Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 19 Entries. Friday, May 10 View Page This is a new area where 6 will go - the mill fabric was used to cover the planting area from the winter rye cover crop and then removed. Friday, May 10 View Page Area for another 3 AG's which was used last year - my best will go here due to water available. Friday, May 10 View Page Old cooler makes a nice germination chamber - I use a $16 Walmart electric heater with thermostat to keep it at 90 degrees Friday, May 10 View Page The 17 plants in greenhouse are doing well - all planted on 5/1. Friday, May 10 View Page Due to temperatures near freezing next week, I decided to take my strongest plants and repot in larger containers to avoid being root bound - possible planting date is 5/14. The four are 1579 Wallace, 972 Northrup, 928 Chappelle and my 1432 Northrup X 1725 Harp cross. Wednesday, May 15 View Page 2009 Wallace - need I say more Wednesday, May 15 View Page Planting my 1432 Northrup X 1725 Harp cross Wednesday, May 15 View Page First time using a larger pot but worked well - plants are 14 days old - roots had just reached bottom of pot - worked perfectly and missed all the cold weather Wednesday, May 15 View Page Race ready! - 928 Chappelle in foreground - flagged land in background will be used for 8 prizewinners. Sprayed plants with garlic barrier hopefully to eliminate cuke beetles carrying mosaic virus. Wednesday, May 15 View Page I would love to change the first R to a W (WR)- after growing these for 28 years, I know not to get my hopes too high - pray for good weather. Wednesday, May 22 View Page 7 on new land for giants - they are 750 Swain,1257 Northrup, 1048 Engel, 1432 Northrup, 1579 Wallace, 972 Northrup and 980 Fredericks Wednesday, May 22 View Page Another shot of the 7 - covers are used to keep off cuke beetles - did not have covers on day I planted (5/16) and it took the cukes 22 hours to show up so on went covers but they seem to hinder growth - will go to larger covers that do not touch plants Wednesday, May 22 View Page I am trying these with no covers - they are 1244 Rea, 785 Pukos, 1048 Engel, 1333 Dodge with 811 Gerhardt to be added later. Wednesday, May 22 View Page My secret weapon to the HD Award (although I have not been to a competition in 25 years) is the 979 McMillan planted on the only virgin soil I have Wednesday, May 22 View Page My other Swain 750 under a better cover - many are growing this seed and I'm anxious to see what we get (1432 Northrup X 1725 Harp) Wednesday, July 3 View Page Torrential down pour today - I've lived here 41 years and don't remember ever seeing as much flooding - giants in the foreground and 15 acres of regular pumpkins in the background Wednesday, July 3 View Page This is the correct photo Wednesday, July 3 View Page It rained over 1/2 inch after this picture was taken. Monday, October 14 View Page Harvested my prettiest giant ever - the 1049 Swain 2013 from the 979 McMillan seed. I can not get my photos to post on my diary - you can see photo on my facebook page for Ford Farm Market