 1544 Monday, April 26 View Page again the 1544,I have high hopes for this plant ,should be a fun ride... Monday, April 26 View Page This is my 594 from last year,this is a pretty strong plant,also at Day 26 Monday, April 26 View Page another angle, of the 594 Monday, April 26 View Page This is the 1483 Werner ,a plant I really like.It started alittle slow but starting to pick up the pace Monday, April 26 View Page another look at the 1483,also at Day 26 Monday, April 26 View Page The 762 Rodonis lives.. probably the longest germination in history..almost 4 weeks to get to this stage, but it's looking good now. Monday, April 26 View Page other plants getting started for the year Sunday, May 2 View Page this is the 1544 Revier, a really awesome plant so far.I finally got the main to lay down,but not without a price. Since I suffer from D.A.D. (dumb ass disease...there's no cure).I moved it just a little when it was cold and put a small split in the mainvine, last week.But everything seems to be okay now. Sunday, May 2 View Page the 1544 main around the 6 ft mark Sunday, May 2 View Page another angle of the 1544 Sunday, May 2 View Page this is my vine burying arsenal,hopefully a little pinch of these goodies in every hole, will do the trick Sunday, May 2 View Page again Sunday, May 2 View Page my 594 from last year,also moving right along ,with the main around 6 ft Sunday, May 2 View Page another look a the 1483 Sunday, May 9 View Page this is the alaskan version of the 1544 Revier,Day 39.I know alot of people are growing this cross this year.It 'll be cool to see how I do against some very good growers Monday, May 10 View Page another angle of the 1544 ,the main is around 9 ft 6" and starting to fill out Monday, May 10 View Page here is the other side of the plant ,but wait what's this.. Monday, May 10 View Page the first female on the 1544.. could this be the one .it will be at least 10 ft from the main by pollination time, Monday, May 10 View Page this in the other house ,with the 594 on the right and the 1483 werner on the left both at day 39 or so Monday, May 10 View Page another look at the 1483 main is a little over 6 ft, this plant though smaller now ,will be the priority plant the 594 will be pruned back accordingly Monday, May 10 View Page a look at the houses without all the snow on the ground ,spring arrived in force this weekend ,with 57 temps and clear skies to go along with our 17 hours of daylight, you can't beat alaska in the summertime.. Monday, May 10 View Page the 762 lives up in the glass house for now.probably will become a pollinator plant Monday, May 10 View Page this is one of the LG's I'm going to try this ,thanks duff Monday, May 10 View Page these are 3 more LG plants ,truth is I never have seen a LG plant in my life so this should be interesting,the state record is 63", so it seems attainable hopefully..lol.. Monday, May 10 View Page my veg garden under plastic trying to warm up the soil.I told my son Leven (right hand man) to open the gate for me ...I was thinking something different..lol.. Sunday, May 16 View Page This is the 1544 Revier' this is my strongest plant so far. Not growing as fast as I would like ,the main is only about 13 ft,but with the cool cloudy weather,low night time temps in the pumpkin house and the small split I put in the main (ouch) .I can't complain,the plant seems to be growing wider faster, than longer, and it is putting down some excellant root growth Sunday, May 16 View Page another angle of the 1544 plant,this is Day 46 Sunday, May 16 View Page the 1st male flower on the 1544,I,m trying to remember how to save pollen,in case I need it... Sunday, May 16 View Page This is the 1st female on the 1544, sitting at just over 11 ft on the main.I'm not really thrilled at it's position on the vine ..the lower leaf has to go .the main vine needs to be moved (great)..at least a male flower is close you would think they would open at the same time ,but I doubt it ..but like they say no guts no glory.. Sunday, May 16 View Page one last look ..I'm getting tired of looking at leaves..need to see some orange..lol.. Sunday, May 16 View Page This alook at the 1483 werner on the left and the 594 on the right battling out for space in PH #2.The 1483 is going to win the battle ,the 594 just doesn't know it yet..I gave up to early on the 1363, last year and it ended up growing my best looking fruit,so the 1483 is the priority plant (unless I snap the main off of course ) Saturday, May 22 View Page the 1st female on the 1544 ,a 4 lober got pollinated today,Day 52.I was hoping to use the 1483 as the pollinator ,but no males were ready on that plant.So if this one doesn't set ,I'll have another chance Saturday, May 22 View Page a closer look at the 4 lober Saturday, May 22 View Page front view of the the same ,if this one sets I'm going to go to attack mode ,Last year .I was way to relaxed and the 1st pollination aborted,don't won't to do that again,.. Saturday, May 22 View Page 2nd female on the 1544 Saturday, May 22 View Page the 1544 coming at you ,it has been a great plant so far, hope it keeps up Tuesday, May 25 View Page the 1st female on the 1483 Werner,sitting around the 12 ft mark on the main,Hoping to cross it with the 1544 Revier.It looks like it's still a couple days away from pollinating time Tuesday, May 25 View Page the 2nd female on the 1483 main,sitting a couple feet past the 1st Tuesday, May 25 View Page this is the 1st female on the main on my 594 from last year.It's sitting around the 16' mark Tuesday, May 25 View Page the 2 plants battling out for space,its actually controlled chaos ..lol. Tuesday, May 25 View Page the 2 plants battling out for space,its actually controlled chaos ..lol. Saturday, May 29 View Page this is the 1st set on the 1544 Revier, Day 7.I like the shape and the position of it,in relationship to the pumpkinhouse.So if it starts to ramp up ,I'm going to run with it Sunday, May 30 View Page another angle of the #1 on the 1544 Sunday, May 30 View Page This the #2 on the 1544,though you can't see it from this angle. The female is on the secondary, about 1 inch off the main,second year in a row that this has occurred. not really sure why ..? Sunday, May 30 View Page my food factory on the 1544 all ready to start to rock n roll Sunday, May 30 View Page this is the 1 st pollinated female on the 1483 Werner ,Day 3.It was crossed with the 1544 as the pollinator Sunday, May 30 View Page The 2nd female on the 1483,I will pollinate this and the #3 also showing if need be Sunday, May 30 View Page The #1 on the 594 ,about time your almost out of room...I'll turn the main to the right ,then terminate the main after about 6 more feet Sunday, May 30 View Page the confluence of the 1483 and 594... Sunday, May 30 View Page my partner in crime.. Sunday, May 30 View Page spring color in ak... Sunday, May 30 View Page My LG starting to take off.. Friday, June 4 View Page Day 13 of the 1544 fruit ,last couple of days the growth started to pick up .I hope it keeps it up ,since I had to axe the #2 female, and the #3 isn,t ready yet.This is my best shot of a big fruit off of this plant. Friday, June 4 View Page another angle of the 1544 fruit,The alaska record is 1019 lbs ( JD ).So my dream plan is ,,to weigh 400 lbs by 7/1,then 800lbs by 8/1, then hopefully pick up some weight in august ,then hopefully go heavy to reach the 1000 lb plateau..Since its still early I'm optimistic right now..lol.. Friday, June 4 View Page the 1st on the 1483,has a real nice long stem ,nice shape Friday, June 4 View Page the #2 on the 1483 Friday, June 4 View Page the #3on the 1483 Werner, All 3 of these were pollinated by the 1544 Revier Friday, June 4 View Page the #1 on my 594 pollinated by its roommate (figures) the 1483 werner Friday, June 4 View Page the 1483 and 594, out of room and pruned to the plan.. Thursday, June 10 View Page My pumpkin off the 1544 Revier , almost 65 lbs est. and starting to ramp up....my only shot at the state record Thursday, June 10 View Page the pumpkin house at maxiunm capacity..sorry no rooms left Thursday, June 10 View Page an army of leaves Tuesday, June 22 View Page My pumpkin off the 1544 Revier ,crawling at a snail pace to an ott of 196 and a weight around 169 lbs,the lousy weather lately really put the brakes on this plant.The good news is I've never been this heavy, this early.the bad news is a 1000 lbs won't be happening this year... Tuesday, June 22 View Page another angle of the 1544 pumpkin,all secondaries and the main vine are terminated,also all tertiary's and flowers pruned off.With 500 sq ft of plant and roots going to only one pumpkin .I was hoping for a better rate of growth,hopefully it will start soon ..lol.. Sunday, June 27 View Page this is the pumpkinn off the 1544 Revier..sitting at an ott of 221 and estimated weight of 237 lbs... Sunday, June 27 View Page this is the pumpkin off the 1483 Werner,this is my new favorite ,since it gained 81 lbs in the last 3 days, I know that's old hat for most growers ,but for me it was ground breaking.I had to check the math 3 times.. still can't believe it ..lol.. Sunday, June 27 View Page kinda of a top view of the same ,tis one is not in the best spot for pics,,right now sitting right around 200 lbs Sunday, June 27 View Page this a pumpkin off the 594.. right around 125 lbs .This one is heavier and better looking than last year's model at this time ,without any special treatment, this is our guinea pig plant Sunday, June 27 View Page this is a look at my long gourd project, all my plants are duffy crosses.I'm a rookie grower of these ,so we'll see how it turns out... Sunday, June 27 View Page I'm thinking this is set,if not there are 4 others a little smaller that look just like it .lol.. Sunday, June 27 View Page a general look at the greenhouse ,lg's in the rear ,cukes on the right ,tomatoes ,peppers on the left Sunday, June 27 View Page another view of same Saturday, July 3 View Page Well, another week has gone by, and my new best friend ( 1483 x 1544 ) keeps on truckin..Today (7/3) Day 33. It was an astounding week ( for me any way ) 109 circ- 81 ss - 71 ee,= an ott of 263, for est weight of 390 lbs. By far my best weekly run ever, several days over 30 lbs a day ...yeah Saturday, July 3 View Page another angle of my baby ,growth really picked up after JD (alaska's top dog )steered me in the right direction with some good advice ... Saturday, July 3 View Page all that growth did come with a minor problem (I hope it's minor)The blossom end has duel expansion cracks or something ,it has been weeping sap for a couple of days .Sprayed daconil and have a fan on it.I'm hoping that if it was going to split it would have done by now...keeping fingers and toes crossed Saturday, July 3 View Page This is the (1544 x self) day 42,with a 107 circ-73ss-76ee=256 ott for an est 361 lbs,for a weekly gain of a 140 lbs,starting to turn a nice orange color Saturday, July 3 View Page another look at it Saturday, July 3 View Page my 594 pumpkin sitting at 219 lbs , Saturday, July 3 View Page my long gourd hanging at 46 inches ,grew 24" last week Sunday, July 4 View Page another look at maybe a new state record..not that much farther to go....... Sunday, July 4 View Page the trellis top at 10 ft. These plants are cool ,never seen on before, nice leaf texture.These are growing in 31 gallon storage containers from wally world Sunday, July 11 View Page this is the 1483 pumpkin,day 40, 126- 90- 79 = 295 ott , for an est wt of 544lbs, a gain of 154 lbs from last week. It might be in its last week... Sunday, July 11 View Page stem end view of the heart attack pumpkin.... Sunday, July 11 View Page my little problem... it's deep , not to the cavity yet.but I have no idea how thick the shoulders are..bummer... Sunday, July 11 View Page my reaction after finding out my best pumpkin ever ,is probably done for...also on my best plant..@%*%@! Sunday, July 11 View Page then there's old reliable,not going to set many records wita 117-78-82=277 ott for a est wt of 453 lbs ..but solid and spilt free so far.. Sunday, July 11 View Page 1544 alaska version,only gain 92 lbs last week Sunday, July 11 View Page my long gourd, right at 72 inches ,since the current state record is 67 ". we might have a new winner ... Sunday, July 18 View Page We are on are way to the Kenai Peninsula , for some dipnetting Sunday, July 18 View Page yes it is a .... Sunday, July 18 View Page a view down the turnagin arm.. Sunday, July 18 View Page another look .. Sunday, July 18 View Page a unique feature of the arm Sunday, July 18 View Page more scenery Sunday, July 18 View Page the Kenai river a world class salmon fishery Sunday, July 18 View Page the mouth of the kenai ,were the action begins.. Sunday, July 18 View Page oops Sunday, July 18 View Page several hrs later 134 red (sockeye) salmon in the boat and ready for the fillet table..man what a day ..now the work starts ... Sunday, July 18 View Page more fish Sunday, July 18 View Page more scenery Sunday, July 18 View Page a real mini glacier ...funny I didn't see any pumpkin patches on the trip ..excect JD's he's the only one on the kenai peninsula..wonder why ...ummm Sunday, July 18 View Page It has 8 straps for maximum protection,If I damage a fruit using this baby then I'm a dumb ass...hmmm, Thanks again JD can't wait to try it out on the 1483 cross Sunday, July 18 View Page this is the 1483 x 1544 at day 47 ..139 circ- 101 ss - 86 ee =326 ott = est wt 729 lbs, for a weekly gain of 146 lbs Sunday, July 18 View Page closer look ,stem splits seem to have stabilized ,not getting any bigger ,still hoping to keep it in one piece Sunday, July 18 View Page day 58 of the 1544 pumpkin sitting at 295 ott for an est wt of 555 lbs Sunday, July 18 View Page the lg's off the 84" duffy cross (09) sitting at 81 " and 72" in length Sunday, July 25 View Page Pumpkinhouse #2 starting to look like the real deal...the 1483 0n the left and 594 on the right Sunday, July 25 View Page 1483 my top pumpkin...148 - 105 - 90 for a 343 ott an a est. wt of 847 lbs, for a weekly gain of 118 lbs, growth is starting to slow down now .But with this lousy weather and no sun ..it's to be expected Sunday, July 25 View Page a rare side view of the 1483..it out grew it's 16 sq ft house ..now in in a new 36 sq ft adobe. Sunday, July 25 View Page blossom end view... Sunday, July 25 View Page This pumkin looks alot like the 948 young (09),same genetics . I'm hoping it turns out the same way ..but goes heavy ... Sunday, July 25 View Page the 1544 Revier at 131-85-89=305 ott = est of 600 lbs..for a 45 lb weekly gain...nothing to get excited about...just slow and steady..already above my personal best so I'm happy Sunday, July 25 View Page the 1544 ..has a nice orange look... Sunday, August 1 View Page 1544 day 71 ..136 circ 87ss 91ee =314ott for an est wt of 653 lbs...for 53 lbs weekly gain ..lack of sun is starting to take it's toll, as things are really slowing down now Sunday, August 1 View Page This is the blossum end of the 1544,looks pretty strange to me .I have no idea if it's going to be a problem or not .. Sunday, August 1 View Page so I called in a expert ... Sunday, August 1 View Page PH #2 1483 on left ,594 on right Sunday, August 1 View Page stem end view of the 1483 ..still in one piece..day 62 ..154 circ-107ss-92ee=353 ott for an est wt of 923 lbs. July was a good month for this pumpkin ,it put on 600 lbs , for me that's unreal. but with a weekly gain of 76 lbs things are slowing down... Sunday, August 1 View Page the pic for the previous post.. Sunday, August 1 View Page blossom end view of the 1483 looks good expansion cracks healed up nicely Sunday, August 1 View Page the 594 , with an est of 423 lbs, no special treatment just a blanket at night Sunday, August 1 View Page the patch Sunday, August 8 View Page the 1483x1544 cross at day 69, with a 158 circ,109 1/2 ss,95 ee for a 362- 1/2" ott ,for an est wt of 998 lbs... A weekly gain of 75 lbs...With the weigh-off justa little over 3 weeks away I'm starting to feel cautiously optimistic about this pumpkins chances of making it there.. Sunday, August 8 View Page the 1544 x self Day 78...139 c,90 ss, 92 ee= 321" ott for an est wt of 697 lbs.. for a 44 lb weekly gain,this one will go the fairs early weigh-off in 17 days... hopefully the sun will come at least once by then ..this has been one of Anchorages cooler and wetter summers in years.. this weather blows.. Sunday, August 15 View Page 1483x1544 cross now at day 76 ,161 circ,-111 ss,-96 ee = 368 ott for an est wt. of 1044 lbs. That's a weekly gain of 46 lbs...With only 16 growing days to the weigh - off..I'm ready.. this plant has been hammered by aphids ect ,my organic lady bug approach to the problem didn't work out ..but I"m starting to get excited ,this could be a 1000 lb pumpkin Sunday, August 15 View Page a side shot of the 1483 ,Anchorage had the pleasure this year of breaking a weather record from 1951.. for 28 days of measurable rainfall, the last clear day ( no clouds) here was in April...the good news is are rainy season is about to start... Sunday, August 15 View Page stem end view .. Sunday, August 15 View Page the 1544 leaves.. this plant is really going strong .. to bad the pumpkin couldn't keep up Monday, August 23 View Page the 1483 , 9 days before weigh -off, Leven my right hand man , is doing the posing Monday, August 23 View Page another look ,at a contender for a new state record.. has a pretty good shot at it ... but you never know ... Thursday, August 26 View Page the 1544 pumpkin on harvest day , with my secret weapon in the foreground.. getting ready for the early fair weigh-off Thursday, August 26 View Page of coarse everybody came to see it... Thursday, August 26 View Page called in the army for this one Thursday, August 26 View Page the cobra crane ..ready for action .. man I love this thing...makes my day so much easier Thursday, August 26 View Page getting rigged up for the lift ..the lifting ring courtesy of JD..it's a beauty.. Thursday, August 26 View Page going up and out bottom lots good flat and split free Friday, August 27 View Page up thru the roof .. this crane is cool Friday, August 27 View Page that tapes out at 743 lbs floating thru the air...oh yeah... Friday, August 27 View Page touch down Friday, August 27 View Page waiting to unload Friday, August 27 View Page getting the pumpkin ready off last years 594 Friday, August 27 View Page not to bad for this pumpkin which I pretty much ignored this year ..It taped around 523 lbs Friday, August 27 View Page the pumpkin off the the 1544 ..the rock .. this pumkin taped out at 743 and came in at 902 lbs ...again... oh yeah... 21% heavy...this was also an awesome plant ..huge stump Friday, August 27 View Page the 609 on the left and the 902 on the right .. I'm really happy with these 2, after the sub par summer we had .The 902 beat my PB by 308 lbs...all's good Thursday, September 2 View Page Harvest Day for the 1483 cross, with my oldest son Rowan on the left My nephew.. pat.. and my bosses brother in law Cliff , all the way from Conn. to help Thursday, September 2 View Page starting the lift ...did I tell you already how much I love this crane (Thanks Frank...my boss).. he has a habit of buying things and leaving them here.. got to love it Thursday, September 2 View Page the 1483 coming up and out..oh yeah Thursday, September 2 View Page Patrick ..running like I'm going to drop it on him..lol.. but that is 1100 lbs floating over his head... Friday, September 3 View Page a look of the bottom of the 1483 ...nice flat and problem free Friday, September 3 View Page touch down ..now i can breathe again .. that has to be the most stressfull part of the process .. knowing you can erase 5 months work in seconds, if you slip up Friday, September 3 View Page in the truck .. my right hand man supervising Friday, September 3 View Page at the fair talking to local tv affiliate, channel 2 Friday, September 3 View Page a look at the state record long gourd at 83 inches... most folks up here have never seen one (myself included)..off the 84 duff cross ...way cool Friday, September 3 View Page 1483 heading to the scale Friday, September 3 View Page JD's 848 cross heading to the scale Friday, September 3 View Page getting JD's Pumpkin ready for the scale Friday, September 3 View Page 757 lbs great job, in a lousy summer for weather Friday, September 3 View Page the 1483 getting ready .. Friday, September 3 View Page on the scale Friday, September 3 View Page oh yeah............ Friday, September 3 View Page jd on the left ,myself on the right ...1101 in the foreground... Friday, September 3 View Page JD, myself, and Scott..discussing quantum physics and its relationship between nanoparticles Friday, September 3 View Page myself and JD with our Fair lady... Kathy..who managed another giant pumpkin weigh-off.. thanks..great job.. Monday, September 6 View Page the 1101 ...on display at the fair .I had to show one last pic, you never know if this will ever happen again..lol.. I beat my PB by 507 lbs,.. I definitely know, that's not happening again .. Sunday, October 17 View Page A look at, what showed up in my driveway.. Sunday, October 17 View Page A couple of 1930 Model A fords in stellar condition... Sunday, October 17 View Page They were just driving by and the power of the pumpkins made them stop ..lol..In the 5 weeks the kins have been guarding the driveway, stuff like this has been happening on almost a daily basis. never under estimate the power of a giant pumpkin..lol...