Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 142 Entries. Wednesday, January 11 View Page Hi all.Well here we go,my first ever pumpkin diary ( my,our.Let me explain, i have a twin brother called Stuart and we have always grown and shown the pumpkins together.So it is my diary but both of our pumpkins. Two years ago we beat the British record with a 819lb beast, we held the record for a whole two weeks LOL .Last years largest pumpkin was only 719lb and we would like to get the record back, so is this the year?Its looks like we have a great line up of seed this year, and it needs to be as we only have 4 patches, 2 inside and 2 out.Anyway more about the seed later.My first photo is off one of our inside patches.All 4 patches have had 1.5 tons of well rotted manure each and are already dug and ready to go.So good luck this and we will speak soon. Wednesday, January 11 View Page ooops... where did that picture go? found it here it is i hope...! Monday, January 16 View Page Hi not much going on tonight so I thought I would send a photo of the most(in my opinion),tool a grower can have.The photo shows a sample of plain water being measured for it`s conductivity or ec.When I`m feeding the pumpkins I`m looking for an ec of about 1.8 to 2.0 The main reason for using this is so I don`t under feed but more importantly don`t over feed.It will also let me know if the feeding system is working ok.So there you go then, all I need to do now is try and send the photo with the text please don`t hold your breath lol. Sunday, January 22 View Page Last years pumpkins were always destined to be hollowed out and launched if they were big enough.Our plan was to make as much money as possible for the Jubilee sailing trust & Children in need .So armed with TV cameras and the local paparazzi we set of to the local puddle.This is we think,a first for the UK so it was with great trepidation that we launched the PVC`s(personal vegetable craft).To our relief they both floated perfectly and the crews and spectators got together for naming ceremony. With the bubbly cork popping the pumpkins were named boris and fred, (don’t ask) Sunday, January 22 View Page Last years pumpkins were always destined to be hollowed out and launched if they were big enough. Our plan was to make as much money as possible for the Jubilee sailing trust & Children in need. So armed with TV cameras and the local paparazzi we set of to the local puddle. This is we think, a first for the UK so it was with great trepidation that we launched the PVC's(personal vegtable craft). To our releif they both floated perfectly and the crews and spectators got together for the naming ceremony. With the bubbly cork popping the pumpkins were named Boris and Fred, (dont ask). Sunday, January 22 View Page Last years pumpkins were always destined to be hollowed out and launched if they were big enough. Our plan was to make as much money as possible for the Jubilee sailing trust & Children in need. So armed with TV cameras and the local news reporters, we set of to the local puddle. This is we think, a first for the UK so it was with great trepidation that we launched the PVC's(personal vegtable craft). To our releif they both floated perfectly and the crews and spectators got together for the naming ceremony. With the bubbly cork popping the pumpkins were named Boris and Fred, (dont ask). Sunday, January 22 View Page This photo shows the naming ceromony with Pugsey Bear and the childrern in need mascott. Sunday, January 22 View Page This photo shows the naming ceromony with Pugsey Bear and the childrern in need mascott. Sunday, January 22 View Page Two should be faster than one if they paddled in the same direction? Sunday, January 22 View Page You would think that two is better than one if only they would paddle in the same direction Sunday, January 22 View Page You would think two is better than one,I think it would help if they were both paddling in the same direction Sunday, January 22 View Page Confused I am! My computer said ‘spam filter rejection’a couple of hours latter they turn up. Hey ho back to the story. We made about £450 for the charities with two teams racing round a short course and everyone had a great afternoon.I`ll leave the diary now with a photo of Hanah, a local sailing talent trying the art of pumpkin paddling.Praying as I press the submit button Monday, January 30 View Page Just thought I would send a photo of some of the lilies we are growing for Mothers day here in the UK.There all a very fast growing variety called Farolito. It`s a pink variety (obviously)and as it`s an ornamental has a massive scent.All 32000 should be ready in about seven weeks time Wednesday, February 15 View Page Text I have been getting a growing room ready and doing some testing with some old seeds. I started off by putting the grow room in the glasshouse but on sunny days the temperature was getting too high. I have now moved it into a shady area and I am relying on the sodium light to provide most of the light.I`ve got 12000Lux at the germination hight I was wondering if it would be a good idea to rub suntan lotion on the seed to stop sun burn LOL.I`ve got an oil filled radiator to keep the temp to about 82f which is perfect for getting some tomatoes and peppers going. Thursday, March 2 View Page Well Stuart and I have finally worked out what were going to plant this year so here goes. Were calling them The Awesome Foursome The 1354 Checkon What a beast The 1068 Wallace So well behaved The 1231 Pukos To grow four pumpkins over 962lbs out of six plants, no wonder he`s a legend The 1097 Beachy Some say she has a short fuse but what an amazing record (we will however put some sandbags around her just incase she does explodes LOL ) So there you go then ,any problems and we are putting in a 905 Toftness and 490 Beachy . The best part is that I have great friend called Bob(who has kicked our butts many times in the past) to grow the spares if they are not needed and we will use one of our line up as pollinaters Tuesday, March 7 View Page So it is March and still bored so here`s a photo of Stuart and myself with our 819lb UK record or is it myself and Stuart I can`t remember Tuesday, March 7 View Page Last year we hollowed two of our pumpkins so we could have that race (you know the one that was told many times in the diary room lol) and this is us cutting open the first pumpkin for the local TV Saturday, April 1 View Page As the season is about to start I thought I would write a dairy entry about our pumpkin beds .We have been working on getting the soil level on all the patches raised and they are now about 8 inches above the normal soil level and I would now say that we have about 14 inches of root run .The advantage of raised beds is that when we water ,excess water runs freely away leaving plenty of available water but also plenty of air in the soil .The 1.5 t of manure for each 600/700 sq patch is now really working and full of worms .It was well worth sorting out the patches at the end of last season because now we have lovely fibrous soil in which all our pumpkins will love to grow in Tuesday, April 11 View Page Well we just could not wait any longer so we have sowed this years pumpkins one week early. We also put in loads more seeds than we need but any spares will go to good homes. The seed was sown on the 7th April and today the first seed appeared (one of the Vincent’s) so tomorrow is day 5 and I hope to see some more poking their heads thro the compost. Friday, April 14 View Page We had a bit of a panic yesterday which was day 6.With only 3 of our top seeds up and no sign of the 1068 we put in a 998 Pukos . Should have known better because today our two spares sprang in to life .Still hoping the 1068 will appear in the next few days. Friday, April 14 View Page Meanwhile as the seeds have been tucked away enjoying the lush conditions in the growing room, we have been getting on with putting the hoop houses up. We made two end doors on the outside houses for venting during the day. This photo is of our Polish friend Derick helping fix the end doors Friday, April 14 View Page The first hoop house has its finishing touches Monday, April 17 View Page Good and bad news today, the 998 Pukos popped up which is great news but unfortunately the 1068 Wallace didn’t make it. I think I will start looking for another one for next season as soon as possible. We were going to cross the 1068 with the 1231 but I would not really like to cross the 998 with the 1231.I think we will pollinate the 998 with the 1354.We repotted the other plants into 3 liter pots just for one week and we will plant into the hoop houses one week today. Tuesday, April 18 View Page With the hoop house up were putting a small heater in each one just to keep the night temps up.Were going to run one heater for the next couple of nights to get the temps about right before we plant the pumpkins. Here is a small tip from England. If you get a glass bottle, cover it in foil, fill with water and put your thermometer in you will get a good average temp reading of about the last 30 min or so. We’ve put one in and one out and I will look in the morning and see what the temp dif is. Saturday, May 6 View Page The in the last few weeks all the plants have been growing ok with the 998 Pukos just a little behind as it was planted late.We now have set back number two which this time is very disappointing. Our 1354 Checkon has developed a fasciation ( it’s a mutation , in this case I think of the apical meristem ) and will have to be taken out. It’s real shame because both set backs are not down to poor growing and we will need to work out a new set of crosses. I hope our luck changes soon and we don’t have any more set backs until we pollinate which is when you tend to expect things to go pear shaped . Friday, May 12 View Page Out of our four plants the Toftness 905 looks the best, it has very lush looking growth. Don Young kindly sent me some photos of his 905 and although his is 3 to 4 weeks more advanced looks remarkably similar to ours. The 998 Pukos looks the second best plant even though it is about one week behind the rest it certainly looks better than the 1231 Pukos. The beachy is some where in the middle. It’s still early days and with only one proven seed left could be interesting. Our friend Bob’s Vincent is looking good so “Come on Donkey town” I must nip round there again for another G&T and a photo of the rest of the team. Oh buy the way, "Donkey town" is what Pennington, where we live, was called in the olden days. I will leave this entry with a photo of the Toftnesss Saturday, May 13 View Page As there’s not much to report on the pumpkins I thought I would climb up to the top of our tallest glasshouse and get a photo of the rest of the houses. Saturday, May 13 View Page And here's a photo looking down at the crop. Monday, May 15 View Page Meet Bob, yep he’s the one who has kicked our butts more times than I care to remember. He is the third member of the Donkey town team and while his beans look rubbish at the moment his 705 Vincent looks absolutely superb. That’s the thing about Bob he does grow great pumpkins and make great G & T’s. I think we might cross it with our 998 Pukos to keep the orange going and of course the Pukos is the 1446 Eaton X 1420 LaRue. Just look how solid that plant looks and Bob for that matter.(I can’t believe I just said that, oh well ---- happens LOL) Monday, May 15 View Page This is a photo of the 998 Pukos,were really pleased with how lush the growth looks. Monday, May 15 View Page Must have pressed the wrong button yet again I'll have another go so here's the Pukos Wednesday, May 24 View Page We have found it a great help to see other peoples plants esp the ones grown from the same seed as we are growing. So here are our four plants photos taken today.The first is of the 905 toftness our fastest growing plant. Wednesday, May 24 View Page Next is the 1097 Beachy. Wednesday, May 24 View Page The 1231 Pukos.This plant has started to fill out at last. Wednesday, May 24 View Page The last photo is of the 998 Pukos which was started about one week later than the rest but looking good. Friday, May 26 View Page All the pumpkins are still growing well but we could do with some warm weather to fatten them up.We just started on our pest control for this year about 2 weeks ago.As it may be a little different from other growers I thought I would give a brief explanation.We normally only tend to use biological control if possible and it only really works if you start early or introduce controls at the first sign of pest damage. We had a pest management programme made up for us by a local company and all we need to do is release the predators when they get delivered by post. For Red spider Mite we put on a small predatory mite called Amblyseius .These normally feed on the spider mite eggs and we put them on the plants every 4 weeks. For Aphid control we introduce small parasitic wasps called aphidius and put these out every 2 weeks. For White fly we have 2 controls. The first is a bug called Macrolophus, these are my favorite and they only have to be indroduced once. They are little green bugs and they move like hell no white fly is safe with these babys around. The second is called Encarsia which are put in every week. These are another type of parasitic wasp which lay their eggs in the white fly scales. If needed we can use some chemical control but we need to be careful not to damage of friendly bugs, wasps and mites. I will finish this entry with a photo of the Encarsia card which we put round the plants. I hope it wasn’t to boring Tuesday, May 30 View Page We put some shading up for the two inside pumpkins to stop some of the leaf burn. Any time it looks like being too sunny and hot we nip to the patch and slide the shading over and take it of when it cools down. I think once all the leaves are developed and harden up there will be no more need to shade Thursday, June 8 View Page In the last week the weather has improved no end and all the plants are growing well except for the 905 which is going absolutely ballistic and looks great.Here is the incredible 905 Thursday, June 8 View Page and a photo of the 1097 beachy Thursday, June 8 View Page This is the 1231 Pukos doing well but i think about 2 weeks of growth behind the 905. These first three plants were sown 62 days ago. Thursday, June 8 View Page And here is our last babe, planted 7 days latter but doing well Monday, June 19 View Page Here is the latest update from the UK .The 905 in the photo is going mad and we had set a pumpkin but some idiot not to far from this computer snapped it of lol .We will set the next one in a few days . Monday, June 19 View Page And the 1097 looking OK smaller leaves where is is outside we are going to set the next few pumpkins . Monday, June 19 View Page Next a photo of the 1231 ,again smaller leaves and we hope to pollinate a flower in the morning using a male from the 1097 Monday, June 19 View Page Last the 998 .We pollinated with the 1097 on the 15 June and we will do another one in the morning . Monday, June 19 View Page The 998 looking very round just like her mum even at this early stage . Wednesday, June 21 View Page We made this wind break for the out side patch because the wind gets funneled round the side of the glasshouse and really whistles over the plants .We did not think plastic would hold so we wrapped some industrial cling film round and it works a treat . Friday, June 23 View Page The Toftness 905 is getting bigger by the day and it’s a pity some idiot snapped off the pumpkin we wanted to keep .Anyway we pollinated a new female today with the 1231 .Here is my bro Stuart with the incredible 905 . Monday, June 26 View Page We doubled back the stem on the 998 Pukos as we think this will be our keeper for this year .I’m making a small shade up for it tomorrow but we will use the hoop house frame latter if it gets big enough. Eleven days old today. Monday, June 26 View Page The 905 female we pollinated 3 days ago was 21ft out so I hope it is set but to early to tell yet. We will pollinate another tomorrow but it is growing from under the stem so I hope we don’t have to use it. Saturday, July 1 View Page We have been trying to bend the stem on the 1097 because the females have all got very short stems. This bend has taken a week and I think we will pollinate tomorrow with the 1231. Sunday, July 2 View Page The 1097 got pollinated with the 1231 today and we will continue to bend the stem a little more tonight when the plant is a little less rigid .The 998 Pukos is giving us some problems because it has developed a split in the stem so we may have to cull it . Monday, July 3 View Page We are going to keep the 998 Pukos going for the moment it’s a great shape but not the fastest thing out of the blocks if you know what I mean. Total inch (you know over the top and all that) 105” on day 18 =32lb Stuart and I both think that although we have no show deadline, the nights in September are cold and damp so we hope the cracked stem does not develop into anything worse . We will leave one more pollinated at the front for now just in case Monday, July 3 View Page The 905 is already 66” total on day ten so we hope the pumpkin turns out to be as good as the plant. Monday, July 3 View Page Just thought I would put a photo of the 905 stem .Pumpkin just set, stem that big !!!!!!!!!! Saturday, July 8 View Page I was kindly given some Long gourd seeds from growers across the pond from us. I'm trying to get some local clubs interested in growing them, hoping after they see our gourds that they will have their own competition between the two clubs. Anyway this is the first time we have grown them and they absolutely love the climbing frame we made them. Monday, July 10 View Page The 998 is doing her own thing at her own speed. She now measures 161 inches and 99lbs after 25 days Monday, July 10 View Page The 905 is growing very fast, 70inches in the last 7 days. On day 17 she measures 136 inches and 63lbs. Monday, July 10 View Page The leaves on the 905 are getting big as well. Tuesday, July 11 View Page Our two outside plants are behind the indoor ones as expected but both plants look good. The 1097 has been going for 9 days now. Tuesday, July 11 View Page The 1231 got marked when a vine went walkabout during some very windy weather two days ago.It should be fine anyway it will have to be no time left to pollinate another.Eight days old today. Tuesday, July 11 View Page And here is Bob and his 705 Vincent pollinated with the 998 Pukos for max orange and size for future plants. Six days old today and nice and fat with a really solid stem like our 1097. Monday, July 17 View Page First up for this weeks diary entry is the 1231, 14 days old and a total of 73 inches. Now I must warn people that the next photo is not pretty Monday, July 17 View Page So here she is, the 1097, I mean I know her mum was no oil painting but I guess the 1097 was a legend whatever she looked like. Anyway at day 15 she is a total of 73 inches like the Pukos Monday, July 17 View Page So next is the 998, she is looking very nice and more than happy to take one day at a time. She is now 210 inches in total and 205lbs. So that's 106lbs this week, take it easy babe lol. Monday, July 17 View Page And now the 905,total inches 200 in just 24 days, 179lbs and 116lbs in the last week. She looked real good until I got in the photo Monday, July 17 View Page Last but not least is Bobs 705 a total of 65 inches after 12 days. Tuesday, July 25 View Page The 1097 pumpkin was not growing well so we pulled the whole plant out. There would not be enough time to grow another so we will have to wait until next year as we have one more seed left. Tuesday, July 25 View Page The 998 is still plodding along up to 254 inches and 353lb. Looks like it will be a good orange and put on 148lb in the last week Tuesday, July 25 View Page Just if anyone was wondering about that split stem, it was no problem after all. Tuesday, July 25 View Page The 905 is still growing very well and overtook the 998 yesterday. After 31 days it’s vital statistics are 256 total inches 361lb and 182lb for the week Tuesday, July 25 View Page And here is a photo of the whole plant. Tuesday, July 25 View Page Our 1231 is doing OK and after 21 days is 138inches and 65lb Tuesday, July 25 View Page So what about Bob ? Well his 705 is doing well after 19 days it is 117inches and 42 lbs. We need a 600lb plus pumpkin here because his best with rubbish seed was just over 400lb and that only jussssssst got thro his gate. So I hope we have a nice problem at the end of the year. Monday, July 31 View Page One more week has gone already and we think not a bad one at that. First up of the donkey town pumpkins is Bobs 705. On day 26 it is a total of 164 inches and 104lb Monday, July 31 View Page Next is the 905. This week we saw the first sign of ripening but she has a lot of growing left. On day 38 her total waistline was 292 inches and 528lb which is 167lb for the week. A little less than last week but still good Monday, July 31 View Page The 998 is still plodding away but every week her weight gains are getting bigger. This week she is 288inches and 507lb a gain of 154 for the week. Monday, July 31 View Page So the last one of donkey towns pumpkins up is the 1231.This is looking very similar to her mother and has been growing well outside despite the weather getting cooler. After 28 days she is a total of 193 inches and 162lb, that’s 97lb for the last 7 days. Stuart and I have been trying to work out what to do with this plant because we only have about 4 weeks of growing time left before the night temps start to fall. So the long and short of it is we are going to build a poly tent over the whole plant. It’s our own fault really because our hoop houses should have been bigger to start with. Anyway we can’t waste a great seed for the sake of some hard work. I hope Joe is watching this lol. Monday, August 7 View Page Here is this week’s report form Donkey town. First up this week is the 905, day 45 today and a total of 313 inches 647lbs and 119 for the week. Monday, August 7 View Page I just thought I would put in a photo of the stem side of the 905. Monday, August 7 View Page Next my favourite looking pumpkin for this year the 998.She has slowed down this week with some netting showing but we think she has a long way to go yet. The weather has been colder this week but due to warm up again next week. Our only worry about this one is the flowering point which is obviously fairly thin. Her stats are 306 inches 606lbs and 99lbs for the week. Monday, August 7 View Page The 1231 at day 35 is 226 inches 252lbs and 90lbs for the week. We would have expected this one to put on more weight this week but the weather has been colder. Monday, August 7 View Page We managed to get a cover made over the top of the 1231 and will fill in the sides if needed later. It’s interesting to see that there is no dew on the plants leaves any more, instead it is wet on the plastic in the morning . Monday, August 7 View Page I don't think you got the photo of the 1231 so here it is just in case. Monday, August 7 View Page Last up is Bobs 705. Unfortunately it has been totally surrounded by spuds on one side and butternuts on the other so we can’t get in to measure. However it is growing well but we will have to wait until the spuds get lifted for stats. Please tune in again next week for another exciting instalment of the "Donkey town pumpkins" Saturday, August 12 View Page Over the next few weeks I thought I would try to do a calcium blanket experiment. We don’t use them at the moment but I thought it would be interesting to see if calcium is taken thro the skin of the pumpkin. I talked to our soil and plant lab and they were willing to help me out so here goes. The test will be carried out on two butternut squash just after they have been pollinated (both of these are on the same plant). I have a calcium nitrate solution at an EC of 2.45 made up and will use this to soak the towel. This is the same strength of feed we use when watering over the top of the leaves. One squash will be covered with the towel and the other won’t. I’m putting a light plastic cover over the towel to stop it drying out to fast. In a few weeks both butternuts will be picked washed and sent to the lab, where the outer skin will be removed and the flesh sampled. Here is the first photo of the butternut Saturday, August 12 View Page And a photo of the butternut coveverd over. Monday, August 14 View Page Here’s this weeks report from the UK. First up is the outside or now semi outside plants and first Bob’s 705. He got digging this week and all the spuds are up now so we could get some stats which are a little disappointing after day 40 it was 217 inches and 225lb. We were hopping to be near the 300lb mark but the weather has got quite cold now and especially the nights. Anyway we can take it we might sulk a bit but there’s nothing a beer can’t cure. Still a good looking pumpkin I might add. Monday, August 14 View Page So next is the 1231, on day 42 it was a total of 258 inches and 369lb which is 117lb for the week. I know it’s early yet but I don’t think we are going to be able to do this seed justice. With cold north winds it is not helping an already late pumpkin, we will build an end wall on the south side in the next few days to make sure we get the extra sun radiation. Am I glad we only had four plants this year. Monday, August 14 View Page The 998 now has a total waistline of 319 inches and at 684lb is a gain of 78lb for the week. She is still my favourite pumpkin for the year she has such a curvy shape we find her measurements can even go down some day’s lol, what a babe. Monday, August 14 View Page And the 905, on day 52 she is 331 inches which is 763lb and 116lb for the week. That’s a good gain for the week for us as we still have plenty of time. Were looking forward to seeing Don Youngs 905 weight at the state fair this weekend. Monday, August 21 View Page Well it’s another Monday, another week has gone and the Donkey town growers are still happy. The weather although not exactly sun bathing weather is warmer, we have lost the cold north winds and got our normal south westerly back. The long and short of it is that the night temps are up a few degrees. So here is the 1231 a total of 276 inches 448lb and 79lb for the week Monday, August 21 View Page The long gourds are doing ok our first ever is 45 inches long now and growing the standard 4 inches a day. Monday, August 21 View Page Bobs 705 got a wriggle on this week and was 244 inches 314lb and 89lb for the week. Monday, August 21 View Page The 905’s waistline on day 59 is 343 inches 847lb and 84lb for the week ( beats our 819lb PB ) We are now the proud owners of our first ever Dill ring Cooooooooooooool LOL Monday, August 28 View Page Look out; it’s the donkey town diaries again. First a photo of the butternut with calcium nitrate blanket experiment. I’m thinking that the shape of the butternuts is very different considering both are the same age and from the same plant. Anyway both went to the lab a few days ago and the calcium blanket was on for 14 days. Monday, August 28 View Page Pumpkin growing weather, I think not, it’s been windy and cold or windy and warm but cold nights. Anyway that’s the gripe for the week over, on day 54 Bobs 705 is 361lb and 47lb for the week. Monday, August 28 View Page That’ll be the wind getting up then Monday, August 28 View Page The 1231 on day 56 is a total of 290 inches 518lb and 70lb for the week. Monday, August 28 View Page The long gourd is looking real thin and slender and is now 72 inches that’s near on 6ft lol Monday, August 28 View Page Our 998 babe is as curvy as ever and now is a sexy 341inches 833lb and 50lb for the week. Monday, August 28 View Page So last up for the week is the 905. On day 66 she measures a total of 353 inches 923lb and 76lb for the week. What a beast, ten more inches and were up to the 1000lb club. 1000lb has a nice ring don't you think. Monday, September 4 View Page So what has been going on this week? Well Bob has tapped 403lb which is a whole 2lbs yep that’s right 2lbs past his old record. His 705 has put on 42lb for the week. Monday, September 4 View Page The 1231 also grew 42lbs for the week and after 63 days is 560lb Monday, September 4 View Page Next to be measured was the lovely 998 and after 81 days is 877lb and 44lb for the week Monday, September 4 View Page Our 905 had a bit of a slow week and on day 73 was 356 inches 946lb and 23lb inches for the week. Monday, September 4 View Page Last up for this week is the long gourd, now at 90 inches looks like it has no intentions of stopping. Monday, September 11 View Page Well here we go again its Monday and top of the Donkey town news has nothing to do with pumpkins. No, the headlines this week have been about long gourds, our LG made 101.5 inches today. That’s 11.5 inches in the last week not bad we think for a couple of pumpkin growers. I don’t know how we do it for the money LOL. PS don’t tell anyone this afternoon it was 102 inches Monday, September 11 View Page So what about pumpkins? Well I have some good news here, we, well the boys; have told our girls it’s going to take all day to collect the pumpkins. Bless, they believe us LOL. Anyway Bobs 705 grew 1 inch? To get to a tapped 407lb, there’s always next week. Monday, September 11 View Page Our 1231 got to 304 inches at day 70 which is 594lb and 34lb for the week. What 594lb that’s not news, 600lb is news we will have another go at the 600lb next week. Monday, September 11 View Page And now our Babe the lovely 998. She’s been hot this week real hot and after 88days is 352 inches 915lb and 38lb for the week.Don’t mock, slowly, slowly catchy monkey. Monday, September 11 View Page So last but not least our 905.To be fair we have never had any problems with this plant since it was sown. We have never grown such an easy seed, at day 80 she is 360 inch’s 978lb and 32lb for the week. Thank for the seed Bart Monday, September 18 View Page All is well in the donkey town camp this week. Although the night time temps are still dropping, all 5 plants are still making steady progress. The 1231 on day 77 was 310 inches 629lb and 35lb for the week. Looks like it will make a nice boat Monday, September 18 View Page Bobs 705 on day 75 was 269 inches 416lb and up a huge 9lb for the week. Some how I don’t think we will have any problems with this one exploding. Monday, September 18 View Page The long gourd has been absolutely brilliant entertainment. It is now 108.25 inches long and put on about 1 inch a day for the last seven days. It has slowed down a little but the weather has got colder, so the long and short of it is we are just going to continue to enjoy the moment. We put some wind protection up today as it is due to blow old boots in the next few days. We also had to start digging a hole as the LG was only 2 inches from the ground. It's still as soft as a babys bottom. Monday, September 18 View Page Our curvy 998 on day 95 was 355 inches 938lb and 23lb for the week. We can just see her getting to 999lb and not making the 1000lb. I hope were wrong. Monday, September 18 View Page And at last our 905 on day 87 tapped 1002lb, so slaps on backs all round and we still have about three weeks left to get what we consider the most important last few pounds. Tuesday, September 19 View Page I'm not great at this computer thing here is the 1231 Monday, September 25 View Page Well just less than two weeks to go before our pumpkins get weighed and on the whole all is going well. The 1231 stem was the only casualty of the week; it has rotted almost all the way thro. So our hands are up, we should have had a fan on the stump, sorry about that Joe. Anyway it did manage to get up to 641 lb. On a brighter note lovely 998 on day 102 was 360 inches 978 lb which is a gain of 40lb. It does reflect the warmer weather we’ve had over the last week. So come on babe you can do it just a few pounds more. Photo of the 998. Monday, September 25 View Page Bob’s 705 had a better week and put on 26lb, nice orange. The 905 on day 95 was a total of 365 inches 1019 lb and 17 lb for the week. Photo of the 905. Monday, September 25 View Page And our long gourd stopped growing just on and I mean juuuuuuuuuuust on 110 inches. It’s just beginning to go a darker green and it’s been a lot of fun. Monday, October 2 View Page Just one entry this week because we will be doing the whole weighing in thing next Saturday and there is not much growing going on anyway. The 905 is now up to 1027lb and the lovely 998 taped 1002lb, well done babe. We’ve been making up a lifting ring last week and decided to try it out on the 1231. The 1231 Pukos final measurements on day 92 were 319 inches which is 684 lb It weighed 790 lb a massive 15.5% heavy. Here's Stuart with the 790lb Paton Sunday, October 8 View Page The big day is here and it’s time to find out if our measurement is heavy or light. We started yesterday by taking down some of the glasshouse that the 998 was in. There was now way she was going out the door and we have new plans for next years pumpkin patch. Our 998 gets lifted of the ground. Sunday, October 8 View Page Oh my god babe “who’s been eating all the pies” Sunday, October 8 View Page Our good friend Den has brought along his trusty knife to do the honours. Sunday, October 8 View Page Bob helps his wife Irene up on to the fork lift for o photo shoot. Sunday, October 8 View Page Up up and away for the 905 Sunday, October 8 View Page Me,Bob and Stuart Sunday, October 8 View Page And lets here it for the lifting team. A job well done so off to the pub. Sunday, October 8 View Page The 998 becomes the Sunday, October 8 View Page 1002lb Paton What a little porker lol Sunday, October 8 View Page The 905 becomes the Sunday, October 8 View Page 1124 Paton Oh yes, the UK record is back in Donkey town Sunday, October 8 View Page Bobs pumpkin becomes the 452 Fraser. Well done bob. Monday, October 9 View Page Our long gourd which is now called the 111 inch Paton has provided great interest. Stuart and I hope to provide a new trophy, so a new open competition for LG ‘s can be held next year. Can I just take the chance to thank all the people that last year sent me seed for such a comp. Saturday, October 21 View Page My personal favourite the 998 babe has had a great week. She has spent the whole week working on her curves and now is a shapely 334 inches 783lb and 99lb for the week. Way to go babe. Now you all have to wait until next week to find out if we are still smiling or things have all gone pear shaped. Have a good week all and well done to the State fair pumpkin growers. Monday, October 30 View Page Last weekend we made up a couple of pumpkin boats to raise money for “Children in need” and the “The jubilee sailing trust”. It took a long day and late night to get them ready. Tuesday, October 31 View Page The next day we floated our PVC‘s and decided to use the big 1124lb boat as it was the most stable. At this point I would like to say a big thank you to Tom Lishness and Bill Clark for all there help. Tuesday, October 31 View Page So of up the river Tuesday, October 31 View Page and at the end of a great day we made a load of money for our charity Monday, November 6 View Page All change at Pinetops and the first of the 100000 poinsettias are ready for packing Monday, December 4 View Page Here's a photo for Cary to work out who's who Ian and Stuart or Stuart and Ian