Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 78 Entries. Saturday, February 2 View Page Out of shear boredom I have to start my diary for the year. It’s about 9 weeks till we sow the seeds on the 7th April. Our line up is ready but I will wait for a few weeks until I put it on the diary ( it is a top notch one ) We made, in our minds, a real school boy error last year which we have only ourselves to blame and probably cost us well over 150lbs on our finished pumpkins. The good news is that we recognised the problem and we are ready for this year. The Problem Scarid fly_ In a nut shell scarid fly larva live and feed in the soil on plant roots .Do they eat roots or what! We should have known better as we treat all the pots in the glass houses with nematodes to keep the levels down. So what a couple of “Donkeys” for not treating the pumpkins at the same time. When we came to pulling the old plants up we found a staggering amount of root damage. Never mind we are ready for this year. So I will leave this first diary entry with a photo of our re-covered germinating room kept at 86C at the moment for my veg. We might put this temp up a little with another heater for the pumpkins as the heater at the moment cuts out at 86C Wednesday, February 6 View Page I’ve had our logo set up so that it can be embossed on to some shirts for the lifting team at this years weigh off . The ones we had made for us last year were just printed and came off in the wash. This one looks absolutely great. Sunday, February 17 View Page Meet the new Patch. This one is a little smaller than the other one under glass but it’s still over 500sqft It also has it’s own compartment on the computer so we can control the temps fairly well. Tuesday, February 19 View Page Right were ready to go on the seeds front and this is our line up for 2008. Six seeds for six patches, we will plant 963 Patons as all the back ups except for the 1188 of course. Stuart and I both feel that the 963 is the better cross out of the two but time will tell. Thursday, April 10 View Page At last their in and warm as toast. After soaking they were sown on the 7th April and it would be nice to see them all come up for a change. Friday, April 18 View Page All of our seeds are up with only one not germinating. Unfortunately it was one of the 998’s which is a bit of a blow. Friday, April 18 View Page Our poly green house that we made last year with out ends and one side has had a huge amount of work spent on it. Now both ends are covered and we have a roll up screen the whole length of one of the sides for max ventilation while also being able to close up on cold days and nights. Friday, April 18 View Page We planted all of the pumpkins out today in their small heated tunnels . Saturday, April 26 View Page All the plants are growing well in their tunnels at the moment and not a great deal to see so here's a photo of my garden this week in the spring. Monday, May 5 View Page Time for a quick update on our plants and at the moment they all look fine. Were trying to keep the temp to about 18C or 66F at night and as cool as possible (within reason) during the day. I think in the next few days some of the back up plants will be grubbed out and the heated hoop houses removed in about five days. First a photo of the 998 Monday, May 5 View Page The 1041 in the poly house Monday, May 5 View Page A 963 Monday, May 5 View Page And the other 963 Monday, May 5 View Page Last but not least our other 1041 which is in the new patch in the glass house. Wednesday, May 28 View Page We’ve been comparing last year’s photos on the 28th with this years and I would say that over all we are in better shape this year. We’ve just started to give them all a seaweed foliar spray twice a week to get some nitrogen in to the plants that they are lacking at the moment. All the plants are around 10 to 13 feet out and we are looking to pollinate any of the pumpkins from now on. The first up in the photo parade in the 998 and looking very good but it is in our best patch. Wednesday, May 28 View Page Now as I’m having a bad hair day with this computer I just sent a photo of the 1041 in the glass house spot so here is the photo of the 998 Wednesday, May 28 View Page Right so I have a wee problem with the 998 photo so here is one of the 963’s Wednesday, May 28 View Page Right now I'm just guessing now but I think this is a photo of the 998 and I'm going to wait and see what turns up on my diary before I put the others on lol. Thursday, May 29 View Page OK after last nights rubbish effort on the diary I can only get better so first up is the 998 Thursday, May 29 View Page Now the 1041 in the glass house Thursday, May 29 View Page The 1188 Thursday, May 29 View Page The 1041 in the poly tunnel Thursday, May 29 View Page The first of the 963's and the best looking plant we think but no females showing at the moment. Thursday, May 29 View Page So, it looks like tonight I managed to multi-task and get the photos in line with the text. Amazing and I am always told that men multi-tasking is impossible, here is our last 963 Wednesday, June 18 View Page It’s about time to put in another diary entry as pollinating has started. First up is a 963 and looking a little skinny a bit like our first ever 998 plant we had that grew the 1002. I pollinated a female with the 998 this morning. Wednesday, June 18 View Page And now planted only a few feet away is our other 963. It’s hard to believe the seeds came from the same pumpkin as this plant is stunning. Wednesday, June 18 View Page Next is the 1041 planted under poly, again it looks a little skinny but we have taken a load of leaves and vines off round the pumpkin. Wednesday, June 18 View Page The 1041x998 pollinated on the 6th June Wednesday, June 18 View Page Our 1188 is a great looking plant full of vigour Wednesday, June 18 View Page The 1041 in the glass house is also a good looking plant Wednesday, June 18 View Page And the pumpkin we are going with was also set on the 6th June with the 998. It's going to be a lot of fun watching these two grow up together. Wednesday, June 18 View Page And finally our 998 looking in great shape Wednesday, June 18 View Page Here’s the 998x1041 pollinated on the 3rd of June. All three of the pumpkins we are going with at the moment are 12 to 14 feet out and we are still pollinating new ones just in case we change our mind or have a problem. We are after getting all of the plants set by about the 20th June if possible. Friday, June 20 View Page Relaxing in the garden with a glass of wine Monday, June 23 View Page Our three pumpkins that are on the way got taped for the first time today. First is the 998 which is 12ft out and after 20 days is a total of 118inches and 43lb Monday, June 23 View Page Next is the 1041 in the glasshouse and after 17 days is 110 inches and 36lb Monday, June 23 View Page And now the 1041 in the poly tunnel which tapes 102inches and 30lb. I thought this one was 12ft out the other day but it it is only 10ft out which is fine because I have a good feeling about this one. Monday, June 30 View Page Right here we go then,on day27 our 998 tapped 189inches 153lb and 110lb for the week Monday, June 30 View Page Our other 1041 on day 24 was up to 97lb and 60lb for the week Monday, June 30 View Page Here's our 1188 Monday, June 30 View Page And last but not least our 963 Monday, July 7 View Page Yesterday unfortunately we lost the 998 with a split on the stem. Were not entirely sure why it happened but it was very thin where it split. It had put on 147lb this week and was about300lb.To add insult to injury we had cut off all the other pumpkins and growing tips the day before. Looking on the bright side, it has pollinated all of our other pumpkins and we set a side vine pumpkin and the last one on the main vine will be done tomorrow. Moving on, our 1041in the glass house on day 31 tapped 238 inches up 165lb for the week and 293lb Monday, July 7 View Page Our other 1041 on day 31 put on 100lb for the week to get to 197lb with a total wast line of 207 inches. Monday, July 7 View Page And last is our 1188 which on day 16 is 23lbs Monday, July 14 View Page We decided to pull out the 1188 today as we didn’t like the look of the pumpkin which is a shame as the plant was amazing with one of the best main vines we have ever seen. The 1041 in the glass house put on 155lbs this week to end up on 448lb after 38 days. We won’t be able to see the flower end soon as the pumpkin is growing over the top. Here’s the 1041 Monday, July 14 View Page The 1041 in the poly tunnel looks great and I’m beginning to get a real good feeling about it. It’s a fairly small plant and it put on 103 lbs this week to end up at 300lbs. Monday, July 14 View Page The 963 is a cracking plant and on day 30 was 160lbs up 79lbs for the week. I’ll put some news on the diary about the 998 in a couple of week’s time as we only pollinated them about 6 days ago. Monday, July 21 View Page Well quite a good week in the Paton pumpkin patch.Our 1041 in the glasshouse put on 165lb this week to end up on day 45 at 611lb. There’s a bit of netting showing over the pumpkin and we expect the growth to slow down a but this is going to be a big pumpkin. Monday, July 21 View Page Last week I was beginning to like the look of this pumpkin. Now I’m beginning to love it, it thumps like a rock and put on 113lb this week to end up on day 45 at 416lb. Not many pounds per week? Still my money is on this one at the moment. Monday, July 21 View Page Stuarts money is on the 963 at the moment and for good reason, it put on 189lb this week to beat our best ever weekly gain (the 905 toftness 182lb) This one started of slow but on day 37 in a total of 349lbs. Monday, July 28 View Page Well it’s Monday and it’s diary day. So first up is the 1041 in the glass house. She has had a good week and put on 132lbs to end up on day 52 at 743lbs. So although slowing down she looks like she will go well over 1000lbs That’s good for us and good for Dan and Jason as it will help push the 1041 seed to being another 998 and 1068 legend that Stu and I sure it will get to. Here’s a photo of the 1041 but its best side is the stem view but I’m saving that photo for when things get quiet later in the year Monday, July 28 View Page And next up is the 1041 in the poly tunnel. I’m still just luv’n this one, she has put on 123lb’s this week to end up on 539lb. Monday, July 28 View Page So then we come to the 963, 179lbs for the week to end up at 528lbs on day 44, not bad for a beginner lol. Now let’s have a reality check here The 963 is only one of the 3, 1502 x 998 done in 2007 The other two were done by the Wallace’s and the Checkon’s So are we enjoying the ride, sure we are and if it goes pear shaped we will still be doing the same thing this time next year. Monday, July 28 View Page Last up for the week is the 998 and on day 21 is 78lbs. I rubbed my hand over the top to get rid of some soil marks a week ago which is not a great thing to do as you will end up with scars on the pumpkin (what a donkey lol). Anyway although she is late on the patch for our climate, she is in the glasshouse and will looked after and not cut off until she has got to her full potential for Joes sake as well as ours. Wednesday, July 30 View Page Well what a rubbish couple of days, we lost the 963 to cracks all around the stem. Were not sure why but one thing is wasn’t was a lack of water as all our plants are hand watered every day apart from one day when we spray line them so we can add feed. Wednesday, July 30 View Page And then today we lost my favourite 1041 in the poly tunnel to one of the tiniest cracks on a dill ring. The crack only half an inch wide goes right through to the cavity. Monday, August 4 View Page Well after a difficult week losing two pumpkins our remaining two did ok. Our 1041 put on 141lb to end up on day 59 at 884lb a little more than we expected. Monday, August 4 View Page Our 998 is beginning to move now and put on 103lb this week to end up on day 28 at 181lb. Monday, August 11 View Page Ok , just the two pumpkins left and on day 66 our 1041 put on 54lbs for the week to end up at 938lbs. I think this one will tape another 200lbs but it will take about the other 8 weeks until the show to do it. Now don’t get me wrong Stuart and I would love to beat our UK record again and we intend to do our best , but lets all have our fingers crossed for Frank and Mark ( Dorset farmers ). There a great family and stu and I were chatting today and we both hope the do the business and break the Europe record. Monday, August 11 View Page Our 998 only managed to put on 88lb this week to end up on day 35 on 269lb. So there's the lesson for all the growers in our climate. Get the plants started early under cover and you will do just fine. Monday, August 18 View Page On day 73 the 1041 tapes 366inches and 1027lbs. That’s the same as our 1068 taped on weigh off day and just 2inches behind our 905 so it looks like we could be heading for our biggest ever taped pumpkin. You see it’s just all those little mile stones that keep the fun going. Anyway 89lbs up for the 1041 and a good week. Monday, August 18 View Page Our 998 had a better week as well and on day 42 was 365lbs up 96lbs for the week. Monday, August 25 View Page So another week on and both of the pumpkins had a good week. The 998put on 98lb to end up on day 49 at 463lb and our 1041 put on 68lb for the week to end up at 1095lb. Here’s the 1041. Monday, September 15 View Page Well after a few weeks with no computer I back. The 1041 now tapes 1193 lbs on day 101. She has put on 54 lbs in the last 14 days and we have 26 days till the show. Monday, September 15 View Page Our 998 on day 70 tapes 641 lbs Monday, September 22 View Page Just under three weeks to go and our 1041 has got to about 1220lbs. Our 998 put on another 40 or so pounds and is about 680lbs. Monday, September 29 View Page Well the 1041 is now about 1230lbs and got a great photo of my mother in law Ruth. Monday, October 13 View Page We had great weather for the XPG weigh off and it was great to see so many of the UK growers. So to round of a great day we had to have a great pumpkin and the 1041 did not disapoint. So here's the 1457LBS Paton (1041 X 998 total waist line 392 inches 1259LBS) a wacking great 15.5% heavy. Our UK record is back safe and sound for another year and we get the European record for good measure. Thursday, October 30 View Page On day 24 our 1041 in the glass house tapped 177 inches up 92lbs for the week to weight in at 128lb Wednesday, November 5 View Page Next the 1188 Saturday, November 29 View Page So with over 4 months until we sow the pumpkins I’ve decided to take up an old hobby of mine, growing giant onions. I was growing them over ten years ago for a few years and was just getting the hang of it when they were all vandalised and pulled up, I gave up and just grew the pumpkins with Stuart. My target then was to get one to over 10lb and I think I got around the 8lbmark. My target now is over 12lb and I’m under no illusions of how much dedication it will take. I’m certainly off to a good start because I looked up Keith Foster to buy some of his onion seeds and Growing Manual. (Yep Growing Manual, he’s just like us with no secrets, just wants to help other growers enjoy the sport.) Anyway we had a great chat and the next day phoned me to say that he was going to send me some of his top seed from a 13lb 7oz onion with great shape and potential for this year. This all means that while all you pumpkin nuts (in the Northern Hemisphere Go Ben from OZ) are sat on your butts going thru the seed bank, I will be enjoying a little bit of gardening therapy. Sunday, November 30 View Page I fired up the grow room today with a couple of small changes. First I lowered the growing table down as the pumpkins were getting to hot under the light and getting a little leaf scorch. I also lowered the temp down to about 21C (72F) which is about right for starting the onions. I’ve sowed 40 seeds today watering them in with some Captan fungicide; this should give me plenty of plants to select for my final dozen or so. Also in the photo you can see a watering can in the grow room; there’s no point in keeping your seedlings nice and warm only to give them an ice bath every time you water. Friday, December 5 View Page Over the last few days I’ve been getting my new grow room ready. It’s twice the size of the old one and I’ve made it a little taller because I want to make sure the sodium grow light will give an even spread of light over the whole growing area. Also this grow room is going to be in the main glass house so that I get the full benefit of any natural light. For this reason I will have to put a cooling fan in connected to a thermostat. I’m not sure how I’m going to do it yet but I have a few more days to get my head round it. Friday, December 5 View Page I’ve also been collecting 80L pots ready for the final planting. It’s looking like I will have 16 plants at my final planting which is probably under half the amount other growers put in, but those who know me will have heard me harping on about less is more on pumpkins and the same goes for onions. I would rather grow fewer plants and be able to heat them, light them and look after them 100%. Sunday, December 7 View Page The 963 on day 23 is 81lbs Monday, December 15 View Page I got my onion seedlings pricked out yesterday two weeks after sowing. In hindsight I would have sow a few more seeds as I only got 18 seedling out of the 40 seeds I sowed. I know I will lose a couple more and I will also want to grade out any small and weak plants, so I will probably be a few plants short when it comes to the final planting. Monday, December 22 View Page My onion mini glass house is done now and I have a cooling fan installed now if the day temp gets to hot. Also I’ve put the grow light on for only 12 hours during the day. Wednesday, December 31 View Page Some of the onion plants are just starting their third leaf.