Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 17 Entries. Sunday, March 20 View Page I decided that this year I would try doing a diary in order to be able to look back at my season and see what I could do differently to better myself as a grower. I also enjoy reading others diaries and figured I would give it a try. Last year was my first season growing. I grew an 1821 Checkon x 1700.5 Werner, which is now the Davis 928.5   Monday, March 21 View Page Last years patch was 1000 sq feet. It will be doubled to 2000 sq feet and will have 3 kins and a squash. It was finally dry enough to till.   Tuesday, April 5 View Page Last season the plants were started under a 24" single bulb T5. This year I upgraded to an 8 bulb 4 foot T5. These are test plants that were started on March 14th.   Thursday, April 14 View Page Been waiting for this day all winter long. Seeds are sanded and soaking. From left to right: 1947.5 Clementz, 1734.5 Clementz, 1609 Clementz and a 955 Clementz squash. This season I will be running Marks Mixes. Seeds will soak for 6 hours before being placed into the heat chamber.   Sunday, April 17 View Page The 1609 (pictured), 1947.5 and 1734.5 all germed in less than 48 hours. All were soaked in Marks Root Keeper for 6 hours and the paper towels they went in were drenched in the Root Keeper before going into the heat chamber.   Sunday, April 17 View Page Got them all potted today. Still waiting for the 955 squash to take off. I will start backups next week sometime.   Tuesday, April 19 View Page All 3 kins are up. Helped the seed shells off.   Thursday, April 21 View Page Roots are to the bottom of the 2 1/2 quart buckets on all the kins. They may be in the patch sooner than I thought weather permitting.   Tuesday, April 26 View Page Added amendments, sand and compost the other day. Did several passes with the tiller today. It's about 12" of soft fluffy soil.   Monday, May 2 View Page Built some new hoop houses 4'x6'   Monday, May 2 View Page These are smaller than last years houses. Should do the job though.   Tuesday, May 3 View Page Planting spots got covered and heated with a lamp   Wednesday, May 4 View Page All 4 plants went in the ground today   Friday, May 6 View Page Late night root keeper drink for the ladies. Installed 2 big stadium style lights over the patch this year so I could play all hours of the night.   Wednesday, May 18 View Page Well...not what I wanted to see after working a 14 hour midnight shift...RIP 1947.5 Clementz. Something snapped the main. No time to wait and see if it will correct itself. Plant has been pulled and replaced with a backup. I'm expecting big things out of the backup plant. I don't think any other local growers are growing it this year. It will most likely be my pollinator for the other kins.   Saturday, May 28 View Page Hmmm....early pollination?   Wednesday, August 31 View Page It's getting to be that time of year again!! I have lifting rings and straps on hand and ready to ship. The "King Ring" is an 18" ring that is conservatively rated for 10,000 pounds. I have the straps custom made specifically for my rings by a company on the east coast. This is the same company that holds contracts with the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force for all of their strapping and lifting needs. The rings themselves are made 100% by me. If you want something bigger or smaller I can do custom rings too. The "King Ring" is used by Mark "Bubba" Clementz, Chad New (Colorado Giants), Chris Qualley (Qtip) just to name a few. Text 815-910-3041 for more information, I can ship almost anywhere in the states for $40-60. The 18" ring sells for $295. I will also accept certain seeds as partial trade just let me know what you have to offer. Thanks!