Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 192 Entries. Friday, January 2 View Page This is my first diary, and I will be trying to include everthing I do. Friday, January 2 View Page Some of the things that I will be posting will have a different date. If this is the case I will put the true date in this box. Friday, January 2 View Page I have three worm bins that have about 3 pounds of worms each, for making compost tea. Friday, January 2 View Page LATE OCT, 2008 everything was pulled up and fall ammendments were started. Friday, January 2 View Page I would first like to start my diary off by thanking everyone for there help, weather it was a question answered or seed sent. Thank you so very much. Friday, January 2 View Page Here is my materials and pics of my compost tea brewer. It works like a charm. Friday, January 2 View Page More materials. Friday, January 2 View Page My tea brewer will make 32 Gallons of compost tea. Friday, January 2 View Page This will sit at the bottem of the 32 gallon barrel. Friday, January 2 View Page This is what my pump hooks on to. Holes were drilled all alone the bottem of the octogon and where also drilled were the bag of compost will hang in the water. Friday, January 2 View Page This is the end product. The pump cost the most ($100). The trash can cost 25 bucks and the rest cost under $10. All together it cost me under 150 dollars to make, and I am very please at the tea it brews. Saturday, January 3 View Page Another Pic of my patch. Saturday, January 3 View Page After a soil test these leaves were multched and tilled in, alone with 25 yards of cow manure, 400 pounds of lime, 150 pounds of kelp, 100 pounds of humic acid and 200 pounds of gypsum. I will do another test in a month or so to see if all my work has worked. Thursday, January 8 View Page Went to Ashville N.C. and picked up a few things for the patch. Including the things you see here I also picked up 50 pounds of 0-0-52 Potash and 10 1 gallon plastic planters. Thursday, January 8 View Page Sorry guys, the last pic was of the 1 pound of red worms I got recently. This is the correct pic that goes with my last post. Saturday, January 10 View Page I have been practicing germinating seeds for the last couple of weeks. I picked up a heatmat a couple of days ago to hopefully help me raise my chances. If you look to the left, on top of the rubermaid bin you will see an indoor/outdoor thermomerter. This way I can keep track of the temp inside the dome. Saturday, January 10 View Page I also picked up a grow light when I purchased the heatmat, And made this device to go alone with it. So once the seeds break ground they will be brought here. Monday, January 12 View Page 15 MORE!!!Yards of composted (cow) Manure was delivered today and will be put on the patch within the next two days. Man this is some good stuff made by some good people. Tuesday, January 13 View Page The weather in Upstate South Carolina is really weird sometimes. The high today was in the 40's and tommorow's HIGH is suppose to be in the 20's so very, very cold and because we might get rain I spread the compost and worked on an outside worm bin all day. My patch is done for until spring. I will do another test and see were its at. Tuesday, January 20 View Page Thanks right folks SNOW in the deep and i mean DEEP south. Weather stations say were gonna get between 4 to 6 inches. wish me luck. Tuesday, January 20 View Page Just another pic, It kinda just got started. I guess I'll be up most ot the night whatching the storm. Tuesday, January 20 View Page It's 0044 my time, in upstate South Caolina and the weather from up north has made it my way. Should get 4 to 6 inches. Well see, and I posts pics. Tuesday, January 20 View Page The snow storm is over and we got around 2 to 3 inches. Tuesday, January 20 View Page More pic's Tuesday, January 20 View Page My patch Sunday, January 25 View Page Well today all of the snow that came through here is gone. It was kinda pretty while it lasted. I will be picking and posting my 2009 MACE ALL-ORGANGE TEAM. This team will consist of the seeds that will be seeing dirt this year in my patch. Its gonna be a week or two again because I still have some bubbles out there, with seeds I hope to grow....SO CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTING and stay tuned, because I'm sure this is gonna be a hugh event. Thursday, January 29 View Page Today I brewed some compost tea to spread on my patch. I used worm casting. Thursday, January 29 View Page Here is a close up of my brewer. I am very pleased with the amount of air that my pump puts out. Tuesday, February 10 View Page This is my seed starting warmer, it's a baby whipes warmer that I found while walking thru wal-mart and decided to try. As you can see my indoor-outdoor thermometor is sitting next to the warmer so I can keep up with the temp. You will see that the thermometor probe goes in the top of the warmer where the whipes come out, works great. Tuesday, February 10 View Page I place the probe here, if the box becomes to hot just open this lid and it cools it down some and you never have to open the lid and bother the seeds... Tuesday, February 10 View Page From above pic... Tuesday, February 10 View Page This is where the seeds go, notice the sponge in the bottem that keeps everthing moist..It keeps the humitity hight in the box... Tuesday, February 10 View Page Another pic, Guys this is the real thing.. I belive if everyone tries it just once the will be sold like me...If anyone has any questions just drop me a line thanks.. Wednesday, February 25 View Page Sorry I haven't had a post in some time. Today, I spent alot of time tilling my patch. I will do another soil test soon and will add amendments apon it's recommendations. Thursday, February 26 View Page I have spent a good bit of time and effort trying to get my line up ready and because I only have room for four plants here it is. 1)1536.5 Van Kooten 08 2)1521 Werner 08 3)1568 Connolly 08 4)1535.5 Glasier 07 And my back ups are 900 Lagevin, 812 Beauchemin 08, 1279.5 Barlow, 1118 Jutras 06 Friday, February 27 View Page Long arm of the Law!!! Saturday, February 28 View Page Just a couple of things. First for the first time in a VERY long time the weather people are saying that a BIG snow storm is heading in MY direction. The two biggest storms that I can remember to ever hit us were in late Febuary into early March, but who knows. There giving us a fairly good chance. Reports say that it will start out as rain Sunday and chance over to ALL snow by mid-day or maybe a little later. Some say 2 to 4 inches and some same up to 7. WHO KNOWS. Weather in the south can be very unpredictable. I will try and let everyone know and try to post some pics. Also I very heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who sent supportive emails over the last couple of day, THANKS you know who you are.... Sunday, March 1 View Page Hey guys just alittle weather update, the storm has made it's way thru Alabama and Georgia and has enter S.C. and N.C. I am near the Greenville-Spartanburg area of S.C...Reports are that it should start between 7 and 8 tonight and last until Monday morning. Anyhow we are suppose to get between 4 to 6 inches but who knows, anyhow I will post some pics when and IF it starts.... Sunday, March 1 View Page Temp. is dropping (36 now), and sleet is starting to fall. The storm dropped several inches in Alabama, Atlanta, Charlotte. Sunday, March 1 View Page Snow has began to fall, and FAST. It has been snowing for about 30 minutes and we already have a good 1/2 inch. Sunday, March 1 View Page Another pic of my porch Sunday, March 1 View Page Snow has been falling steading and fairly hard for awhile now. We have 2 to 3 inches on the ground and still have a good bit headed our way Sunday, March 1 View Page More pic's... Sunday, March 1 View Page It's 9:41 pm my time and its pert near a white out...We got over 5 inches and it's still falling. If my power stay on (dought it), I will keep posting for a while.. Sunday, March 1 View Page It 11:14 pm my time and the storm is letting up. I got anywere between 6 to 8 inches...Forcaster's hit it right on the head.. Sunday, March 1 View Page More pic's Sunday, March 1 View Page More... Wednesday, March 11 View Page Work on my fence today, thats going around my patch. I'm sick of the neighboorhood dogs rolling around in my precious manure LOL... Wednesday, March 18 View Page In the process of putting up my new fence for the patch Wednesday, March 18 View Page New supply's came in, this is 5 pounds of soluble kelp and 5 pounds of soluble humic acid as well as 5 pounds of RTI myco..Thanks goes out to extremepumpkin and hollands for the great products as well as fast delivery.... Wednesday, March 18 View Page This is my weapon's for the bugs and fungus.... Saturday, April 25 View Page All of my seeds have chosen, and my season has already begun.. Saturday, April 25 View Page My seeds have all been soaked and filed, and are currently in the germination chamber under a heat mat. Keep your fingers crossed.. Saturday, April 25 View Page Hoop house's ready to go, temp's in the 80's today so might no even need them but just in case.. Saturday, April 25 View Page I liked this style, that is until I got my negpg newsletter from pap. However I had already built these. Saturday, April 25 View Page My fence is finished as well, what do ya think... Saturday, April 25 View Page Almost finished with the VERY LAST TILL... Saturday, April 25 View Page Guys, It's that time...I have learned so very much over the past year. I would just like to thank a couple of folks for all you help. John Van Hook, Joe Jutras, Ron and Pap Wallace, Quinn Werner, Steve Connonly, Frank Finders, Steve Dalitas, Joel Holland and everyone else that helped me get started in this great hobby.. See ya all in October.. Wednesday, April 29 View Page As most of you have read, I had some problems with my first batch of seeds. None of them germinated, the only one that came up was the 610 Wallace. However I didn't think that it would since the others failed so I dug down then realize it had a very large root system so I try to put everything back in its place. I can't be the seeds it HAS to be something on my part. Anywho I started 5 more tonight. They were filed and soaked in water/perioxcide solution for about and hour and a haft. They were then put in peat pots and place in the germination chamber so wish me luck.. Here is my new seeds.. 812 Beauchemin 1535 Glasier 820 Van Kooten 1279 Barton 1118 Jutras Once again thanks for everyone help. Sunday, May 3 View Page The 1279 broke ground today and was placed under the grow light to help shed the seed, the other appear to be growing as well. Im not sure it the 610 Wallace will make it. The code leafs are almost shot, however there appears to be a first true leaf trying to start. Sunday, May 3 View Page The 812 also came up early this morning and was placed under the light. So all together thats three. The 610, which is growing its first true leaf, the 1279 Barlow, which shed its seed and now the 812 Beauchemin. Sunday, May 3 View Page This is the 610 Wallace as you can see cods look real bad, HOWEVER the first true leaf is coming thru. Sunday, May 3 View Page Here's the other two, already under the grwo light. Ready to grow.... Wednesday, May 6 View Page Alright guys this is my line up for 09. All seeds are up an running. I have two that are really taking off and one that probably will not be planted. Here they are, the one in the middle out front is the 610 Wallace, I'm probably gonna have to cull this plant because of the high heat during germination. Far left is the 812 Beauchemin, it is probably the most aggresive plant I have, as you can see. 820 Van Kooten is the next plant, is just got up and open. Next is the 1536 Glasier it also just came up. And next is the 1279 Barlow, it is also very aggresive plant and is off to a great start. Wednesday, May 6 View Page Another picture Thursday, May 7 View Page All four of my plants are doing good. The 812 Beauchmin and the 1279 Barlow seem to be the most aggresive of the group however the others seem to be coming on strong. They were all transplanted into one gallon containers with potting soil and placed in the garage tonight without any light source. This will be the first night the plants have gotten a break from light. The garage's temps are in the 60's so it will be a great time to harden them off. The 610 Wallace was culled due to high heat during germination. I will have pics tommorow Monday, May 11 View Page These are my plants, they were all transported to one gallon pots and are in the process of being harden off. Since they were put outside they have become a little leggy, however I don't belive thats to much of a problem. In fact it can be a plus. The first one on the left is the 812 beauchemin, it's my best plant so far. Next to it on the right is the 820 Van kooten, it's bending trying to find light. Back left is the 1536 Glasier and then the 1279 Bartlow, also a great looking plant. They will go in the garden the first dry day we have. Monday, May 11 View Page Started a brand new batch of compost tea. Several cups of my vermicompost along with several cups of molassas and humic acid went it to this batch. Looks and smells great. Wednesday, May 13 View Page I tilled my patch one last time this afternoon. I sprinkled several cups of soluble fish powder at each plant site(3). I then transplanted the Beauchmin 812(08), 1535 Glasier(07), and the 1279 Bartow(08) into the patch. I dug each plant site a 1 foot and 1/2 deep by 2 feet. I place premium potting soil and Myrco in each hole. All three plants were then watered with soluble seaweed. Thursday, May 14 View Page Here is the 812 Beauchmin Thursday, May 14 View Page Another pis of the 812 Beauchmin. Thursday, May 14 View Page Here is the 1539 Glasier Thursday, May 14 View Page Another pic of the 1539 Glasier Thursday, May 14 View Page And the 1279 Bartlow Thursday, May 14 View Page The 1279 Bartlow again... Thursday, May 14 View Page My giant tomatoes, Thanks John.. Thursday, May 14 View Page More of my giant tomatoes. Thursday, May 14 View Page And last my patch overall.. Wednesday, May 20 View Page All plants seem to be doing well, except the 1539 Glasier. I had to pull it because of high wind, I guess. It was bent and broke right at ground level. The 820 Van Kooten is it's replacement. All plants were given a good drink of soluble fish. They were all spayed with a combination Merit and daconil. Grass clippings were then placed at the base of all plants for protection and insulation. Thursday, May 21 View Page This is the 812 Beauchemin'08. Thursday, May 21 View Page Another pic of the 812 Beauchmin'08. This is probably my best plant so far. Thursday, May 21 View Page This is the new plant in my patch, the 820 Van Kooten'08. It was my replacement for the 1535 Glasier'07. The Glasier had to be pulled due to high winds. Thursday, May 21 View Page Another pic of the 820 Van kooten'08. Thursday, May 21 View Page This is the 1279 Barlow'08. This plant is also doing very good. Of course this is my first full season growing AG's so I can only go by pic's and other growers info. Thursday, May 21 View Page The 1279 Barlow again. Thursday, May 21 View Page This is one of my field pumpkin's. Thursday, May 21 View Page Giant tomatoes. Monday, May 25 View Page This is a pic of my best plant the 812 Beauchmin. It has been fairly aggressive and is really begging to take off. We had a great long soaking rain yesterday and today and the plants seem to love it. Monday, May 25 View Page Another view of the 812 Beauchmin. The rain has really helped my plants. They should be running soon. Monday, May 25 View Page This is the 820 Van Kooten. The rain has helped it catch up with the other two plants. Monday, May 25 View Page Another 820 Van Kooten pic. Monday, May 25 View Page This is the 1259 Batlow, it has been kinda slow however it seems to be picking up a little bit now. Monday, May 25 View Page Correction the 1279 Batlow. Here is another pic. Thursday, May 28 View Page Guys here are my plants. This is the 812 Beauchmin. This is my best plant so far. I dug up a rock a couple of feet AWAY from this plant that the rain brought out and under it was ROOTS, BIG ROOTS. Thursday, May 28 View Page The 812's Stump. Thursday, May 28 View Page This is the 820 Van Kooten, this plant has really caught up with the rain's we have had lately. Very happy. Thanks Jake Thursday, May 28 View Page The 820's Stump. Thursday, May 28 View Page The 1279 Barlow, this plant is also doing real well. Thursday, May 28 View Page The stump of the 1279. Thursday, May 28 View Page Over head pic of the 1279 Barlow. Saturday, May 30 View Page This is the 812, as you can see the main vine is showing more after I cut the leaf under it (2nd true leaf), and I thought it would drop some. However it hasn't. This afternoon, the main has grew EVEN longer however I STILL hasn't hit the ground. I mounded some dirt underneath it so it wouldn't snap. Saturday, May 30 View Page Another pic of the 812 Beauchmin. Saturday, May 30 View Page Here's the 1279 Barlow. As you can see it's seem to be dropping to the ground after the cut. After I returned home it was almost touching. Saturday, May 30 View Page New pic of the 812 Beauchmin Saturday, May 30 View Page Another pic of the 812, tell me if this is the right thing to do.. Sunday, May 31 View Page As you can see the 812 Beauchmin is coming down. I removed a good bit of the mounded dirt and within minutes it came down I also placed more stakes around the stump due to the heavy winds. Brooks and Glenn your help has been invaluble thanks alot. Sunday, May 31 View Page Here is the overhead pic of the 812 Beauchmin. Sunday, May 31 View Page This is the 820 Van Kooten, its coming alot very nice. Sunday, May 31 View Page This is the 1279 Barlow. As you can see the main is growing nicely and is on the ground and running. Sunday, May 31 View Page Another pic of the 1279 Barlow, so far so good. Wednesday, June 3 View Page I know it's getting dark but here is the 812 Beauchmin. This is the plant that is coming out of the gate in first place. Wednesday, June 3 View Page Another pic of the 812. Wednesday, June 3 View Page Overhead pic of the 812. Wednesday, June 3 View Page Here is the 820 Van Kooten, the plant is really doing good, considering it was a late plant. Wednesday, June 3 View Page Another pic of the 820 Van Kooten. Wednesday, June 3 View Page This is the 1279 Barlow, the main is down and running. Big leaves. Wednesday, June 3 View Page See what I mean. Wednesday, June 3 View Page The 1279 Barlow again. All thee plants were given soluble fish today. Temps were in the 90's. Thursday, June 4 View Page The last couple of days have been BLAZING hot (90's), today it rained ALL day long. The long soaking kind, no wind(yet). Did't get into the patch at all. Saturday, June 6 View Page This is some of my field pumpkins, they are coming along rather nicely. Main vines starting on a couple. Saturday, June 6 View Page This is a picture of the 820 VAN KOOTEN, this plant is starting to catch up. Its main vines is about 20 Inches long and is almost on the ground. Saturday, June 6 View Page This is the 1279 BARLOW, this plant has been very easy to care for. It's starting to spead out now. WATCH OUT. Saturday, June 6 View Page DA, DA, DA, DA, And this my friends is the Beauchmin. This plant has been aggressive right from the start. It's main is over 70 feet long and growing OVER a foot a day. I really happy about my start. Now if I can just maintain this speed. Saturday, June 6 View Page Over head pic of the 812 Beauchmin. Sunday, June 7 View Page This is the 1279 Barlow, Secondaries are filling in space. Main is 5 feet 8 inches or 64 Inches. Sunday, June 7 View Page The 820 Van Kooten, main is 30 Inches. Sunday, June 7 View Page The 812 Beauchmin, this plants main is 6 Feet 5 Inches. Today I buried vines and gave all plants a spraying of compost tea. I also spray a combo of Daconil and Talsar(Bifen). This was the first day I could get in the patch because of the rains we have had. All plants seem to be growing nicely. Tuesday, June 9 View Page The 812 Beauchmin, man what a plant Jim, thanks. Tuesday, June 9 View Page Look what I found hanging out on the Beauchmin. Tuesday, June 9 View Page Thanks Mr. Kooten. This is the 820 Van Kooten. Main is over 3 feet. Tuesday, June 9 View Page And the 1279 Barlow, main is almost 7 Feet long. Tuesday, June 9 View Page This little one was hanging out on the Barlow at about 6 Feet and 1/2. Saturday, June 20 View Page Guys, I am sorry about not putting anything into my diary later, thats if anyone care's(lol). Anyhow it's been really rainy around here I mean EVERY AFTERNOON. So I haven't really been able to do much in my patch. I have alot of side vines to bury I JUST CAN'T GET IN THERE though. However I did pollinate the first pumkin of the year for me today. It was on the 812 Beauchmin with the 1279 Bartlow. The female was 10 feet 9 inches down the main vine and it was a five lober. We shaw see how it goes wish me and the futher 1690 Mace luck. Sunday, June 21 View Page Here is a picture of the 812 Beauchmin, I belive the biggest and best plant I have. Females At 11 15 and 16 Feet. Sunday, June 21 View Page At the 820 Van Kooten, Filling in. Sunday, June 21 View Page And last the 1279 Bartlow also a great looking plant. Sunday, June 21 View Page This is an overall look at my patch. Things are starting to look alot better. The storms we have been having almost took me out. The Van Kooten was TURNED OVER on it's top and hughs leaves were tore all to pieces. I was gonna pull it, however Frank Finders told me to hold off. Glad I did, withing three days the plants was back off and running. Thanks Frank Saturday, June 27 View Page Here is the 812 Beauchmin, two have been set on this one so far. It continues to fill in space. Saturday, June 27 View Page This is one of them, it out about 16 feet as you can see. Saturday, June 27 View Page This is the other one on the 812, about about 13 Feet out and seems to be growing at a faster pace. This might be the keeper. Lets hope. Saturday, June 27 View Page This is the 820 Van Kooten, this plant was hit hard by the recent storm but has rebounded very nice and is running fast. Might set one with in the next couple of days on this one. Saturday, June 27 View Page This is a good pic of the 820 and the 812 back to back. Saturday, June 27 View Page And the 1279 Barlow, this plant wilted REALLY bad today, I was worried, however when the sun went down and I started to water it popped back up. It was 102 Degrees today in the deep south. Saturday, June 27 View Page Here is the only one set so far off the 1279, it's about 10 Feet out and the set seems to have took we'll see. Saturday, June 27 View Page Here is a good over all pic of my patch, i'm very excited at the way it's filling in. O and that's my little weed grabber to the left. HUGH HELP!!! Saturday, June 27 View Page Here are my sunflower's. Sunday, June 28 View Page Today was another very hot day 100 degrees on the dot, it was alittle cooler that yesterday though (102), so we might be cooling down some....NOT!!!! Anywho, I was in the patch for 4 hours today. I repositioned the main vines on the 812 and 1279 because of the three pumpkins I have set on them. I also place sand under each fruit and shaded the little guys. I then trenched EVERY VINE IN THE PATCH and place compost as well as MYRCO and Soluble KELP over the vines. Good day, HOT but good. Holla Thursday, July 2 View Page On Tues(6-30-2009), I pollinated a pumpkin on the 812 at 17 or 18 feet with the 820 Van kooten. I also pollinated one on the 820 with the 812 Beauchmin at 13 or 14 Feet. Today 7-1-2009, I pollinated a Pumpkin on the 820 (3rd) with the 812 Beauchmin. I also sprayed the three pumpkins on the 812, an two on the 820 and 1 on the 1279 with a spray solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. I also gave plants water and seaweed as well as terminated some of the secondaries that were some of the first to grow. Plants are looking good and the patch is filling in good. I am trying to pollinate as many pumpkins as I can on the mains of all three plants, so I will have several pumpkins to decide from when it comes time to cull. The hot days are terrible. I am trying to shade all my pumpkins that are set and growing as well as the new ones that have just been pollinated AND the little babies that are showing up. I will stop pollinateing soon and consentrate on growing the already set fruits. Thanks again everyone. Holla Tuesday, July 7 View Page Thanks for the patiance everyone, here is an overall picture of my patch. Tuesday, July 7 View Page Here is the two pumpkins I have growing on the 812. The one closest to you is the one that I have decided to keep, it has a better shape and better stem placement. They are almost the same weight (23 pounds), even the one in the back is two days older. They were set on June the 22nd and 24. The back on is at 13 and 1/2 off the main and the one closest is at 16 feet. I have already made my first cut on the back one. Tuesday, July 7 View Page These are the three I have set on the 820 Van Kooten. Tuesday, July 7 View Page Here is the 812.. Tuesday, July 7 View Page Here is the 1279 Bartlow. Tuesday, July 7 View Page Here is my best fruit on the 1279. Friday, July 10 View Page Hey guys, I have been in the patch night and day here lately trying to catch up. Here is the 1279 Bartlow, I have two pumpkins set on this plant and have began to terminate side vines. Friday, July 10 View Page Here is my be set on the 1279. It's the 1279 X 812. It was set on 6-24-09 and is about 11'8 feet off the main. It had 4 lobes. And is est. around 28 pounds on day 17. Friday, July 10 View Page Here is the second pumpkin on the 1279. It's the 1279 X 820 It's 16'4 Feet down the main and was set on 7-3-09 and was also a 4 lober. Friday, July 10 View Page Here is the 820 Van Kooten. I did have four pumpkins pollinated on this plant. It has turned out to be my most aggresive plant, however three of the four that I have set have turned spotted and have begun to look bumpie. The way fruit look if there going to abort. They all done it over night after a spray of water and bleach. You live and learn by your mistake's. Word to all new growers DON'T SPAY NEW FRUIT WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN WATER. Friday, July 10 View Page Here was the biggest fruit. Look at the pour thing now. I'll give it a day or so. But then I must cut it probably. Friday, July 10 View Page Here is another. They were all shaded. I don't understand it had to be the bleach. Friday, July 10 View Page Here is the 812 Beauchmin. The biggest fruit that I have growing right now is on this plant. It's not as aggressive as the 820 has turn out to be. But it does have my biggest bump. Friday, July 10 View Page And here is the 812 X 1279. It was set on 6-24-2009. It is 16 feet down the main and is tapeing around 42 pounds on day 17. It had four lobes, it was a slow starter, but has began to really pack on the pounds. I don't know if Frank and Tina's record will fall, however I'm sure l'll have a nice bump to take up north. Friday, July 10 View Page And here is the 812 X 1279 once again. It's not putting on weight like Franks and Tina's 1041 but it's growing nicely for this Freshmen grower living in an oven. Tuesday, July 21 View Page I know its been a while, however here is an update on my patch. I have two pumpkins growing, one on the 1279 Bartlow (1279 X 812 Beauchmin), and one on the 812 Beauchmin, (812 X 1279 Bartlow). This is my 1279 X 812. It on day 30 and is est. 222 lbs. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Another pic. This pumpkins has really taken off the last couple of days. It's growing anywere between 15 to 25 pounds a day. The only thing that bothers me is the stem, man its short. I have done everything that I can to help the fruit. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Here is the stump on the 1279 Bartlow. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Here is the 820 Van Kooten, This is my most aggressive plant, However I havent had any luck pollinating any fruit. The side vines of this plant are larger than the mains on the other two. I'll try for a couple of more weeks to set one. I do have one set right now however i'm still not convinced that it took. Pics of fruit to follow. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Here she is. Cross your fingers. What gets me is the surface is not smooth, however the color is shiny. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Here is the stump, IT IS HUGH. I would give anyting to get a bump growing on this plant. CROSS EVERYTHING.. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Here is the 812 Beauchmin, this was the fast plant, but has slowed recently. Tuesday, July 21 View Page Here is the 812 Beauchmin X 1279 Bartlow. This is day 30 and est. 176 Lbs. Tuesday, July 21 View Page And here is the stump of the plant. Nothing to write home about. Wednesday, July 29 View Page It looks like the season has ended on the 820 Van Kooten. This plant got absolutly HUGH. However I could never set a fruit on it. I still had high hopes that I would be able to set a fruit on a side but the last couple of day the plants has been doing some weird things. Yesterday I notice a clear water looking liquid comeing from the stump. It didnt smell or anthing, however today it was foamy Wednesday, July 29 View Page Another pic. Wednesday, July 29 View Page This was the biggest stump I have ever saw. Whats going on here guys. Please email me for advice. Wednesday, August 5 View Page This is the stump to my 820 Van Kooten. It just exploded. The main is over 10 inches wide and the stump was double that. We have had so much rain that it grew to fast. Wednesday, August 5 View Page Another pic Wednesday, August 5 View Page This is my one an only big pumpkin. Its on the 1279 Bartlow X the 812 Beauchmin. It's taping Est. 510 lbs and growing around 15 pounds a day. Thursday, August 6 View Page The 1279 is est. 529 Lbs. Growing 20 lbs a day. Thursday, August 27 View Page Well my year has come and gone. It seems like it few by in a sense but the experence and knowledge that I have learned this year is ENVALUBLE. I still have a 350 pounder on the vines, however it's stopped growing. I just waiting to cut it later on. Anyway, here is the 1279 Bartlow just before it went down. It had GREAT color and shape, it was truely a beautiful fruit. I crossed the 1279 with the 812 Beauchmin. Thursday, August 27 View Page Here it was right before we started to move it. Look at the top and you can see were it got soft and mushy, Bummer. Thursday, August 27 View Page The moving process continues. Thursday, August 27 View Page I'm so glad that I found this guy to help me out. He owns a scrap metal yard. He buy's auto engines and parts for a living. He has the scales that I used that are guaranteed up to 5000 Pounds. His truck made everything easy, as you can see the wench is built right in to the truck. Pretty cool. Thursday, August 27 View Page Finally to the scales.... Thursday, August 27 View Page ........ Thursday, August 27 View Page And here it is....My first pumpkin Is now the 683 Mace. I know, I know it's really a big deal, I mean the Finders just upped the South Carolina state record again to 1162 However I truly belive I'm on the right path. Thursday, August 27 View Page I want to take just a minute to thank everyone. To Pap Wallace, i'm sure you got tired of my email's, however you can't realize how much your kindness and guildance has help me along the way. And to the Finders, Frank I would have never got off the ground If you hadn't steered me in the right direction. Joel Holland, Joe Pukos, Quinn Werner, Jake Van Kooten and Steve Connolly thanks for the support and the so many questions that were answered. Joe Jutras, I don't belive there is a person in any sport or hobby that's record holder is as approachable and kind as you. We are ALL lucky to have the "face of the hobby" be you, thanks so very much. John Van Hook, man what can I say, I'm so glad you took an intrest in me and sent that email. I consider you a true friend and hope that you remember me when you shock the world, I just want to be along for the ride. To everyone in the NCGVG, it was great to finally meet everyone, I belive we are on the way up. With so many great growers, great things are gonna happen. North Shorez, LOL, well lets just say i'm glad we made up, your tips during the year saved me several times, thanks. To Brooks, Tom Privitera and Jack Larue thanks for all your help. John Barlow and Jim Beauchmin thanks so very much for such a great seed. Don Young, I know you have been busy with the "Monster from the hawkeye state", but I do appreiate your email, please save me one,lol,. Ricky Holder and Sam Lovelace thanks for your help and friendship, and to so many others that either sent a seed or answered an email and even took my phone calls thanks so very much, words can't express how much I appreciate everyone's guidance and friendship. If anyone would like to grow the 683 Mace please feel free to send me an email looks like I have a pretty good seed count. Once again thanks. 2010 here I come. Trooper Monday, October 26 View Page This guy made it to 382 pounds. I just cut it yesterday. It was grown on a 812 Beauchmin X 1279 Barlow. And was pollinated on 6/22/2009 about 13'8 down the main. Seeds will be ready in a couple of weeks if anyone's interested. Monday, October 26 View Page This is the root ball of two of my okra plant's. I dug one root up and followed it to 29 feet from the plant. At the base it was as big as your thumb. MICRO WORKS.. Monday, October 26 View Page MONSTER OKRA, again. Monday, October 26 View Page I have already began the cleanup process and patch prep for next year. Friday, October 30 View Page Here's a couple of link's for everyone, thanks Chris. http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/the_great_pumpkin_is_alive_and_well_in_cherokee_county/28916/ http://www.goupstate.com/article/20091029/ARTICLES/910291050/1083/ARTICLES?Title=Gaffney-state-trooper-is-a-pumpkin-power-grower