Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 246 Entries. Friday, January 3 View Page Have a great season everyone and Happy New Year. My seed choice is done. Here are the four, two of my own and two Frei seed. The 854.5 Frei was a brilliant seed which I plan to cross with the 625 Frei to create a 1495 remake. Will post it when I have it safe in my hands. Thanks Peter Frei and Joe Werner for the seed.   Friday, January 3 View Page *Will post the 5th seed details in my diary when I receive it*   Saturday, January 18 View Page Revised the 2014 line-up and have decided to go with those in the picture. There were only 15 of the 1770 x 854.5 seed due to grower error in cleaning them up and they are very thin anyway so potentially would not store as well and for as long. Possibly being grown by two others this year and it combines the best genetics in my patch of 2013. The 230 is essentially a 1770 Lieber x 1161 Rodonis remake and was grown on a side vine up to about 55 days.   Sunday, February 2 View Page A reminder of why I'm growing the 874.8 this year (background pumpkin) and the 1290 Poirier genetics should really ramp up the orange factor this year! Pumpkin in the foreground was Ian/Stu Paton's and they took 1st and 2nd place at the RHS show in Westminster, London. The 874.8 took a humble 3rd place.   Sunday, February 2 View Page Seed selection sure is hard and my mind has changed once more. However, I'm going to hold off posting until I know for sure what the final line-up/back-ups will be.   Sunday, February 2 View Page Three of my pumpkins (978, 874.8 and 427) from 2013 were donated to Jonathan Trayte, an artist from London. Jonathan has made a cast of each pumpkin with a view to making life size concrete versions. Here is his work making the casts:   Sunday, February 2 View Page The 874.8   Sunday, February 2 View Page The 427   Sunday, February 2 View Page The 427 showing the graffiti that was carved into it after leaving it on display at York Maze. Sad that people would do this and this year I will probably only enter a pumpkin there if they can section the pumpkins off which is a shame to have to do.   Sunday, February 2 View Page .   Sunday, February 2 View Page A completed cast for the 427   Sunday, February 2 View Page .   Sunday, February 2 View Page the 874.8 again   Sunday, February 2 View Page some casts   Sunday, February 2 View Page Last but not least, the 978. Once the concrete versions are completed I'll post the pictures. www.jonathantrayte.com   Sunday, February 16 View Page Jonathan finally managed to cast them in concrete and I was told it was quite a task. He plans to wax them to darken the cast and also there is a bit of seam work to do but you get the idea. The cast of the 427 (on the left) is going to Turkey next week) and the 978 (on the right) and the 874.8 are being seen by a gallerist on Monday with the hope than Jonathan can persuade him to show them in London.   Sunday, February 16 View Page Think I have got my terminology all wrong. The casts I referred to in earlier posts are in fact moulds, the concrete pumpkins above are the casts.   Monday, February 17 View Page After looking at last years patch sizes and realising that all my plants were no more than 300 sq ft each made me think about utilising the space I have a little better. The trouble with growing in UK climate without a tunnel is that it's tough to establish a really big plant before pollination and then after pollination growth really slows down. In 2013 I ended up with a lot of open space and have decided to extend the main patch which grew two plants last year and to grow five in it this year. Sounds ambitious and I may need to adjust the plan mid-season but by extending the patch I think it can be done. Going from 5 patches to 7 was torture as it through me right back into seed selection torment. Captain indecisive has decided that enough paper has been wasted scribbling down the same seed lists again and again so here it is, 2014's line-up.   Wednesday, February 19 View Page When it's good enough for the kids to start playing out at the allotment its a sure sign the growing season is creeping up.   Wednesday, February 19 View Page Took some advice from a friend and shifted from a cramped overambitious 5 pumpkin main patch down to 4. That means something in the line-up has to go :( Also sorted the boundaries of what was the strawberry patch into the new 150' patch which measures 10'x15'.   Friday, March 14 View Page Today I prepared the 150 patch with 200L manure (around the planting area), 12lbs of fish blood and bone (6-6-6)and 1.5lbs epsom salts. Sowed some rye and will add suphate of potash as I dig in the rye in about 2 months. In the background is a half finished playhouse for Sophiana and Zachary and I have promised them I'll finish it soon.   Friday, March 14 View Page I wonder how many babies have been weighed on these old hospital scales?   Friday, March 14 View Page 150 patch also had 20lbs of lime   Tuesday, March 18 View Page Here's my FINAL seed line up (not including one squash plant). So far I've been as decisive as a jelly but this is it. Will be growing the 978 for comparison with the 1610 given that the 978 is from a selfed 1161 remake (854.5 Frei). Hope to cross the 1491 and 874.8 and reverse and hope to break 1000 lbs this year if our weather is as good as last year and think the 854.5 Frei will be the one to do it. Thanks Quinn, Joe, Charlie, Vince, Eugene and Mehdi for the seed.   Thursday, March 20 View Page Another patch done and it feels great. This patch is now in much better condition then last year when it grew my 978. Spent hours hand digging this patch and filled at least one dustbin with weed roots. To the patch was added: sulphate of potash (14 lbs), fish, blood and bone (14 lbs), CaCO3/CaO (20 lbs) and rockdust (11 lbs). Raked in and sowed some winter rye.   Thursday, March 20 View Page Trying a humate approach this year plus a few extra goodies not shown here ;)   Friday, March 21 View Page Thanks for the seed Charlie   Friday, March 21 View Page New additions to the patch which will help save time, improve coverage and hopefully help towards a new PB.   Wednesday, April 2 View Page Family day out. Zachary going ninja style on someone?   Friday, April 11 View Page Started the first batch of seed today: 1491 Werner 13 (1730 Werner x 1770 Lieber) 874.8 Geyelin 13 (1770 Lieber x 1290 Poirier) 854.5 Frei 12 (1231 Pukos x 1450 Wallace) 400 Zunino (1069 Zunino x 1069.5 Zunino) Guessing they will hit the patch on the 21st then I'll start the second batch of seed for the remaining 3 patches.   Saturday, April 12 View Page In the forefront is the 150 competition patch (400 Zunino) followed by two 384 sq ft (24' x 16') patches (874.8 Geyelin and 1491 Werner). Hoops up today. Plan to do both crosses of the 874.8 and 1491, i.e (1770 x 1290) x (1730 x 1770)and the reverse.   Sunday, April 13 View Page 10/10 seeds germinated and it seems that I can consistently get them to pop in 36 hours. I left them in for 48 hours before checking and it seems they had 12 hours too long.   Sunday, April 20 View Page 150 Patch competition plant: 1491 Werner (1730 Werner x 1770 Lieber), started on 11th April, planted in the patch today.   Sunday, April 20 View Page 150 Patch - this time with plants!   Sunday, April 20 View Page 854 Frei patch (16' x 24'), sown on 11th April, planted today.   Sunday, April 20 View Page 854.5 Frei. Soil temp is 14oC, colder than I would like but the plants were outgrowing their pots too quickly and they were not getting enough light at home so in they went. Now starts the daily 'open house, close house drama'.   Sunday, April 20 View Page 874.8 Geyelin plants. So far, the 854, 1491 and 874.8 planting spots have had 1 kg of humate and have been watered in with a warm mixture of liquid humate (2.5 mL per L), seaweed (2.5 g per L) and fulvic acid (0.5 g per L)   Monday, April 21 View Page Easter holiday over and back to work tomorrow. Had great fun at a Safari Park. Can you beleive that this brute walked right up to the car window and stood there for 5 mins as I scratched it's neck for it.   Monday, April 21 View Page Seems that I have lost the photo of the Girrafes eating out of our hands from the car window. This one is from today at Chatsworth House farm park. Zachary made me crawl through it twice and some lucky kid is going to find all the lost change from my pocket grrrr..   Monday, April 21 View Page Tried to make my excuses but just didn't wash!   Monday, April 21 View Page Sophiana   Monday, April 21 View Page Have been trying to germinate the 1770 Lieber x 854.5 Frei that I have left from the 230 est in 2013. The 854.5 Frei produced my 14% heavy 978, the best in my patch and could be a good combination with the heavy producing 1495 genetics. So far, three seeds rotted and the last pair were subjected to a method with minimal moisture and had their seed coats removed. The one on the left rotted but the left hand side one show promise.   Monday, April 21 View Page The 230 was potted on and all hope lays with it now.   Monday, April 21 View Page Assuming the seed would not see day light for a day or two with a normal seed, this one was bagged up and placed back in the warm airing cupboard for 24 hours.   Monday, April 21 View Page 230 bagged up, back in incubation   Monday, April 21 View Page Started the second batch of seed tonight: 1 x 1290 Poirier 2 x 766 Geyelin (1290 Poirier x 400 Frei) as back-ups and 2 x 938 Daho 12(1037 Jarvis x self) 2 x 323 LaRiviere 13 (609 Jarvis x 803 LaRiviere) I am only growing one squash and will need to see which one produces the stonger plants and use the other as a pollinator. Picture is of the 938 Daho   Wednesday, April 23 View Page So far only one each of the 323 and 766 (1290 Poirier x 400 Frei) are up. Started 3rd and final batch last night: 3 x 978 Geyelin (854 Frei x self) 2 x 854 Frei 2 x 874.8 Geyelin I think the plan for the remaining 3.5 patches is to grow the 1290 Poirier in one then go with the strongest plants for the remaining 2.5 patches. Why 2.5, well the 0.5 is for a small 100 sq ft patch of soil with a possible extra 80 sq ft of hard ground for additional vine growth.   Wednesday, April 23 View Page The 230 Geyelin (1770 Lieber x 854 Frei) is not doing to bad at all given it was started exactly 4 days ago. This hard to germinate seed has had a rough time but it's getting some special care to bring it through. To think that in 6 months time somethign huge could be hanging off the end of it. Hard to imagine when it looks like it does.   Friday, April 25 View Page Well, I'm an idiot and cooked the seed. Lost the 938 Daho squash, one 323 LaRiviere and some of my own. The 1290 sprouted but does not look write on the ends of the cotyledons so I'm a bit anxious about them. So, three and a half patches left and it looks like a 323 LaRiviere squash will be going into one. Sowing the final batch now for planting on the 4th May, one day later than last year! Not happy at all.   Saturday, April 26 View Page Here's some of the work of Jonathan Trayte who made casts of last years pumpkins. His work has been on show at an exhibition in Istanbul.   Saturday, April 26 View Page Concrete version of last years 427 from the 150 patch   Saturday, April 26 View Page http://www.marcellejoseph.com/index.php/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/pazar-jonathan-trayte   Saturday, April 26 View Page Sophiana is growing the 854 Frei this year and I told her she has a big stake in the prize money. So....she making a start on the rye   Saturday, April 26 View Page I think she's doing just fine. Didn't have the heart to tell her she had ventured into Zachary's patch (his 874.8 from 2013)and was cutting his rye for him.   Sunday, April 27 View Page This marks the official start of Zacharys 'look at this bug dad, take a picture' season.   Sunday, April 27 View Page This marks the official start of Zacharys 'look at this bug dad, take a picture' season.   Sunday, April 27 View Page Knocking out a batch of carrots and beetroot.   Thursday, May 1 View Page So far I am exactly 14 days ahead on 2013 based on growth so have decided to play it safe and leave the houses vented. Wish I had checked the weather as it was cold the night I opended these and the next day. I started to dig in some rye and realised I could have left things a litle late. So, have covered the strip behind the tunnel with carpet and will attack it again in one week. The patch that I am standing on is barren and needs loosening up, ammending and a good amount of manure digging in. Plan is to pick up some nice aged stuff from work tomorrow for working in this weekend. The 323 LaRiviere squash went in yesterday and its going to have to be 'hard' as there was no hardening off involved and it came from a nice warm environment. The 1290 Poirier that I stunted is now at the same stage my final batch (1730 Werner and 1107 Zunino) of seed that was sown on the 25th, so it may go into the v.small patch if it picks up otherwise the 766 Geyelin will get planted.   Saturday, May 3 View Page Natural selection is still in progress with my plants. Last night I covered all my plants due to a hard frost coming our way and I left the 1491 Werner with just a oil burner on. This morning all plants were uncovered and fine but the 1491 didn't look quite right (either of them) with dark and slightly crinkled 1st third of each true leaf. Then......5 minutes ago when bringing the next batch of plants in for the night I knocked a 766 (which was a spare) of the table and all over the floor. On a positive note bith 1107's are great and will go in on Monday. The 1730 had very crinkled cots (photo to follow) but should grow just fine. If the 1491's are damaged then I'll put the 1730 as a 150 patch replacement. Fingers crossed!   Sunday, May 4 View Page Well, they do say that bad luck comes in three's so I am hoping that these 1491 Werners getting taken out by frost is my lot (1. cooked seed 2. dropped a plant and 3. Frost damage). On the brightside if I had not known about the frost then all my plants would have gone. The 854 Frei and 874.8 Geyelin are doing great. Tomorrow I'll remove the 1491's from the 150 Patch and replant with a 1730 Werner. That leaves two 1107 Zuninos to go in the ground and a stunted 1290 Poirier which seems like it may be recovering. Therefore, I think I might be growing two less than expected this year (854.5 Frei, 874.8 Geyelin, 1730 Werner, 1107 Zunino and a 323 LaRiviere). Guess there's still time to sow a FP just for fun   Friday, May 16 View Page Last AG plant to hit the patch. This is the 1290 Poirier that got off to a bad start due to yours truly. To the patch was added 7lbs fish, blood & bone, 7lbs rockdust, 7 lbs sulfate of potash, 7lbs CaO/CaCO3.   Friday, May 16 View Page Forgot to add, the 1290 patch is approx 80 sq ft of soil surrounded by conrete so will be interesting to see what this little plant can produce.   Thursday, May 22 View Page Pair of 109.8 Wagler FP's that need to go in the patch soon but the weather just took a turn for the worse. The plan is to grow these two, one with a 0.2% solution of Osyril (root developer)/Oxyrush (1:1) and the other without to determine the effect of the product. I am currently using this mixture on all my plants (1290 Poirier, 1107 Zunino, 1730 Werner and the 323 LaRiviere squash) except for the 874.8 and the 854 which will not recieve any this year.   Wednesday, May 28 View Page 1290 Poirier - It's been around 10oC 24 hours a day for a while now with constant rain too so I was really suprised to see this one still growing despite not having a green house. The only protection it has is wind protection. The soil is soaked so I imagine growth underground is slow although there isn't a big patch to fill.   Wednesday, May 28 View Page 1730 Werner - This 150 patch plant also seems to be growing despite the cold weather and having not been watered in 4 days. Need to start trimming down the weeds around all the plants   Wednesday, May 28 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Again, more growth despite the weather. More weed control needed and I hope the weather turns soon as it's soon to outgrow its hoop house.   Wednesday, May 28 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - So far the left hand plant looks to be the keeper but will needs it's main teasing around a bit. This pair have been out in cold, wet and windy weather and show no ill effects (so far).   Wednesday, May 28 View Page 854.5 Frei - The leader in the patch as per last year. Both vines are heading in the wrong direction. Will possibly be keeping the left hand plant and will need to get some support in tomorrow to ease them down in this cold weather. More weed control needed.   Wednesday, May 28 View Page This is what became of that little 230 seed (1770 x 854) that was hard to germinate. It was my last one and I should have been pleased to see it get to 3rd/4th leaf stage   Friday, May 30 View Page 854.5 Frei - Vine now 3' on both plants and laying down. Seeds were sown 10 days earlier than last year and both plants are where 2013's 854's were at on June 10th so growth as per usual but 10 days ahead on last year which will probably get sucked up as a buffer for the poor weather. Other plants are a little behind but looking okay   Monday, June 2 View Page 1290 Poirier - The yellow leaf was green two days ago and the weather has been warm. Can only guess it was some feed that I watered on that I know went all over the leaves. One of the leaves on the 323 shows chemical damage so it could be the same reason. Keen to watch these plants over the next few days. Serves as a reminder to make sure anything touching the leaves is DILUTE!!   Monday, June 2 View Page 1730 Werner - The 150 patch plant is slowly starting to wake up and grow and shares it patch with the pretty Lace Lady tree on the left. Every year this tree puts out some leaf in early spring for it to be wiped out by a late frost. Happened again this year when the 1491 Werner go taken out by a hard late frost.   Monday, June 2 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Tilled in the rye today and have covered it back over with carpet to keep weeds at bay. Well and truly knackered!   Monday, June 2 View Page 1107 Zunino - Also tilled the soil for this patch. Still waiting for this one to pick up and am hoping the hoop house warmth helps. Really want something nice and orange from this seed and hope to do both a 1107 x 1290 Poirier and the reverse.   Monday, June 2 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - This stage is always slow but definately some marked growth in terms of the main vine as compared to four days ago. Not bad considering this one has no hoop house.   Monday, June 2 View Page 854.5 Frei - Really happy with this plant which is now at 4' which makes it 1' of growth over the last two days. Culled down to one plant today and moved the tunnel sideways to keep this one in for as long as possible. Now that all the other patches have been tilled I can keep on top of this and the 874 patch as they start to vine.   Monday, June 2 View Page 854.5 Frei - Another one as I'm sad like that ;)   Saturday, June 7 View Page Betsy and Coco, our new 8 week old Peking Bantams.   Saturday, June 7 View Page 854.5 Frei - Despite all the rain we have had I still have to pull down the tunnels to water. This one sits at 5'6".   Saturday, June 7 View Page 1290 Poirier - If its growing I cant tell. Another leaf is turning yellow and I just don't know if this one will pick up. Fortunately I started two 289.7 Wagler 13 seed (1140 Finders x 1655 Ford) from Jorgs late planted 150 patch pumpkin. Started them on Tuesday 3rd and will plant in the patch on the 12th/13th and let the better grower stay.   Saturday, June 7 View Page 1107 Zunino - Same issue as with the 1290 but at least this one is growing if not slowly. Could it be that both of these have suffered from cold wet soil? Will plant the other 289 Wagler in this patch and see how they compete.   Saturday, June 7 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - Culled down to one plant then did the 'did I make the right decision'? I chose the one with better developed secondaries. Usually when I cut a plant it wilts in minutes but the 874 that was removed stayed perfectly normal for the 45 minutes until I went home. Remaining plant is at 3'   Saturday, June 7 View Page 1730 Werner - in the 150 patch is doing fine and no need to worry about this one anymore. Just need it to do its thing and fill the patch. A few days yet before the vine lays down   Monday, June 9 View Page As of today, all my plants are without cover and will have to make the most of the weather. Not having decent tunnels up for longer on all my plants could be the deal breaker this year and if I get to grow again next year then I need a good winter project to construct 5-6 good 10'x 8' portable tunnels. The 854 (pictured) will be fine but my other plants are half the size or less. Both 289.7 Waglers have sprouted and will go in at the end of the week. The 108 Daho FP's have damaged cots where they could not shake their seed casing but should be okay. Also, installed the soaker hose (147' with a 1' spacing) on the 854 Frei and spent time watering everything for it to rain 5 minutes after.   Monday, June 9 View Page As of today, all my plants are without cover and will have to make the most of the weather. Not having decent tunnels up for longer on all my plants could be the deal breaker this year and if I get to grow again next year then I need a good winter project to construct 5-6 good 10'x 8' portable tunnels. The 854 (pictured) will be fine but my other plants are half the size or less. Both 289.7 Waglers have sprouted and will go in at the end of the week. The 108 Daho FP's have damaged cots where they could not shake their seed casing but should be okay. Also, installed the soaker hose (147' with a 1' spacing) on the 854 Frei and spent time watering everything for it to rain 5 minutes after.   Monday, June 9 View Page After a night in their coop the chickens would rather sit with us in the kitchen as we have our breakfast rather than range in the garden. On their first night they jumped up to the kitchen window to nestle on my arm. I love these little birds.   Monday, June 16 View Page 1730 Werner (150 Pacth) - Was just in hibernation and is creeping along now following the slow start. All plants are showing their first female today at around 5-6' but the only keeper is on the 854 in the background which should end up around 9.5-10.5'. The 854 has had 3 males already opened so the hope is that the 1730 can get some ready males ready for pollinating the 854 in about 10 days from now.   Monday, June 16 View Page 323 LaRiviere - I have a very good feeling about this plant. Nice and healthy!   Monday, June 16 View Page Sophiana with CoCo the chicken. These chickens just prefer the our house to garden. Picked up some red wood yesterday to start making a coop and run. Somethign raised and fox proof.   Thursday, June 19 View Page What your looking at is a little nest full of baby Robins   Thursday, June 19 View Page First time for growing field pumpkins and I have two 106 Daho (81 Wolf x 110 McKinnon) plants in. Started on 3/6, planted 13/6. The plant in the foreground has corrected itself and is now pointing 90 degrees in the wrong direction   Tuesday, June 24 View Page Our Bantams are moving up in the world. Frame 'almost' complete   Tuesday, June 24 View Page Day out at Bakewell   Tuesday, June 24 View Page .....and under that bridge was a huge shoal of what looked like Rainbow Trout.   Wednesday, June 25 View Page I still have no idea what difference the number of lobes means but it does look beautiful and this time comes around just once a year. Pulled the tie off and watched it open up at 5.00 am this morning which I know is a little early for pollinating but got to work with the time I have.   Wednesday, June 25 View Page Had two flowers to choose from, one from the 874.8 which was packed with pollen and one from the 1730 (not so much pollen grain). Use the latter, hope it did the job! Last year I pollinated the 854 on 10th July and grew my 978 so I'm hoping two weeks ahead and a repeat of last year could mean a new pb.   Wednesday, June 25 View Page 150 Patch plant (1730 Werner) - need to get the reference object in my pictures but I keep forgetting. The first female at 7' was pinched off and there is another at around 9.5-10' which will be a keeper. It's position gives it plenty of room for growing before hitting the patch boundary.   Friday, June 27 View Page 2 DAP on the 854 and the sun and heat are not here. 2 DAP last year was during hot weather which helped the pumpkins hit the ground running and paved the way or pace for the season. I'm hoping the sun and heat come back quickly so that the 854 doesn't start off slowly and stay that way.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Started foliar feeding today with seaweed (5g), humate (5mL), fulvic acid (2g) and micronutrients (2.5 mL) in 5L. Used 3L over all plants. Dissolved 50g calcium nitrate between two water butts but the temperature is too cold for it to be watered on yet (need some sunshine!) Also, 50g microorganisms set off in large water butt this morning to treat up to 150 sq m. I'll water over the patches tonight. 1107 Zunino and 1290 Poirier update: both small but they are now growing and at the same stage so cross pollinations between these two should be fine but they will be genetic based pumpkins only (i.e not grown to potential) for 2015's seed line up. Here's this years planned pollinations: 854 Frei x 1730 Werner 1730 Werner x 1290 Poirier 1107 Zunino x 1290 Poirier 1290 Poirier x 874.8 Geyelin (1770 x 1290) 874.8 Geyelin x 1730 werner Purely academic but I like the sound of (for 2015) 874.8 Geyelin(1770x1290) x (1730x1290). if anything I think my ramble has saved Jorgs in box ;)   Tuesday, July 1 View Page Last saw the plants Sunday night and estimated that tomorrow will be pollination date for the 1730. As it's my 150 patch plant I can't stop wondering if I got it wrong and it is sitting open today since location is going to be crucial. Fingers crossed when I go tonight it's all puckered up and showing a tad of yellow ready for tomorrow. Also keen to see how the 854 Frei is at 6.5 DAP   Wednesday, July 2 View Page 854 Frei - well, the first pollination attempt didn't take and I wonder if it has anything to do with pollinating at 5.00am? I know that 9 am works well but with out car in the garage 6.30 am is the latest I can do. Plan to grow the secondaries on the right hand side round in a pitch fork pattern and may fill the gap from the removed secondaries around the failed pollination with a tertiary (blue in pic) although I am sure its not a good idea to overlap the main with a tertiary given that it will need to be raised later. Next chance on the 854 will be 13-14' and hopefully by the 10th July and accomanied by hot weather   Wednesday, July 2 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Female at around 10', not sure when it will be ready and very happy with this plant.   Wednesday, July 2 View Page 1730 Werner - 150 patch plant - Hopeully ready for pollination in the morning. Plan to grow the secondary vines (from the first) in a pitch fork pattern on the right hand side   Wednesday, July 2 View Page 1730 Werner - with picture   Friday, July 4 View Page Everything is growing well just need the females to open.   Friday, July 4 View Page The plan was to do the 1730 x 1290 which would make a good cross with the 874 (1770 x 1290) next year but the lone 1290 male did not have a great deal of pollen. So..... in pumpkin first, seed second fashion I felt it best to follow up with two 854 males which were packed with pollen. If the pumpkin is great I would be happy growing the seed as I was deliberating between 1730 x 1290 and 1730 x 854 anyway.   Friday, July 4 View Page 150 Patch pumpkin - above post! (forgot to label)   Saturday, July 5 View Page Having picked off two females off the main due to damage by either a bird or slug I have now covered all the females with a chair or table etc. It's going to be a while before I see a female in the growing tip of the 1107. A late pollination is on the cards (possibly 2 weeks) but then again the plant needs the time to bulk up after a stunted start. Bet it will be worth it in the end   Sunday, July 6 View Page Made some progress today on the chicken coop. I reckon Coco and Betsy can't wait to get in and crap all over it. We let them in the kitchen everynow and again and even after roaming in the garden for hours, they make two chicken steps in before taking a dump.   Sunday, July 6 View Page Got a little distracted eye balling some chicken poop on the floor that I forgot to add the photo   Wednesday, July 9 View Page 150 Patch - 5DAP for 1730 Werner x (1290 Poirier + 854.5 Frei). Nb. Sadly it's not a full sized Coke can (150 mL)   Wednesday, July 9 View Page 854.5 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin   Wednesday, July 9 View Page 323 LaRiviere x Self   Wednesday, July 9 View Page 854 Frei x 1290 Poirier (back-up, secondary vine)   Wednesday, July 9 View Page Kid at my school is growing the 874.8 Geyelin in a 150 sq ft area (approx) at the school allotment. I hope his enthusiasm and hard work is rewarded! Pollinated this morning: 874.8 x 854 Frei. What bugs me is that I haven't even pollinated my 874 yet, still waiting!   Thursday, July 10 View Page Culled the 323 x self today as a result of both seeds in the flower and an irregular shape, particularly the blossom end.   Thursday, July 10 View Page Another back-up pollination   Thursday, July 10 View Page Rediculously friendly chickens!   Saturday, July 12 View Page 1290 Poirier 1 - 0 Snails   Saturday, July 12 View Page This was the cross I really wanted to do. There was only one 1107 males available and it was packed with pollen! The 1290 is in about 80-90 or soil so it would be remarkable if it got anywhere near 500lbs. A great cross for 2015.   Saturday, July 12 View Page 1290 x 1107   Saturday, July 12 View Page 323 LaRiviere x self @ 13'. No seeds in the flower.   Saturday, July 12 View Page 323 LaRiviere x self @ 13'. No seeds in the flower.   Saturday, July 12 View Page Another cross I was hoping to make which is essentially (1770 Lieber x 1290 Poirier) x 1730 Werner. Can't remember how far down the main it is.   Monday, July 14 View Page 150 Patch - culled the 9DAP 1730 x (1290 + 854) at 10'. Wasn't growing particularly well, had a 1" scratch on top and had multiple pollinators. Next one down the main (14-15') should be open tomorrow and I aim to do 1730x854. Aim is to hit 500 lbs, be unmarked and orange and good genetics   Monday, July 14 View Page Fresh Goats Eggs for next years patch   Tuesday, July 15 View Page 150 Patch update - Back to square one but made the cross I wanted at about 15' (1730x854) with one hell of a bend in the vine to keep the potential pumpkin well within the boundaries. Next one down the line should be tomorrow.   Tuesday, July 15 View Page 150 Patch at almost full capacity.   Tuesday, July 15 View Page Here's one for you Luke. It's the one I planned but it's on a secondary as I'm pollinating everything until the main vine one comes along. Also did: 1107x874.8 and 1107x1730   Wednesday, July 16 View Page 150 Patch update - 1730 Werner. Picture shows both pollinators for these two main vine pumpkins, pollinated yesterday and today. Also pollinated today was 1730 x self (R) and a 1730 x 854 (L)so I am virtually all in with this plant. Also.....pollinated the next down the line on the 323 (x self). Pretty much done and can sleep in a bit now. Just waiting for a main vine pol on the 1107 and perhaps another on the main for the 1290 then I'm done.   Tuesday, July 22 View Page 874.8 Geyelin being grown by the school. First time encountering a shape like this one which is very tall. 13DAP : 26.75" cc, 24 ss, 23.5 bs   Wednesday, July 23 View Page 10DAP for three fruits on the 874: 22", 20" and 20" (main, secondary, secondary) and all three have stem splits on the underside. I imagine they will heal and dry just fine but am worried that the split on this main vine keeper, stops just mm from the fruit.   Thursday, July 24 View Page 1290 Poirier - As per advice given I terminated the main at the fruit in order to ease growing it on its blossom end for beauty. Taking 7' of main vine off has left a 85 sq ft area of root zone and plant. Will train a side vine forward for additional plant growth. My advice for anyone doing this is to get the pumpkin set up before cutting the main since there was nothing to support it. This was a rush job as the platform I have made is obviously far too small but it will have to do for a week.   Thursday, July 24 View Page There is actually a large black box supporting the main vine and this is something I will need to adjust regularly. Had to sever about six 6" tap roots along the main.   Thursday, July 24 View Page 854 Frei - 15DAP and more or less on track with last years. The main vine on this one has been manipulated to put a scuff that was on the top in the 7 o'clock position.   Thursday, July 24 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - 12 DAP and growing well, nice shape...but this one started me worrying two days ago since due to stem splits on each of the three fruit.   Thursday, July 24 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - stem split has progressed over the last two days right up to the stem-pumpkin border. I think the outcome for this pumpkin could be terminal. I will leave the secondary pumpkin on which also has a split but not as bad and there is also an open pollinated main vine fruit from the 20/7   Thursday, July 24 View Page 323 LaRiviere - 12DAP and all set up bar the sand underneath as per all the plants.   Thursday, July 24 View Page 323 LaRiviere - 15 DAP side vine pumpkin growing well which is making it hard to remove this one in favour of the main vine fruit. So..... have set this one up albeit in a poor location and will leave both squash for a week and review. Had to rush this morning so lifted a slab as the base for this one, not ideal but should do the job   Thursday, July 24 View Page In defence of the 289.7 Wagler, it has not been watered or looked after and is there for a little carver for haloween.   Saturday, August 2 View Page Just back from 8 days away on holiday and was pleased to see the plants and pumpkins doing okay after 7 days of hot dry weather and no rain until day 7.   Saturday, August 2 View Page 150 Patch - 1730 Werner day 18 (116.5")   Saturday, August 2 View Page 854 Frei - Day 24, 167". A little behind but early days still.   Saturday, August 2 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - Day 21, 150". This one also had a Day 21 side vine pumpkin at 134.5" (874.8 x self) which I am in no hurry to remove.   Saturday, August 2 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Day 21, 152.5" and right before I put a dirty gash in the side through my clumsyness. Treated with sulfur and will just have to remember my stupidty everytime I see it. I'd be interested to know what a tissue test would show since the leaves on this one are very pale and have been for some time (low Mg or N?) but is it something I shoudl worry about, not sure.   Saturday, August 2 View Page 323 LaRiviere also has a side vine squash on the 1st vine out - Day 24, 154" and again, I am in no hurry to cull.   Saturday, August 2 View Page (With photo)......... 323 LaRiviere also has a side vine squash on the 1st vine out - Day 24, 154" and again, I am in no hurry to cull.   Saturday, August 2 View Page 1290 Poirier - Day 21, ?". This project is not turning out how I had hoped as it seems the plant has decided not to throw a normal shaped fruit. I am hoping it fills out in time but more importantly that it yields mature seed (1290 Poirier x 1107 Zunino) for 2015's line-up.   Saturday, August 2 View Page 1107 Zunino - Two Day 18 genetics pumpkins. 1107 x 874.8 at 95" on the left and 1107 x 1290 at 101" on the right. These two are both keepers and it will be interesting to see them grow side by side. This plant has had no vine burying whatsoever and is desparately needs pruning!   Saturday, August 9 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - Day 26 and doing just fine and is looking to be the fastest grower in the patch as far as DAP is concerned. Has the baby soft skin that the 1770 had and looks to be developing ribs from the 1290 I guess. Time will tell   Saturday, August 9 View Page 874.8 Geyelin (school patch) - This one is in a 200 sq ft patch and gets nothing but what drops out of the sky and guess what..... its at 211" on Day 30. Might be a bit ugly but it sure does grow.   Saturday, August 9 View Page 854 Frei - Day 30, 205.5" which is significantly behind last years 854 and also behind the schools 874. Love the shape and developing colour of this one though.   Saturday, August 9 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Day 30 for this secondary vine squash at 143". Main vine one at Day 27   Saturday, August 9 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Main vine squash, Day 27, 197"   Monday, August 11 View Page 323 LaRiviere - Day 30, 209", 202 lbs   Monday, August 11 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - Day 30, 214", 217 lbs   Monday, August 11 View Page 150 Patch - 1730 Werner, Day 27, 169", 114 lbs   Monday, August 11 View Page 854 Frei - Day 33, 219", 231 lbs   Thursday, August 14 View Page By complete chance I knocked the nub of the 854 Frei which caused me to check it. It wobbled and liquid came out and I noticed a band of rot. Took it back as far as I could and treated with Sulfur. Only hope I caught it all and it heals up otherwise it's end of the road for this one.   Thursday, August 14 View Page 1290 Poirier - picture speaks volumes. This one definately aborted and I had just split the main vine after it. Sowed a small amount of rye, resting time for this patch.   Thursday, August 14 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - skin still extremely soft and 'tacky' and putting out a nice blocky pumpkin.   Friday, August 15 View Page The chicken house has been a slow burner but nearly there now The chickens are always purched in there now and mainly use the roof as a launch pad to the kitchen window ledge.   Friday, August 15 View Page Will look a lot better with a nice white gloss trim   Friday, August 15 View Page You know how doors of German cars are better built and weigh a ton, well this is the German equivalent of chicken coop doors so I managed to over engineer this one as it will flatten the kids when they open it up in search of eggs.   Friday, August 15 View Page 1107 Zunino x 1290 Poirier   Saturday, August 16 View Page Summary of day 35 numbers. Not great, just okay. 874.8 Geyelin: 294 lbs 874.8 Geyelin (sch): 291 lbs 854 Frei: 257 lbs 323 LaRiviere: 259 lbs 323 sidevine: 184 lbs   Sunday, August 17 View Page The odds of the 1107 Zunino x 1290 Poirier lasting are pesimitically low. Similar to a previous 1107 cull, this one split after barely being touched. Hopefully it's just a surface crack but I remember with previous culls the tension I felt released when they cracked to a knife point. I wonder if this one went deep or not. Sulfured up and fingers crossed. Patchwise, low gains of between 5-9 lbs in the last 24h with August weather beign significantly cooler than July with lows of 12oC every day! To top it off it constantly rains leaving the patch very damp. Did some roof work on the chicken coop and the weather feels like late August.   Sunday, August 17 View Page ...... weather feels like late *Autumn*. Not sure I loaded up a good quality pic so just in case.....   Thursday, August 21 View Page 1107 x 1290 could be in trouble. Was wiping off the excess Sulfur with a soft cloth and this split instantaneously shot along the surface. That's the second time for this one, same issue with the others when they were culled.   Thursday, August 21 View Page This is the 323 LaRiviere. Now, this one was covered from the sun under a makeshit wooden table until I noticed that the front and back that was getting a little sun, was turning green. The table was removed two weeks ago and I noticed a huge white band on top which shows no sign of changing colour although I can see green underneath.   Monday, August 25 View Page Too depressed to talk about pumpkins (5 lbs a day, cold, wet) so here's a picture of the chicken coop. Still in progress, yep I started about two months ago and now progress is halted due to rain, rain, ********* rain!   Friday, August 29 View Page So, have stopped measuring the pumpkins for now and thought about doing a nice sign to put on the chicken house. Saw one online for £50 and thought I'd have a go and making a template.   Friday, August 29 View Page ....sprayed it black. Okay but not great! So I showed it to a friend at work and low and behold he has more than tinkered with sign writing over the years. "Leave it with me" he said.   Friday, August 29 View Page .....and the next day he gives me this! Absolutely perfect!   Friday, August 29 View Page While on the subject of chickens I came down to the kitchen and realised I had left the back door open which was all the invitation the chickens needed. I knew they were in but where?..... Then I noticed their new hiding spot..... top of the fridge, that's them tucked away in the corner.   Friday, August 29 View Page I don't know how she does it but every time Sophiana has the chickens on her she end up in this position and not wanting to move. I told her she needs to show those chickens whose boss!   Friday, August 29 View Page 854 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin - Day 51 (398 lbs). It's a bad year alround, growth is down on everything. Still raining, Still cold! The 854 last year was 625 lbs on Day 51.   Friday, August 29 View Page 874.8 Geyelin x 1730 Werner - Day 48 (414 lbs). This one could do so much better but changed course at the beginning of August when the weatehr changed. Ron Rahe has a nice 874 (1770 x 1290) going thats starting to resemble the fruit of last years 1290 Poirier. 854 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin - Day 51 (398 lbs).   Friday, August 29 View Page 323 LaRiviere x self - Day 48 (366 lbs). Shame I kept the side vine one on (275 lbs) as it's surely stealing away some juice. Already thumps like a rock. Roll on 2015!   Sunday, August 31 View Page Chicken House - Done! (apart from a small snagging list e.g. painting that little door that Zachary is raising, fitting a weather vane). Now time to move on to landscaping the garden and giving the chicken house a nice spot.   Sunday, August 31 View Page .   Friday, September 5 View Page 874.8 Geyelin x 1730 Werner in the background, 854.5 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin in the foreground. Pumpkins sitting at 478lb (Day 55) and 438lb (Day 58), respectively. Going to be a struggle to hit 600 lbs this year although if either is going to go heavy my money is on the 854.5 (went +14% in 2014).   Friday, September 5 View Page 323 LaRiviere x self (side vine) - sitting at 314 lbs (Day 55). This one appears light but probably because the bottom is not flat which gives it some wobble. Nice colouring though.   Saturday, September 6 View Page Today I pulled all the plants in this patch except for the stump to pumpkin lines for these two. Plan is to leave them to mature and sow a cover crop around them next weekend. Pumpkin on the left is the 1107 Zunino x 1290 Poirier which is 5' out on the first secondary. Measured 237 lbs yesterday (Day 52) and this one was never going to be big as it was hardly watered, never fertilised and not a single vine was pruned or buried to encourage tap rooting. Whilst I like the shape of this fruit I kind of expected better colouring. Also had an issue with the skin cracking and the other side is pretty scarred. Leaving this one on the vine will hopefully mature the seed. Again, only grown for the cross although I am not sure how many would want to grow it given that it's not displaying 'Zunino orange'. On paper though....1107x1290 should be good! Pumpkin on the right was from Jorg's 150 patch pumpkin from 2013. The plant was supposed to be Mehdi's 108 FP but I somehow mixed up the seeds. As a result, this plant was ignored all year and the plan is to let this Haloween carver mature on the vine.   Saturday, September 6 View Page 323 LaRiviere x self (main vine) - not bad considering there is two on this plant and our weather has been diabolical. 414lbs, Day 55 and again, I would put money on it being the heaviest thing in the patch as it appears solid!   Saturday, September 6 View Page Thought it might be about time I showed the back end of the main vine 323 x self and she certainly has some big butt cheeks. The white patch on top seems to be taking on a minty green colour so I suspect it's finally colouring up although I seriously doubt it will match the rest of the squash. Very happy with this plant and on a better year weatherwise and with just a single fruit I am sure this one could produce something notable. (Thanks Gene!)   Saturday, September 6 View Page My favorite photo sketch from 2013   Saturday, September 6 View Page Part 2   Saturday, September 6 View Page Part 3   Saturday, September 6 View Page Can you tell that I'm reminising? This was the 766 from the 1290 Poirier that was harvested early on Day 86 for SMT to display and carve. It's growth curve was competitive in the patch. This one will be one of 4 pumpkins and 1 squash planned for 2015. That will be my lot since it's almost impossible for me to care for more plants.   Tuesday, September 16 View Page Sophiana found an old UK coin in the garden; a farthing dated 1881. 133 years old, how cool is that?   Tuesday, September 16 View Page 874.8 Geyelin - Looks remarkably like the 874 which in turn is like the 1770 Lieber. Just starting to leave this one uncovered to expose to the sun. Simply can not be bothered to drive to cover it back up at night now as it seems to be done now, seemed to be done at the start of August with the poor weather. When plotting growth data every pumpkin this year follows the same line just as they all did in 2013. Let's see what 2015 holds weatherwise.   Tuesday, September 16 View Page 854 Frei - Visibly this one is hardly growing but I know it's gaining inside and expect this one to go heavy. I may just take this one to London but still have 3 weeks to firm up on that idea. Very tempted to grow this one next year (854 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin). Very reliable seed is the 854 (1231 Pukos x 1450 Wallace).   Tuesday, September 16 View Page and here they both sit   Tuesday, September 16 View Page Beautiful colour on this side vine 323 LaRiviere x self   Tuesday, September 16 View Page Having cleared the 1107 Zunino I sowed a rye/vetch mix on Sunday (14th) and I see lots of germinated seed this afternoon. Still toying with the idea of keeping this a one plant patch but I'll get the rest dug over and sown and then I can use the winter for changing my mind again and again.   Tuesday, September 23 View Page 874.8 Geyelin x 1730 Werner - Day 73   Tuesday, September 23 View Page 854 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin - Day 76 Nb. both 854 and 874.8 grown on around 300 and 200 sq ft, respectfully.   Tuesday, September 23 View Page Rye/vetch sown 9 days ago is coming on well. This area is 24'x 15' (360 sq ft) will serve as patch 1. Hope to make use of the weather and sow the next 24' x 15' area to the left. O   Tuesday, September 23 View Page Although a particularly lean year pumpkin wise I would have been really dissapointed to not have my pumpkins or squash cross the 500 lbs threshold. Quite pleased to have around 900lbs of fruit on the squash plant too! 874.8 Geyelin x 1730 Werner (Day 73 - 587 lbs) 874.8 Geyelin x 854 Frei (Day 76 - 576 lbs, school patch) 854 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin (Day 76 - 520 lbs) 323 LaRiviere x self (Day 73 - 515 lbs) 323 LaRiviere x self (Day 76 - 372 lbs - sidevine)   Tuesday, September 23 View Page Took the kids on their first camping trip this weekend and visited Dovedale. Great time   Tuesday, September 23 View Page Pictures say it all!   Friday, September 26 View Page Well, having finished the chicken coop some time ago I never got around to putting a run together (next job). So, I have been taking Betsy and Coco to work everyday and the school kids recognise me as that nutter that carries chickens to school. Anyway, the chicken get to roam the school gardens and yesterday Betsy layed her first egg (pictured to the right) which for a Bantam is naturally smaller than the commercial type. Since Betsy is Zachary's chicken I'm going to do him a fried egg on toast when he wakes for school (6.18 am)   Friday, September 26 View Page Another blast from the past...... Geyelin's Chicken Breeding.... Great great great.....grandfather was a bit of an entrepeneur and wrote this book back in 1867. I have an original copy, this is just reprint photo. Maybe a second edition is due? ;)   Friday, September 26 View Page The competition is on between the school and myself and is generating some friendly banter and talk of skullduggery. There's relatively nothing between them other than that the school pumpkin 'thumps' heavier and mine is 3 days younger. Both pumpkins are considerably brighter orange but my phone camera seems to have given up the ghost and is putting out some poor quality pics. So far I am pleased with the 874.8's grown here and the beauty being grown by Ron Rahe. In a better weather, hopefully next year, the 874.8 should do better in my patch.   Friday, October 3 View Page The 86 DAP school pumpkin (874 Geyelin x 854.5 Frei) has around 24 hours left on the vine before we load it up for Mondays RHS Giant Pumpkin Competition in London. Taping around 600 lbs and is starting to look a little narly. Shame about the sunscald on top as it has developed a nice colour. Not bad for a first attempt! Grown in a 200 sq ft patch   Friday, October 3 View Page Here's the Grower: Geoff Staton   Friday, October 3 View Page CoCo on the 874.8 Geyelin (1770 Lieber x 1290 Poirier) x 1730 Werner. At 83 DAP this one has 24 hours before going to London. It's been a poor year growth/weather wise but I love the look of this pumpkin.   Friday, October 3 View Page Great side view too. Pretty sure I see a Dill ring!   Saturday, October 4 View Page Can't be seen to be showing favoritism so here's Betsy on the 854 Frei x 874.8. Despite the small size of this pumpkin it should at least go heavy. It's been one of those years where the weather has been the great equaliser but I'm pleased to have something to take part in the weigh offs   Sunday, October 5 View Page Todays pickings final measurments: 874 x 1730, 85 DAP, 306" (135,87,83) - 642 lbs 874 x 854 school pumpkin, 88 DAP, 300" (132,86,82) - 605 lbs 323 LaRiviere x self (side vine squash, No.2 on the plant, not measured)   Monday, October 6 View Page My favourite day(s) of the year, moving the pumpkins. 7.00 am and it's a little more than 'fresh' out. Far too cold for any further growth   Monday, October 6 View Page I just like this photo   Monday, October 6 View Page 874 x 854 off the patch with Craig (left) and Geoff (right) who are both teachers at the school. Pumpkin was grown by Geoff in 200 sq ft.   Monday, October 6 View Page I can't remember what tickled Zachary, maybe he farted.   Monday, October 6 View Page You know how the best pictures are the natural ones?...... well, here we are trying to be 'natural'.   Monday, October 6 View Page Final push and done!   Monday, October 6 View Page After a little dismantling and a drive my 874 x 1730 was next   Monday, October 6 View Page As easy as.... when they're this small   Monday, October 6 View Page That look on Craigs face is him telling me you nearly took my knee out and the bottom of the pumpkin. I was slightly distracted by the kids   Monday, October 6 View Page No.2 loaded and on its way   Monday, October 6 View Page This is the second squash on the 323 LaRiviere. I'll get a tape on it later, it's somewhere around 400 lbs and was on the first sidevine. Kept as a back-up just as I heard it's hard to set squash. So I ended up with two which means the RHS get to have one on show for that 'something a little different' and I'll get to take my main one to the GPC show in York and pick up a first place plaque for the only entry in the competition lol. Hopefully potential new growers will take a shine to these giant Brussels and may have a crack at growing one.   Monday, October 6 View Page Touch and go whether it will fit it.   Monday, October 6 View Page After a little jiggery pokery it they're all loaded. I spent a little time at home rubbing them up with a soft cloth to bring their natural shine out. I really didn't want to get caught by my neighbours doing it but I did. Not cool!   Tuesday, October 7 View Page Unloading my 874 x 1730 in London   Tuesday, October 7 View Page Unloading the concrete version of my entry last year (978 Geyelin). Amazingly it weighs virtually the same as the real thing.   Tuesday, October 7 View Page Credit to Jonathan Trayte   Tuesday, October 7 View Page 632 Ellis Guilford 2014 (874.8 Geyelin x 854.5 Frei) on the left. 4.4% Heavy 672 Geyelin 14 (874.8 Geyelin x 1730 Werner) on the right. 4.6% Heavy 418 Geyelin 14 (323 LaRiviere x self) in the middle. This was the side vine squash on a plant with two on it. Not bad considering there is a 600 lber still on the plant   Tuesday, October 7 View Page This time with the concrete 978 Geyelin. Great contrast in colour and has spurred me on to throw another squash in the mix next season   Tuesday, October 7 View Page Well, you have to see the back end as well don't you.   Tuesday, October 7 View Page Here I am proudly posing with competition judges Colin Spires (L) and Medwyn Williams (R)   Tuesday, October 7 View Page Proudly displaying the 2nd place rosette on behalf of Ellis Guilford School in Nottingham who will win £500 to plough back into their school allotment. I feel very fortunate to take 1st place which was obtained by default following the loss of bigger pumpkins for Ian and Stuart Paton and another grower from Wales. Good luck Ian and Stuart, hope you set a new UK record this weekend!   Wednesday, October 8 View Page This was a nice find today in the Guardian, one of the main UK national newspapers. Complete anonymity and a chance to see kids enjoying them. http://guardian.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx   Thursday, October 9 View Page Seems that I made an error with the weights I recorded. 673 Geyelin (+1) and 631 Ellis Guilford (-1)   Thursday, October 9 View Page This was a nice find from last years competition   Friday, October 10 View Page How cool is this picture? Photographer: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images   Friday, October 17 View Page 8 days to go until the York Pumpkin Show and my squash is in trouble. Three days ago it was fine but today it had a soft spot on top the size of a 50 p coin. Using my thumb I scooped out bad tissue close to an inch deep. With all the rain we are having, water is getting into the growth cracks and sunscald cracks and is affecting it very quickly. Treated with sulphur and can only keep my fingers crossed. If it progresses then an UOW on the scale will have to do. Either way I only have room for two fruits to go to York. 1730 x 854.5 (150 patch) 854.5 x 874.8 323 LaRiviere x self Pretty sure all three will go heavy to chart, making the 1730 x 854.5 a very good cross (1730 x 1161)   Saturday, November 1 View Page 623 Geyelin (854.5 Frei x 874.8 Geyelin) - 11% Heavy   Saturday, November 1 View Page 496 Geyelin (1730 Werner x 854.5 Frei) - 20% Heavy   Saturday, November 1 View Page The chickens seem happy too!   Saturday, November 1 View Page Bags of charachter!   Saturday, November 1 View Page 554.5 Geyelin (323 LaRiviere x self) UOW - 4% light. This one was harvested early due to a rot spot on top (1 in diameter, 1 inch deep) that occured when sun scald marks cracked as it grew which were then soaked a ton of rain. Great plant but I'll be 'all in' for pumpkins in 2015.   Wednesday, November 5 View Page Mal Carters 1st place pumpkin at York with Sophiana. Great to be there as Mal broke the 1000 lb mark.   Tuesday, November 25 View Page Is this the result from 'going through the rollers' that I read about regarding US postal services. The seed of the 1610 felt soft and upon checking I found both cracked and split. I was going to grow the 1770 in 2015 so am a little dissapointed that good seed was lost in this way. Oh well!   Thursday, December 4 View Page Looking forward to 2015!   Saturday, December 13 View Page Here are the Exotic Seed Exchange seeds that are no more. There were four varieties with 300 seed in all, a total of 200 individually labelled bags. 2 each of : 496(1730 Werner x 854 Frei)~ 19% heavy/150 patch 554.5 (323 LaRiviere x self) 1 each of : 874.8 (1770 Lieber x 1290 Poirier) 250 est (1107 Zunino x 1290 Poirier)