Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 144 Entries. Tuesday, January 1 View Page We can do it Darren! 833.5 Dunn ;) I'm only asking for 166.5 more pounds in 2013,,,,,,,,,,,,,, is that to much to ask??? I think not! Happy New Year everyone! Monday, January 7 View Page The mid winter broccoli and cauliflower are just about ready! Monday, January 7 View Page We did some purple cauliflower................ Monday, January 7 View Page It sure is purdy! Monday, January 7 View Page The broccoli is just about ready too! I can't wait!!! Wednesday, January 9 View Page Me too Milford, did some test germination on 833.5 and kept one :) Wednesday, January 9 View Page Even has a little one,,,, will pollinate any day now! :)LOL! Wednesday, January 16 View Page I think I'm more excited about this year then last! What an exciting time I had,,,,, from germination,,,,,, to weigh off! The ups, the downs,,,, I lost both stems at the end :( the crazy fun just kept going and going! I made many left turns when I should of went right,,,, so much learned. I've pushed the patch out as far as I can go. I will have a little over 650 sq. ft. I won't be doing 2 plants,,,,,,,, 1 big plant will enjoy the whole patch!!!! It was clear that 280 to 300 sq. ft. can only push a plant so far. 2013!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on the spring weather and lets gooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ready Darren! Saturday, January 26 View Page Finally, a little rain! Filled the water barrels 400 gallons:) Now the winter crop of broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, snap peas and our favorite " Artichokes " will have nice rain water for the next few weeks! Can I dust off the germination chamber and start my seeds yet? Friday, February 1 View Page It was Kingston and Faiths 4th and 5th birthday so we took them to Disneyland!!!!! Friday, February 1 View Page They had never been before and boy did they have a great time!!! Friday, February 1 View Page This was the end of the day with Goofy,,,,,, what a day we had! We went on every ride twice and some rides three times! It was a weekday and it had rained the day before,,,,,, so it was really cold! I think the only line we waited in was for less then 2 minutes on the Pirates Of The Caribbean!!!! Other then that,,,,, we walked right on!!! I think I may have had as much fun as the little ones! Thursday, February 7 View Page While everyone back east is preparing for a killer snow storm,,,,,,,,, I finally got around to getting the tiller in the home patch! Thursday, February 7 View Page Soil test said don't add a thing,,,,,,,,,,,,,, just a few leaves and I was ready to go ;) Thursday, February 7 View Page I tilled every way possible,,,,,,,,, going as deep as I could! Dang am I sore today:):) Raked everything even, put down a good amount of Fungi then laid down my cover crop of winter pea's, oats and winter rye. Better late then never! Thursday, February 7 View Page 7 hours later,,,,,,,,, DONE! Now I just kick back and watch it grow!!! The patch is even bigger this year,,,,,, taking most of the backyard. I've pushed it out as far as I could possible go in all directions............ Its now right at 650 sq. ft. This patch will hold only one plant,,,,,,,, not two like last year. I love putting all my eggs in one basket ;) Tuesday, February 12 View Page LOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the good laugh Darren,,,, I really needed that after a long day at work! :) Feels so true!!!!!!! Friday, February 15 View Page 82 today!!!!!!!!! Just like summer at the big patch! This patch is 65' by 35' and I can go out further if needed.... That gives me 2275 sq. ft. to work with. This will be home for 2 to 3 kins come spring!!!!!! Friday, February 15 View Page With the kind of weather we have in southern California,,,,,,,,,,,,,, the cover crop has just been going nutzzzz! Friday, February 15 View Page Its already up to my waist! It won't be long until it gets cut and tilled in........... Been doing kelp, molasses, humic acid and fish drenches every 3 to 4 weeks all winter. This is a landfill and the soil is really, really bad :( You wouldn't know by the looks of the cover crop. With a pH of 8.0 , sodium over 300 and my boron at 3.4 you can see I have a lot of work to do! Its a good thing the home patch is dialed in! Friday, February 15 View Page Did a touch of radish,,,,,,,,,, roots are already about 2' seems good to me!!!!! Will also put off some big chunks of organic matter come spring:) Monday, February 25 View Page Then I hear at the convention,,,,,, don't plant radish in the pumpkin patch,,,,,, ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!! Sunday, March 3 View Page The cover crop at home is coming in nice. I " Goosed " 75% of the patch so that I could see a difference,,,,,, 48-0-0, Humic Acid and Azos. Well, the 25% of the patch that didn't get goosed is almost 50% shorter and not as green! Right out of the season review................ Thanks Ron for breaking down the smaller amounts for my tiny little patch!!!! Saturday, March 9 View Page This has been going on all winter. On top of the vcr, on top of the heat mat, on top of the heater, nothing, deep in the soil, shallow in the soil, side ways with the seed, vertical with the seed. 70 80 90 for the temps,,,,,, it really goes on and on! LOL! The best way for me with the most germination,,,, soak seeds in warm water 30 minutes ( worked the same without filing ) on top of the VCR in a damp paper towel wrapped in a plastic baggie for 24 hours. After that,,,,, put into a pot wrapped with plastic in the germination chamber and 2 days later,,,WA-LAA! Can we start yet????????????????????????? Monday, March 11 View Page Well, it continues to be that time of year over here! Started all these 4 days ago. Its amazing how much stronger the right one is! Monday, March 11 View Page Its amazing how in only a couple days they can start to branch off in all different directions! No wonder the roots pop up all over my patch! Sunday, March 17 View Page Allan and Julie Brady,,,, congrats again on such an amazing year! Thanks for starting your diary early this year! Looking forward to seeing what comes out of your patch in 2013 ;) Monday, March 18 View Page So I was digging around in the patch today.......... Just on the surface of the soil, the roots are going nutzzz! I did inoculate my cover crop with a decent amount of myco. Don't know if thats the cause,,,,,,,,,,, but I sure didn't have this last year:) Is there really six more weeks to go!!!!!!!!!!! Monday, March 18 View Page Another area............................... Its going to be tough to till after seeing all this life. Sunday, March 24 View Page Stuffs happening at the new patch! This crop has been growing all winter and just starting to go to seed. Sunday, March 24 View Page Spent the day cutting, spreading amendments then a good till...... Will hit another till in a few weeks,,,,,,,,,,, then gooooooo time!!! Sunday, March 24 View Page The home patch is like a jungle! Stuffs over a foot tall and falling all over its self! This year I spread a good amount of myco with the crop and it just went nutzzz! As you can see,,,,, the whole backyard is now a patch:) Good thing we have 2 backyard:)LOL! I'm going to wait until the very last minute to till,,,,,, this patch will not be getting any amendments..... Maybe a little kelp meal and blood meal,,,,,,,,,, but that's it. Sunday, March 24 View Page This is the middle of the patch,,,,, vetch, winter rye, buckwheat and winter peas. I'm a little jealous Russ P. to see you already have your hoop house up and getting ready for your early plants ;) Thursday, April 4 View Page Today was another busy day :) Man is this a fun time of year!!! Sorry Hunny,,,,,,,,,,,, we're going to need some bleach on this one! Tuesday, April 9 View Page Looks like your patch may be covered in snow by morning Darren,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, How exciting! Friday, April 12 View Page Both early ones germinated in a couple days, dumbo ears are up and ready for the garden! This is the 1409.5 Miller and Peter's 1107 from a couple years back. I will give them a few weeks in the patch and keep the strongest plant. All others will be started first of May :) I think this means, " The Games Have Begun "!!!!!!!!!!! Wednesday, April 17 View Page Just came in the mail,,,,,, looks like I'll be knee deep in reading again for the next couple weeks! Just got it today and already on page 19,,, so far,,,,, some very good reads :) 14 days and counting! Saturday, April 20 View Page One of the early ones,,,,,, just about ready to hit the patch! I'm really excited,,,,,,,, its already starting to flower! Wednesday, April 24 View Page Well, spent from 6am until now. The big patch is officially ready!! Added a couple minor amendments per my soil test.... Its now game time,,,,,,,,, I thought I was excited last year,,,,,,,, not even close to as excited as this 2013 year!!! Peter's 1107 and the 1409.5 Miller are way off in the other corner. Which ever looks the best in a couple weeks will survive! They were both germinated on the 4th of April and set out about 10 days later. I hoping for a nice kin at the end of August. All others are still a couple weeks out,,, these have to make it to the last weekend in October...... It sure makes it easy to wait, when you have stuff in the ground:):) Wednesday, April 24 View Page The soil looks amazing,,,,,,, but the soil tests say different. My ECe is at 5.0 :( I watered all winter,,,,,,,, and it went up! Time to make a call to the local water company,,,,,,,,,, The home patch is perfect,,, Tom P. really dialed it in last year. I won't be adding anything at all,,,, Everything looks great!!! Its going to be called " The Honey Hole " and I can't wait to see what comes out of it this summer! It will get tilled next week and planted in a week or so after that. Monday, April 29 View Page Turned over the 2' cover crop by hand over the past week,,,,, man was that stuff thick! Added a few small amendments this morning,,, tilled away,,,, then put up the fence :) This patch will be home to either the 1161 or the 1381 Checkon. All seeds to be started soon! My stinkin seed choices keep changing,,,,,,,,,,,, I hate that! Both the early plants, Peter's 1107 and the 1409.5 Miller are doing great at the big patch:) Sunday, May 5 View Page Well, one 1495,, toast,,,,,, two 1381's,,,, toast,,,, and a 795 Dunn,,,,,,, all toast:( Its a long story,,,,,,,,, soooooooooooooo............ Up and doing well,,,,, another 1495,,,,,,, 1630 Checkon,, the 1161 and another 1381:) I minor set back,,,,,,,,,, no big deal. Both the 1409 Miller and Peter's 1107 are battling it out for the early plant. Vines have both laid down and getting ready to run! Friday, May 10 View Page Both the early plants are really starting to move! Both out about 3' the 1409 Miller is looking fantastic,,,,, but Peter's 1107 is starting to flat vine on me :( I'll give it some extra water and see if it works itself out......... As of now though,,,,,,, the 1409 is the king of the patch! All others are still infants in the pediatrics center...... Saturday, May 11 View Page After 48 hours,,,,,,,,,,, Saturday, May 11 View Page 60 hours,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Saturday, May 11 View Page 72 hours,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Saturday, May 11 View Page 84 hours,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Saturday, May 11 View Page A few days under the lights,,,,,,,,,,,, introducing,,,,,,,,, the 1161. This was one of the only seeds that survived the children messing with the germination chamber! It must be a fighter!!!!!!! She will get the honey hole at the house. She seems to be really liking her new home. Next few days are in the 90's so shade is up! Sunday, May 12 View Page HHMMMMMMMMMMMM,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Brother plants? ;) Thursday, May 16 View Page Both the early ones are moving now. This is Peter's 1107, now that I have shade up, the burning is over:) Now I have to decide which on to chop:( Thursday, May 16 View Page And the 1407.5 Miller. Its starting to take the lead....... All my Pumpkinmania plants are still at the first true leaf stage. Thursday, May 16 View Page Last post should of said 1409.5 Friday, May 17 View Page Its cool Wednesday, May 22 View Page The 1161 at the house patch. She has won the spot and this will be her home for the next few months. A worm made its home in the leaf to the right, the leaf was curled and I didn't catch it until it was to late. Its really kindda helping for more air flow to the other leaves:) LOL! The 1495 at the big patch is on life support :( Both the 1381 and Jim's 980 are backups in this spot and one will take this plot in the patch!!!! I'm cheering for the 980, I grew this plant last year in less then 300 sq. ft. she was a great grower and very, very easy to take care of. Never once had to shade her and not one burn to speak of! The 1634 Werner and 1630 Checkon are battling for the spot across from the 1409 Miller,,,,,,,,, which is by far the best plant in the patch......... Sunday, May 26 View Page Lets see Jim,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 1116 or 980 ? HMMMMMMMM ? I'm hoping its the 1116,,,,,,,,,, that way if it growzz a nice one,,,,,,,, I can get one of the 15 seeds that came out of her ;) Tuesday, May 28 View Page Finally a good stretch of weather! All plants are doing great..... The 1634 beat out the 1596 Werner and won the spot. the 1409.5 Miller beat out Peter's 1107 and has the early spot. The 1381 Checkon and the 980 Fredricks are still going at it,,,,,,,, I'll be flipping a coin on this spot,,,,,, both plants look great! Don't tell anyone Jim,,,, but I think I'm going to choose the 980 no matter what:) The 1161 at the home patch is by far the best looking! Dark green, nice big leaves, side vines coming out just in the perfect spot, doesn't burn ( yet ), hasn't flagged at all,,,, just a super, super easy plant to grow. I'll get pictures up soon.......... Tuesday, May 28 View Page Oh, and the 1630 Checkon turned yellow just like the 1495 did,,,,,, And yes,,,,,,,, this is bothering me about the new patch :( Sunday, June 2 View Page The 1161 is coming in for a safe landing. Took her about 3' to finally come down,,,,,,,,,,,, looking good though! With this nice weather we've been having she's been doing 6 plus inches a day. Major soil issues at the new patch :( its being worked on,,, but looks like something that will have to be addressed during the fall. Thanks for the advice about Harry,,,,,,,,, it will be my first phone call tomorrow morning:) Sunday, June 2 View Page Just gorgeous, green and thick leaves. All my eggs are in one basket,,,,,,,,,, so I'm looking for one heck of a ride! Tuesday, June 11 View Page So I'm burying vines on the 1409 Yesterday. Ten feet out on a secondary,,,,,,, roots,,,,,,,, big white roots! These things are so prolific and the speed of the root systems is equally as fast as the vines! I covered them all with some myco and watered in a 20' circle around the plant! Here we goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Saturday, June 15 View Page Did a 10oz. drench of companion, essentials and bionutrients this morning on both the 1161 and 1409 Miller. Figured it was a good time to get some good biologicals racing through the soil again! The 1409 has 3 kins pollinated, I'm sure the middle one at 15' will be the one. I will choose early next week:) The 1161 is at least two weeks out from anything. All others should be a week or so after that. Jim, the 980 is trying to keep up with the 1381,,,,,,,,,, will be choosing really soon :) Wife went out of town for two weeks with our only camera...... Get some pics up this week when she returns. Thursday, June 20 View Page My early one,,,,,, the 1409 Miller. Having to shade most of the tips from burning because shes growing so fast. Other then that, what a nice plant! I have a keeper at 15' so I guess that means,,,,,,,,,, here,,,,,,,,,,, weeeeeeee goooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! Thursday, June 20 View Page All others are just laying down, this is the 1634 Werner. Thursday, June 20 View Page This is the 1381 just across from the 980 Fredricks. The 1381 is twice the size. It was planted 2 weeks before the 980. If the 980 can just grow a little more,,,,,,,,, she will win the spot. I gotta have a little orange in the patch :) Thursday, June 20 View Page This is the 1161 at the honey hole. Its been a very easy plant to grow. Its at 11' and I hope to pollinate in the next couple weeks. Friday, June 21 View Page So this is my next door neighbors yard. He's growing the 795 Dunn. The guy just put the seed in the ground and watered when he remembered. The soil is like sand, weeds don't even grow here. I spend the whole year preparing, cover crop, soil tests, compost,,,,,,,,,,,, the right amount of water,,,,,,, and my neighbor doing absolutely nothing,,,,,,,,,, has a better plant then I................ Well,,,,,,,,,,, we'll see who growzzzzz a bigger pumpkin:) Saturday, June 22 View Page Finally got one set on the 1161. Looks like it might go orange too ;) Sunday, June 23 View Page The 1161 is really moving now. Suckers doing 8 to 10" a day! I'm pulling the side vines behind the plant. They come out about 4 feet,,, then I give them a hard turn to the back of the plant. The plant seems much smaller the it really is. This will give my secondaries 3 times the length....... After the pumpkin, I'll begin to pull them all the way forward........ We'll see how it works out in the next three months:) Tuesday, June 25 View Page This is last year at the home patch. The next picture is this year and how I'm going to get a real pumpkin:) Tuesday, June 25 View Page Now here is this year. I will only be doing one plant in this location. I planted the pumpkin 15 feet out from the back of the patch. All the secondaries are being pulled straight back. Last year I had to cut them at 8 feet. This year, some are going to be at least 15 or more feet. This has got to help:) The rest of the secondaries will be pulled all the way forward. They will wrap around the pumpkin and fill in the now,,, empty space. Its a little nerve racking having all your eggs in one basket! There's a little boy down the coast though, he has an amazing mentor! He's going to be some tough competition! I'm not sure what seeds he's growing,,,,,,, but do know his Dad is one heck of a grower :) Joshua,,,, get ready,,,,,,,,,, I'm coming for ya:) Thursday, June 27 View Page I don't know which one puts a bigger smile on my face,,,,,,,, The peacefulness of the patch at 6am. Or,,,,,,,,,,,,, Thursday, June 27 View Page The little ones swimming in the water barrels at the house patch at 6pm. :) We have a heat wave going and the waters over 80,,,,,,, why not jump in! I stole the idea from you Allen! LOL! Good fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saturday, June 29 View Page Jim,,,,,,,, your 980 beat out the 1381 today!!! Not that the 1381 was a bad plant,,,,,,,,, thing was growing great! I just have an emotional attachment with that orange beauty and she must be in my patch again:) I'll get pics up of her soon!! Sunday, June 30 View Page HMMMMMMMMMMMM??????? what is this secrete weapon,,,,,,,, and why must it be returned??? I may have to make a 2 hour drive this week! ;) Monday, July 1 View Page Here's the food factory 20 feet back on the 1161. Its going to be fun to see what twice the plant can do in my patch........ These things are beasts,,,,,,,, I can hardly keep up with her! Looks like I need to get the long handled trimmers and knock some flowers down:) Monday, July 1 View Page There she is,,,,,, 20' out and in the perfect spot! I just cut the one at 15'...... It was 18" circ. on day 7,,,,,,, a couple inches bigger then any of my kins at that age last season. My insurance is at just under 18' and seems to growing at the same speed. I'm hoping this one does the same! Thursday, July 4 View Page The 1161 continues to in gulf my entire backyard. Patch is a little over half full. The plant is almost twice the size of any of my plants last season............ Thursday, July 4 View Page Here's my insurance pumpkin. Its at 7 days and 19 circ. The next one in line is in the perfect spot and should be the only kin on the plant by next week:)I know a lot of you don't measure this early,,,,,,,,,, I just can't! LOL! Its time!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Monday, July 8 View Page There she is,,,,,,, 20 plus feet out on the 1161. You can see my insurance policy about three feet behind her. I cut half way through her stem tonight,,,,,, the time has come for her to go. The deck has be shuffled, there's no turning back now, its all or nothing,,,,,,,,,, all my eggs are in this one basket!!! Thanks to an amazing helper from up north,,,,, You Da Man!!! Wish me luck! Thursday, July 11 View Page Right in the sweet spot for the remainder of the week! Everything but the 980 is pollinated............ The 1161 took and will hit day 7 tomorrow. The 1634 is at day 3 and is really, really green:) The 1409 had mill fabric put under her today,,,,,, as well as the critter prison wire! Saturday, July 13 View Page Two weeks ago. Saturday, July 13 View Page And today. I've been slowly wrapping all the secondaries back behind the plant. Its all filled in now so now I have about 15' in front of the pumpkin. The last three secondaries behind the pumpkin are getting pulled to the front. The joys of a very small patch:) Saturday, July 13 View Page All the way at the front of the patch,,,,,, the 1161. Got the soil level today, put down a little sand then 2 sheets of mill fabric. Got the main right where I want,,,,,,, with lots of slack:) Now I'm going to sit back, relax and watch it grow! NOT!!!!!!! Friday, July 19 View Page Yes,,,,,,,,,,, I'm ready Jim! Just back from a couple days fishing,,,,,,,,,,,, plant survived without me. Wasn't easy,,,,, but when the Bluefin bite,,,,,,, ya gotta gooooo!!!! Friday, July 19 View Page So here she is 1161 X Self. She hits 15 days tomorrow and I can take my first OTT. She's real shinny and white as a ghost!! I think I'm coming up on the days when every time I lift the sheet off I'm a little nervous:) Monday, July 22 View Page You aren't kidding Jim,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 4th day in a row with a high of 69 or less. The last few nights I pulled the big blankets out and covered the fruit. BRRRRRRR!!!!!! Tuesday, July 23 View Page Sounds like your onto something over there Vince! Go Vince, Gooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Thursday, July 25 View Page I wasn't going to share about this patch this year. I thought why not,,,, the bad should be shared too ;) After many, many phone calls with the amazing Steve Daletas and even a few with John and Harry from Western Labs,,,,, the conclusion of this new patch was to plant a bunch of cover crops and wait until next year. Boron is 5.1 ECe is over 5.0 pH over 8 among other things. All fixable but not in two weeks:) I planted anyways,,,,,,,,,, its amazing how soil can look so darn good but be so bad......... This is Garys 1409 at day 28,, it sits right at and OTT of 221 or 249lbs. It will be a miracle if it hits 600lbs. I figured I would use the pumpkins to pull all the crap out! LOL! Its very clear to me how important it is to have a well balanced soil,,,,,,,,,,,, these 3 kins just aren't happy. I look forward to working on this soil all winter and have a better outcome in 2014. Thursday, July 25 View Page Now,,,,, thank God the home patch is decent. This is the 1161 at day 20 cc-78 ee-57 ss-61 for an ott of 196 or 176lbs. I thought last year my pumpkins grew fast,,, this guy has been doing in the 20's for the past five days. Did 28 last night on day 19 ;) Like last year, the excitement level is at a 10 !!!!!!! Run Forest, run!!!!!!!!!!!!! Monday, July 29 View Page Low 50's at night and high temps in the upper 60's,,,,,,,,,, Not very conducive to giant pumpkin growing :( The house is cool at night, sweat shirts in the morning and that early fall feeling. My body likes it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but man,,,,,,,, can we warm up already!!!!! Probably just about right where you are Vince and Jim :) Thursday, August 1 View Page Well, a few days away from day 30. Should be 400 by morning or just under. Growth has been ok, we've been locked in this June gloom crap for a couple weeks. Highs in the 60's and lows in the very low 50's :( The long range forecast is calling for more of the same. I'll take everything I can get and hope for a longer growing period with a larger, much healthier plant! She's up 194lbs from last week, about 27 lbs a day............ Thursday, August 1 View Page I'm loving the shape so far! Saturday, August 3 View Page My next door neighbor is growing the 795 Dunn from last year. Its a beautiful pumpkin, great shape, cool looking ribs. The guy hasn't done a thing, he has four of these growing on the one plant, waters only when he remembers or I remind him...... Its taping at 347 pounds. Go figure........... Sunday, August 4 View Page The 1161 is raising above the 3 foot leaf canopy. Shes really round, starting to get lite areas of orange and really, really shinny. Despite being cloudy and highs only in the upper 60's,,, shes still doing in the 30's :) The two secondaries behind the pumpkin are still growing and getting buried with goodies about once a week. There's about 10 more feet until they have to be cut. Can we " PLEASE " get some better weather.................. Tuesday, August 6 View Page Here's the 1409 Miller at day 40 and a circ. of 116" With the junky soil I figured a little extra nutrients wouldn't hurt. Its going ok and just over 500lbs. As Toddmod would say " it isn't setting the night on fire " LOL!!! It has never done more then 18lbs a day,,,,,, I'm not spending very much time at this patch,,,,,,,,, I'm more concerned about getting the soil ready for 2014 ;) Wednesday, August 7 View Page Kingston went diving in tonight! Wednesday, August 7 View Page To pull out one of our many crops this summer!!!! Despite our cool weather,,,,,,,,,,,, we've been eating well :) Friday, August 9 View Page The 1161 at day 36. It was 70 yesterday and 74 today, first good sunny days a long, long while. Its amazing what a little nice weather will do! Her ott is 296 this morning, a little ahead of last years best. I've been keeping the tape around her not wanting my neighbors to think something weird while wrapping it around her backside early in the morning,,,,,,,,,,,, :)She's now at that full straddle position,,,,,, if you know what I mean. I don't know if its possible,,,,,, but I'm trying to catch ya John!!!! LOL! Sunday, August 18 View Page Well, time to start bringing the models in:) I spent last week in South Carolina, hot, muggy and a lot of rain! My hats off to all that grow in those conditions! The 1161 plant is really looking healthy but the pumpkin is really slowing down. If I can keep even small gains, I'll hit a thousand in a couple weeks. Wishful thinking but I really like wishing!!! Its day 44 and the ott is 323.............. Sunday, August 18 View Page Shes got a great shape, shinny, smooth skin and really starting to get wide. The scratches are from one of my cats a few weeks ago:) Monday, August 19 View Page Well, the kins at the new patch were just creeping along,,,,,,, so I thought I could double up on a couple of the items I've been feeding. Well,,,, they started growing a little better:) Monday, August 19 View Page But maybe a little to good:) This is the 1409 Miller. I'm thinking a little caulking a wood putty and she'll be good as new!! ;) Friday, August 23 View Page Had to take a picture of the first day in the 80's. It hit 84 in my patch this afternoon for the first time all summer. The weatherman said its the coolest summer in many, many years :( The weathers been between 65 and 72 all summer. Makes a guy really think about a greenhouse for next year,,,,,,, we'll see... Just over 800,,,, doesn't look like my 1000 pounds will come in 2013. Also, my pumpkins are known for going really, really lite,,,,LOL,,,,,,,,, so who knows,,,,,,,, I may have a 500 pound air bubble. I'm not giving up though,,,,,,,,,,,,,, she'll be well taken care of until the end of the season ;) Sunday, August 25 View Page Afternoon shot of Big Momma :) Still moving,,,, 2 to 3 ott a day,,,,,,,, sometimes less............ She will still be getting feedings all the way to the bitter end to keep things balanced,,,,, just in case should whats to keep packing it on ;) Don't mind the tape, tomorrow is measure day and needs to be adjusted:) Wednesday, August 28 View Page So after disease took out my 980 and then the blow out on the 1409 Miller,,, I kindda just left the timers on the water and wrote this patch off for the 2013 season. I taped the 1634 yesterday to find out it over 700 now on day 42 and still doing 20 a day:) I think I might start spending a little more time with her!!!! But then again,,,,,,,,,, knowing my growing skills,,,,,,, she'll stop right at 800 :) We'll see............. Wednesday, August 28 View Page Backside of the 1634 X 1409 Miller. At least there's a chance! Friday, August 30 View Page So I pray for heat all summer,,,,,,,,,,,,, it never came. It didn't even get warm. Days in the low 70's I can count on one hand:( Well, now that the kins are just about done growing,,,,,,,,,, the heat is on! It is 101 in my patch right now! Dang near as hot as you Jim!!! I'm working from the home office today and going out and spraying the pumpkin and patch every hour. The plant seems to love the cool water as much as I. The 1161 is still averaging 11.5 pounds a day........... I'll take every inch I can get ;) Thursday, September 5 View Page You kill me Scott!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;) Saturday, September 7 View Page I don't know if she was frightened or that's how 4 year old girls say cheese................... The 1161 starting to rip and tare ;) Saturday, September 7 View Page I can say I'm safely in the 900's,,, at least that what the tape says,,,,,,,,,,,,,, For all I know the scale may say 650 by weigh off time ;) What a gas this is! 12 months out of the year its a none stop focus on trying to get a pumpkin bigger then the year before!!!!! Monday, September 9 View Page http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130906/lifestyle/130909719 Found this great write up about fellow grower and friend from up north. This picture doesn't do justice for what Russ Pingrey had growing in his patch:) Good luck tomorrow! Friday, September 13 View Page Team Faith: I've got Scotty, more power and I even called captain. I don't think I'll get ya again this year. You can tell the little man I tried though,,,,,,,,,, I really, really tried! :) Everything up my sleeve is gone,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, its all up to that scale now. If I can at least go to chart,,,,,,,,, I'll have a nice personal best!! You know how lite my stuff goes though,,,,,,,, so we'll see...... ;) Wednesday, September 18 View Page I wanted to make you feel good Jim,,,,,,,,, this is whats pushing my kin :( all the green you see is third stage growth........... Its a sad, sad site,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and your right,,,,,,,, 40 more days is not going to be an easy task for sure! I guess its the roots and the front of the plant because the 1161 is still doing 4 pounds a day :) Sunday, September 22 View Page The 1161 turning into a table. Stem looks good, plant is beat up no nothing in the back, plant looks ok at the pumpkin and in the front. Still doing 2 to 3 pounds a day,,,,,,,,, I'll take it over the tape not moving at all:) SS = 111" this morning............... 11" bigger then anything I had last year. Sunday, September 22 View Page Really starting to cantaloupe, the whole pumpkin starting to feel like 50 grit sandpaper. 35 more days to weigh off,,,,,,,,,,,,,, man that's a long time:( Monday, September 30 View Page Had a great afternoon today. Found out an old squash legend lived about a mile from me. Kevin Smith, he was really into growing back in the 90's and early 2000. He stopped by and we took a drive to my big patch then back to the house. Man did he have some good story's,,,,,,,,,,, amazing how the time fly's by when your talking pumpkins. He's really into carving the giants now. Its just amazing how two people that have never met before can just chat for hours,,,,,,,,,,,,, like you've known each other for years:) There are some amazing people out there in the pumpkin world!! Had to get a pic with him and the 1161,,,,,,,,,, he says its going heavy for sure ;) Your physic powers may be working Sue!!!! Tuesday, October 1 View Page That's it,,,,,,,,,,,,, Kinston and the rest of the kids said they don's want to go to Pumpkinmania because they don't want to see their Daddy cry when he gets 4th place ;) To many rumors flying around:) Wednesday, October 2 View Page Where's that spell check button,,,,,,,,,,,, I can't find it :) Monday, October 7 View Page The 1634 was a fun grow. I really thought it would get me that goal,,,,,,,,,,, it just kept growing,,,,,,,,, never big numbers but just wouldn't stop. Monday, October 7 View Page I did everything I could.............. Rat traps, red pepper, moth balls, bricks on both sides, chicken wire,,,,, I even stayed out there all night with my shotgun trying to get the little nightmare,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Monday, October 7 View Page He even set the traps off and I couldn't get him!!! ARGGGG!!!!!!!!!!! This is some of the damage, there's a few spots like this then way under the pumpkin, deep under one of the ribs,,,,,,,, the bugger got in:(:(:( We work so hard all year long and be taken out by a rat is so painful! I got a bottle of Prozac so now the pain has been numbed ;)LOL!! Just one more thing to add to that ever growing list of pumpkin preparation for next year. Hey Matt D. where did you find that little thingy magiger I see in front of your pumpkin,,,,,,,,,, may have to get one for next year. I'm going to attempt to weigh her this week at our local gravel yard. Saturday, October 12 View Page " Dag nab it " Vince,,,,,,,,,,,, I think you may have me too!!!! 15 days,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Monday, October 14 View Page Here's the final resting place for the rat eaten 1634. The Botanic Gardens about a mile from my place. That's a 150 pound 1409 in the front and your 980 Jim that was taken out by disease to the far right:) If you look at the lower left hand side of the 1634 you can see one of the two holes that stupid rat was using to destroy my baby :( The first entrance was on the backside under a deep rib................ Friday, October 18 View Page Found out some bad news but excellent information for the coming years. In this pumpkin growing, I'm finding out that knowing whats going on in the patch is half the battle. Looks like Fusarium has been attacking my plants, among other nasty diseases that lurk in my soil. One of the best has a winter program for my patch then a little more aggressive attack on the nasty stuff for next season!! I still have a personal best sitting in the backyard,,,,, 8 more days!! Friday, October 18 View Page Not gaining much but still gaining. Getting new scares every couple days, getting really hard and now turning a deep shade of grey\green on the front and back. Friday, October 25 View Page Same thing over here Jim. Hanging on by a thread,,,,,,,,,,, 2 more days :) Saturday, October 26 View Page Well Jim, well Vince,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Team Faith at its best tomorrow. If I go to chart Jim,,,,,,,, I'll be very happy ;) If I go just a little heavy,,,,,,,,,,,, could make for interesting day! Vince, I like your truck just about bottomed out! That thing looks really " HEAVY "!!!!! I cut my main green yesterday, filled a gallon milk jug, the gallon was empty by this afternoon,,,,,,,,,,,,, ;) The second gallon is now 25% gone,,,,,,,,,,, HMMMMM.................... How many pounds in a gallon again???? ;) See you guys in the morning! Tuesday, October 29 View Page What a fun day! Pumpkinmania weekend with two of my favorite pumpkin guys. Jim ( Team Faith ) and Vince ( Gourdzilla ) Its all about pumpkin stuff on these days, so so much fun!! Tuesday, October 29 View Page My 5 year old Kingston had a ball with his first ever entry. 260 pounds! Man was he happy :):) Tuesday, October 29 View Page Vince waiting to see if he broke the 1000 pound barrier we were both after this year............. Tuesday, October 29 View Page Well, his pumpkin went a hair lite :( I was so bummed for him....... He'll have no problem next year with some new tricks up his sleeve ;) I was worried though, my pumpkin taped 1" bigger then his. My stomach was in knots and I was already asking myself why......... Tuesday, October 29 View Page John Sach was up next and weighed an absolute boulder! This thing had cracks 2" deep and over a foot long! I was sure it would go 20% heavy! He just nudged Vince out for 3rd place, nice boulder John! Tuesday, October 29 View Page Jim was up next. He had weighed his fruit the day before but wouldn't tell anyone. He had an amazing fruit, the thing made mine look small. I was sure this beast would crush me! Tuesday, October 29 View Page I kindda went out of place. I was up next and hoping for at least 3rd place. She went just under 7% heavy and threw me right in first place at 1063. I was so happy to get over that hump! I knew Jim knew the weight of his pumpkin so I look over to see his face. He waved me over and whispered in my ear,,,,,,, you got it buddy,,,,,,,, by about 30 pounds!!!! What a fun day! Tuesday, October 29 View Page Jim's 1030.5,,, what a beast!!! Tuesday, November 5 View Page Well, cut into the 1063 this weekend. This pumpkin was just under 300 pounds larger then anything last year. Last year I was able to fit three of my kids in one pumpkin,,,, this year we could only get one. This is the entrance on the blossom end. Tuesday, November 5 View Page 10 to 11" on all areas but the blossom which was 7" Tuesday, November 5 View Page I thank Steve Daletas for his patience with me, helping me keep things balanced from the very beginning and pushing me to the bitter end. I gave up on her at 900 but he told me to keep pushing and keep things balanced. That I did and reached my goal and then some! Its guys like this that give so much back to this hobby. Willing to help even if the soil type they have is different, even if the climate they have may not be the same or even if it takes time from their busy day. This guy took 10:00 pm phone calls with a smile!!!! I know you like to fly under the radar Steve,,,, but thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience and being such a huge part of my growing this year! The notes compiled this year are endless :) Tuesday, November 5 View Page And then the two little ones had a ball! Tuesday, November 5 View Page Oh yea,,,,, Kingston dug and dug and dug to no avail,,,,,,,, only 11 viable seeds. Monday, November 25 View Page That time of year again. Kingston went with me a couple weeks ago and we loaded up on good compost! 20 yards for the big patch and just a few at the house patch. Monday, November 25 View Page Its been real relaxing. Cover crops are down, sudan at the big patch and a couple different types of mustard at the house. I'm hoping the mustard will help manage the pythium, fusarium and verticillium that roared through my patch the past two seasons. All confirmed through tests at western labs and I'm told all manageable if you stay on top of them :) Saturday, December 14 View Page You know its special when your seeds start coming priority mail, quadruple bubbled, tracking numbers and fully insured!! :) Thanks Darren and Merry Christmas to me! Tuesday, December 17 View Page ;)