Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 196 Entries. Monday, February 18 View Page New season and a new location. Have moved the grow operation to the house at Daniels Lake. Not as good a micro climate, but should make things much easier.   Monday, February 18 View Page Another look at the greenhouse. Will add reinforced visqueen in about 2 weeks. Soil already amended the previous fall, soil heating cables already buried as the ground would still be frozen in late April to early May without them. 1500 watt heaters will be running full time beginning the 3rd week of March to help assist in thawing the ground out and getting the temperature up.   Monday, February 18 View Page Forgot to add the photo to the above script.   Monday, February 18 View Page Always experimenting. Built a germination box for this season. Testing it out currently. Light source a 15 watt florescent light bulb 18 inches long. Underneath 2 inches below the seed stating tray is a germination matt. This can get very hot so therefore the space between the tray and the heat matt. All three thermometers reading the same, 90 degrees. One I have reading internal temperture of soil. If temperature rises above 95 degrees I unplug the heating matt and the temperature will slowly come down. Getting all the surprises out now before the season starts.   Monday, February 18 View Page Close up look into the germination box. It is small since I only start 4 or 5 plants.   Thursday, March 13 View Page New greenhouse all skinned out. Top will role down for sunny warm days. Now all I need is for some of this snow to melt. Sunny with a high of 34 and a low of 24, not bad for this time of year.   Thursday, March 13 View Page Test seed that I started in the germination box. I don't know the cross, but it looks like a good plant. It is just nice to see something green after this long winter.   Sunday, March 23 View Page Snow and ice is SLOWLY melting. Heaters and soild heating cables are now running. Season begins next weekend. High today 40 low 20.   Sunday, March 23 View Page This is how you deal with the cold. Heated hoop house inside a greenhouse. Tomatoes and one test pumpkin plant already in the greenhouse complete with ice floor. 1500 watt heater inside of hoophouse is blowing into ductwork which is in turn run around the outside of plants ending with the ductwork blowing onto a 5 gallon bucket of water. Helps retain heat and counter the drying effects of the heater. Temperature stays around 90 degrees during the day and dropping to the mid 50s to low 60s at night.   Sunday, March 23 View Page Another look at this setup from a distance.   Sunday, March 23 View Page Young tomato plant getting soaking up some rays.   Sunday, March 23 View Page Plants covered up again after the photo session. Ice floor will be fully melted in 3 weeks with a soil temperature in the 60s. Just about time for the pumpkins to hit the dirt. For about a week in late March to early April the ground will be like a swamp as the ice retreats. Ground is frozen to a depth of 10ft currently.   Sunday, March 23 View Page 7 gallon pots already for pumpkins to be transplanted into from their 4 inch peat pots. Their home for the next two weeks until the top two plants hit the dirt.   Saturday, March 29 View Page New season starts tonight. Due to a late arrival in the PNWGPG seed packet I have changed course again. How can you not plant the former 2008 World Record 1566 Rodonis. I don't know how it ended up in my hands, fate I guess, anyway a BIG thanks to Bill Rodonis for the seed donation to the PNWGPGs. The other seed being started is the European record 1297 Ghaye (selfed 998 Pukos) Jos captured the best of the Pukos 998 line, great shape, color in his 1297. Also a BIG thanks to Jos for the seed donation to the NYSGPGA.   Sunday, March 30 View Page Ok to set the record straight that is suppose to read 2007 world record for Bills 1566.   Wednesday, April 2 View Page 2008 season day 4. 1566 Rodonis ( 1450 Wallace x 1231 Pukos ) on the left, 1297 Ghaye ( 998.5 Pukos x self ) on the right 96 hours after begining seed germination. Checked internal soil temperature every 6 to 8 hours with a meat thermometer, fell between 90 and 92 degrees every time I checked. Only started two seeds.   Wednesday, April 2 View Page View of the germination box. Plants spent the day in the outside greenhouse and then brought in for the night.   Wednesday, April 2 View Page One hour later after the above photo. These plants had a busy day moving around. Decided to transplant to 7 gallon containers after seeing some roots on the 1297 Ghaye had grown 2 inches out the bottom of the peat pot. Roots were not quite as long on the 1566 Rodonis but it was about 10 hours behind the 1297 Ghaye when pushing through the soil. Plants are now under the 1000 watt metal halide grow light, alternating time between the outside greenhouse weather permitting. Lucky for me a new light bulb arrived today as my only other light had quit working. They say 12,000 hours per lamp but my previous one only made it 3,000.   Wednesday, April 2 View Page 1566 Rodonis in the 7 gallon container. Pots are large and they have to be. I have to carry the plants longer while I am warming the soil up. Can take the plant to day 19 thru 21 with out getting root bound. Really like this cross.   Wednesday, April 2 View Page View of the 1566 Rodonis on the right and the 1297 Ghaye under the 1000 watt metal halide grow light.   Saturday, April 5 View Page 1297 Ghaye ( Pukos 998-05 x self ) day 7. Under the 1000 watt metal halide grow lamp. Surface temperature is a constant 92 degrees, bottom of grow lamp to plants is 27 inches, I have it where I can adjust the height. Weather outside today, snow and a high of 28 degrees, a good reason to have a 1000 watt grow light.   Saturday, April 5 View Page 1566 Rodonis ( Wallace 1450-06 x Pukos 1231-05 ) day 7. Nice sturdy plant, looks normal at this early stage.   Saturday, April 5 View Page This is the grow lamp I prefer for promoting good even growth. Sunmaster Warm Deluxe 1000 watt metal halide grow lamp. Horizontal SM.1000W.H37.WDX operates on a metal halide ballast for a 1000 watt lamp. I like the warm deluxe because the wavelength spectrum is more oriented towards plant growth. Light is on 16 hours a day, comes on at 6am and goes off at 10pm. About 10 minutes before the light goes off, I place hot water containers around the outside of the plants 7 gallon containers and then cover up with visqueen for the night. In the morning, 10 minutes after light comes on I remove the visqueen. I don't like to use a heat lamp at night since it causes the plants to become leggy with that kind of light over it. Notice the stury structure of these young plants, they have not seen any natural sunlight in three days.   Tuesday, April 8 View Page 1566 Rodonis and 1297 Ghaye transfered to the greenhouse for some real sun. Weather outside was sunny but frightful if you were a pumpkin plant. High 34 low 12. Inside the greenhouse with both heaters running constantly a balmy 85.   Tuesday, April 8 View Page 1566 Rodonis on left, 1297 Ghaye on right. Decided to let these guys spend the night in the greenhouse despite temperatures expected down to 10 above tonight.   Tuesday, April 8 View Page Closeup of how the system works in the hoophouse inside the greenhouse. 1500 watt heater runs continuosly all night blowing hot air through the ductwork wrapping warm air around the base of the plants and ending up right up against a 5 gallon bucket of hot water. Water gently adds moisture to counter the drying effects of the heater. For insurance I added another 5 gallon bucket of hot water on the right side before pulling visqueen over entire structure for the night. I have to monitor the weather daily. If cloudy, cover stays on and heater runs. If sunny, cover comes off for more full sun. This routine will go on until they get planted in the ground. Part of the game if you want to grow this far North.   Tuesday, April 8 View Page Distance shot of the interior hoophouse around noon. Notice ice floor has been replaced by a new and improved dirt floor. I prefer dirt.   Tuesday, April 8 View Page South facing side of greenhouse. Weather pattern has shifted to cold and clear. That is supposed to change tomorrow with 2 inches of snow epected.   Tuesday, April 8 View Page Side view of the new greenhouse looking towards the Southeast.   Wednesday, April 16 View Page Has been a cold rough week. Temps down to 5 degrees 3 nights running, and 7 inches of new snow for the week, highs barely climbing above freezing. At least it was sunny for much of the week helping warm the greenhouse and give the plants some much needed sun. A warm up into the 40s is due by this weekend, maybe it will finally put an end to this winter.   Wednesday, April 16 View Page Although the weather has been frightening outside, indoors the plants have been loving it. At noon the cover over the interior hoophouse comes off, allowing the plants for more sun. Even though the cover comes, off both 1500 watt heaters continue to run and combined with the sunlight it pushes the temperature into the mid 80s for the afternoon hours. Around 7 to 8pm cover goes back over the wire mesh.   Wednesday, April 16 View Page 1566 Rodonis at day 18. Terrific looking plant, will the number one slot this Friday when the plants hit terra firma. These are 7 gallon pots designed to carry plants for only the first 20 days allowing soil temperatures to warm up. Roots are just starting to poke out the bottom drain holes, once I see this I usually have them in the ground within three days.   Wednesday, April 16 View Page 1297 Ghaye ( 998 Pukos x self ) day 18 also. Great looking plant as well, has defined lean a little more so than the 1566 Rodonis. This plant will go out on the wing and be used primarily as a pollinator, weather permitting a pumpkin as well.   Wednesday, April 16 View Page This waterproof thermostat from charleys sure makes life alot easier. Takes the worry out of frying your plants. Well worth the money if you have to warm your plants in tight quarters.   Monday, April 21 View Page 1566 Rodonis day 22, normal good looking plant so far. Three days after transplant from 7 gallon pot. The main has grown about 6 inches during that time.   Monday, April 21 View Page Front view of 1566 Rodonis. High today was 50 degrees with a low of 23. Temperatures in the greenhouse reached the low 90s during the warmest part of the day.   Monday, April 21 View Page 1297 Ghaye day 22 out on the wing. Main around 16 inches.   Monday, April 21 View Page Front view 1297 Ghaye.   Monday, April 21 View Page Transplanted the tomatoes today into the fish tote, holds about a cubic yard of dirt. Three Oregon Springs and one GH 656 in the right front corner.   Sunday, April 27 View Page This was taken on the 26th of April. Received 3 inches of wet sloppy snow. Anchorage 70 miles by air to the NE got slammed with 17 to 22 inches.   Sunday, April 27 View Page What a difference a day makes. High of 48 with big sunny breaks, heavy melting going on. This has been one of the longest drawn out breakups I can remember.   Sunday, April 27 View Page 1566 Rodonis in the foreground and the 1257 Ghaye in the back. Each plant has its own interior hoophouse with heater at night. Uncovered in the morning around 7am.   Sunday, April 27 View Page Overhead view of the 1566 Rodonis at day 29. Solid well balanced plant, main around 3 1/2 ft in length.   Sunday, April 27 View Page Overhead view of the 1297 Ghaye at day 29. More of a leaner build to this plant, larger spacing between the leaves on the main and not quite as thick on the main as the 1566 Rodonis. Plant also at 3 1/2 ft in length.   Sunday, April 27 View Page Fish tote with tomatoes. Test seed plant still hanging around on the left front. Jalapeno plant up front. Two sweet success cucumbers in the very back, planted in a cutoff plastic barrel holding 30 gallons of dirt. Around which is placed a 6 inch wire mesh cylinder. Same stuff I use for interior hoophouses.   Sunday, May 4 View Page 1566 Rodonis in foreground around 6ft. in length. 1297 Ghaye in the back also at 6ft. in length. Both have first females showing at the 6ft. mark. Weather the past week has been highs in the low 50s with lows at night in the upper 20s to low 30s.   Sunday, May 4 View Page First female on the main on the 1297 Ghaye at the 6ft. mark.   Monday, May 5 View Page First female on the main on the 1566 Rodonis.   Tuesday, May 13 View Page Two males in bloom on the 1297 Ghaye plant.   Tuesday, May 13 View Page On the right side the 1566 Rodonis plant. This plant is a stud, it can take the punishment and dish it out in return. Even inside this greenhouse it has taken on conditions that would have finished off some plants. Finally for the first time in three years a plant that has females on the main and lots of them. Already three on the 9 ft main. 1297 Ghaye on the left has not fared as well, does not like the cold condition that come with the evening hours. 150 ft to the North of the greenhouse the lake is still locked in ice. Welcome to growing Alaskan style. Pollinate your first female and the ice still has not gone out.   Tuesday, May 13 View Page First female on the 1566 Rodonis main, 5 lobe pollinated with three males off the 1297 Ghaye plant at the 7 ft mark. Test pollination, to early to be setting. The 3rd female on the main though looks to be in prime location. Plant should be large and root system well established by then.   Tuesday, May 13 View Page Second female on the 1566 main at the 8 to 9 ft mark.   Tuesday, May 13 View Page First female on the 1297 Ghaye main at the 7 ft mark up for pollination possibly tomorrow.   Tuesday, May 13 View Page Minutes after pollination at noon a storm struck with pea size hail.   Saturday, May 17 View Page Lake ice on May 13th, looking very rotten, finally broke up on the 15th.   Saturday, May 17 View Page Hardening off young apple trees. Parkland on the right, Zesstar on the left. Courtesy of Mike O'Brien local apple tree guru. These trees have been grafted onto a hardy root stock from Russia, the name slips my mind. Beautiful trees ay, Anna Claire.   Saturday, May 17 View Page Parkland gets planted on the left side of the driveway and the Zestor on the right side. Each tree gets planted in the center of one of the rock ringed raised beds. Placed around the tree will be an 8ft high 6 inch wire mesh 4 1/2 ft in diameter and anchored with metal stakes. Moose protection. Looks like they have a good home.   Saturday, May 17 View Page Top rolled back today for 2 hours during the warmest part of the day. High 59 low 30, brilliant sunny day.   Saturday, May 17 View Page Standing on a ladder looking down at the 1566 Rodonis on the right and the 1297 Ghaye on the left.   Saturday, May 17 View Page The big bully on the block, the 1566 Rodonis threatens to over run the 1297 Ghaye on the left. Plants receiving the same treatment. Spotted the 4th female on the main on the 1566 Rodonis. Take your pick, females all over this plant. Awesome plant, I would love to see what it could do in a proper environment with plenty of area to grow in.   Friday, May 23 View Page Third female ( four lobe ) on the 1566 main at the 11 ft mark self pollination.   Friday, May 23 View Page Fourth female on the 1566 main at the 14 ft mark, set to bloom in 5 to 6 days.   Friday, May 23 View Page Female set on a strong 1566 secondary a couple of days ago.   Friday, May 23 View Page Correction on the above entry. That is supposed to read first pumpkin set on the 1297 Ghaye. About the size of an orange, growing on a small plant.   Friday, May 23 View Page Female set on a strong 1566 secondary.   Friday, May 23 View Page 1566 Rodonis fixing to overwhelm the smaller slower growing 1297. Main currently somewhere around 14 ft. on the 1566 plant.   Friday, May 23 View Page Strong right side secondary on the 1566 Rodonis. This secondary almost rivals the true main on this plant for vigor. Have one female set on this main currently.   Friday, May 23 View Page A look at the main on the 1566 Rodonis.   Friday, May 23 View Page Six inch wire mesh comes in handy for making quick hoop houses of any size. Cover comes off at noon and goes back on in the evening held in place with 2 x 4s. Covering some young lettuce rows. Despite 3 nights last week with night time temps falling into the upper twenties the lettuce survived just fine with no heat source. Around the 10th of June I will remove completely for the remainder of summer. On the right clear visqueen covers carrot seeds. The clear visqueen allows the suns rays through heating the soil and helps retain the heat and moisture. If I don't use this proceedure germination of the carrot seeds can be cut in half. As soon as seedlings are up visqueen comes off for the season.   Friday, May 23 View Page Covered for the low light hours.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Summer dock project, new extension includes cement filled couplings welded together for footers and fully adjustable for height adjustment, under water connecting/ tensioning rods, new beams and decking. Water temperatures were still in the 30s so a dry suit had to be worn to get the project done this early. Some of the footers weighed in excess of 600 lbs were physically moved into place. All the parts were constructed at the shop this winter.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Front right corner pier.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Center pier.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Completed the project today.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Now onto more important matters. Number 3 pumpkin on the 1566 main, day 8. About the size of a small grapefruit. Things are not moving along at a real fast pace yet. Plant is still laying down it root system and growing at a modest clip. Cut loose #2 pumpkin off the 1566 main three days ago. To close into the stump and to boost the #3 pumpkin. First half of last week weather was pleasant Highs mid 60s and sunny. Last half of week has been cool and cloudy with showers.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Number 5 female on the 1566 main. Good location at 19 ft out. Plant will be very large by the time this one is pollinated.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Pumpkin on #1 primary vine, six ft out from stump. Got culled today. This secondary is almost as long as the main and nearly as vigorous. In two days I will terminate this secondary, this should really energize the main.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Pumpkin on the 1297 Ghaye plant. This is a small plant just being used as a pollinator. To bad it is not my main plant, I like the shape and color of this one. Maybe I will get some seeds out of her anyway.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Over view of the 1566 Rodonis plant. You can make out the main in the back ground heading to the left. Terrific trouble free plant so far.   Sunday, June 1 View Page Looking through a sea of 1566 Rodonis leaves you can make out the stem end of the 1297 Ghaye pumpkin, about the size of a volleyball.   Sunday, June 8 View Page Digging into the 27 year old compost heap. Adding some mid season energy to the soil. Everything goes into the heap salmon, halibut remains, leaves, weeds, wood chips, you name it it goes in. No greasey stuff though. Takes about 7 years to get a good heap going up here in the cold. Once large enough it is self sustaining, its own ecosystem, working year round.   Sunday, June 8 View Page After running through a screen it looks like this, ready to be added to the growning area. Around established vines I just lay it around and up against the vines. Makes good stuff for vine burying.   Sunday, June 8 View Page This is the head honcho of the patch now. 1566 pumpkin # 3 on the main. Day 15, larger than a basketball and starting to ramp it up.   Sunday, June 8 View Page Later in the day after having laid down 1" blueboard styrofoam under the pumpkin and extended area in anticipation of larger things to come. Pumpkin very close to 90 degrees to main. Best location and position for my main pumpkin I have had yet. I didn't have anything to do with that though. Also have laid down an inch of sand over the styrofoam with pumpkin on top of that. Helps wick away excess moisture later in the season and helps level the playing field.   Sunday, June 8 View Page 1297 Ghaye pumpkin. Beautiful shape and color coming on. Small plant I will be surprised if it goes over 100 lbs. at the end of the season. Weather has been lousy this late spring. No days over 70 yet and less than 5 days with a high over 60. Clouds and wind have ruled the day at this latitude. Thats what you get when you live at the top of the chain.   Sunday, June 8 View Page Number 5 pumpkin on the 1566 main two days old. Moments later a knife ended its short life. Such is life in the far North.   Sunday, June 8 View Page Number 6 female on the 1566 main, 5 lobe self pollinated. Last one I am going to pollinate on this 1566 Rodonis plant. Keep it around for awhile as a backup. It to will have a short life if the #3 pumpkin on the main catches fire. Season is short up here and I don't have time to string out alot of prospects. In fact, 83 days until weigh-off.   Sunday, June 8 View Page 1566 Rodonis superplant. All I can say is this plant has exceeded my expectations with the sorry weather we have had this year. Main currently at 24ft.   Sunday, June 8 View Page 1566 pumpkin 12 ft out from stump.   Sunday, June 15 View Page Pumpkin on the 1566 main, day 23. Good looking shape with a dimpled blossum end. Circ. 62 inches, ss 45, ee 45, est wt. 81 lbs. All the pumpkins I have set on this plant have had long stems and a good shape. This pumpkin now has its own climate controled pumpkin shack. Blanket thrown over the pumpkin during the low light hours.   Sunday, June 15 View Page Blossum end view of the 1566 Rodonis Pumpkin.   Sunday, June 22 View Page 1566 pumpkin on day 30. Circ. 86, ss 58, ee 56 = 200 OTT for an est wt. of 172 lbs. Plant and pumpkin are primed for some good growth if only the weather would cooperate. Coolest summer I have seen in my 29 years in Alaska. Highest temperature this year is 66 degrees and with nothing forecast to change in the near future. Clouds, wind and rain have been the order of the day.   Sunday, June 22 View Page Close up of the 1566 pumpkin. Big dimpled blossum end.   Sunday, June 22 View Page Just like its mother the Rodonis 1566 this pumpkin is going to be blossum end towards the dirt. I've always been able to elevate the stem and vine but this one seems inclined to dive downward.   Sunday, June 22 View Page Distance shot of the 1566 pumpkin and greenhouse from the South side.   Sunday, June 22 View Page 1297 Ghaye pumpkin, good shape and color to this guy.   Sunday, June 29 View Page 1566 pumpkin numbers day 37, 103 circ., 67 ss, 66 ee = 236 OTT for an est. wt of 276 lbs. Gain of 105 lbs. for the week a 15 lb. daily average. Considering almost no sun and very cool temps and still no high above 70 this year, the pumpkin is still growing at a steady rate. Will never get to see the full potential of this pumpkin as the forecast is for continued cloudy and cooler temps.   Sunday, June 29 View Page 1297 Ghaye pumpkin, small but good shape and great color. Grown for genetics only. Probably weighs around 40 lbs on a plant with maybe 30 leaves.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Stem end of the 1566 pumpkin, looking through heavy foliage. Fan directed towards stem with heat duct aimed into air flow. Only on for a couple hours a day to keep things dry. Problem free pumpkin no splits or cracking on either the stem or blossum end of this guy. Stem down low on the 1566 pumpkin and it looks to stay that way or go even lower.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Kona snow as it is known on the big island of Hawaii. My 7 year old coffee plant blooming again. Produced a whopping 4 coffee beans 2 years ago. Needless to say it was a small cup of coffee.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Tomatoes just starting to rippen, apple size. Variety GH 656. Have been receiving the same nutrients I feed the pumpkins.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Sweet success cucumber found hiding under the coffee plant and tomato foliage.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Our lone jalapeno plant. Given the proper amout of soil, sunlight and nutition, these plants will get to the size of a small bush.   Sunday, June 29 View Page Has been a good year for geraniums with the cool, rainy conditions.   Sunday, July 6 View Page First tomato of the year off the GH 656 plant.   Sunday, July 6 View Page My patch dog Maggie. Has been busy killing shrews this summer.   Sunday, July 6 View Page Kenai, Alaska 4th of July Parade. One of the 29 H.O.G bikes in the event. Nice bike Will, hey who's that good looking gal on the back?   Sunday, July 6 View Page 1566 pumpkin circ. 117 inches, est wt 393 lbs. Still a young looking fellow. Weather has continued its cool rainy pattern.   Sunday, July 13 View Page One of the GH 656 tomatoes from the greenhouse. This one weighed in at a pound and a half.   Sunday, July 13 View Page Another look at the same tomato.   Sunday, July 13 View Page This pic says it all for this summers weather. Cool, cloudy with numerous rain showers. No end in sight. With the rainy season almost, here I don't have much hope for any improvement.   Sunday, July 13 View Page Growth on the Rodonis 1566 pumpkin has been steady due to the cloudy conditions. As of today, the measurements came in at 124 circ., 80 ss, 79 ee = 285 OTT for an est. wt. of 478 lbs. Still has alot of growth left in this guy. Shows signs that it might eventually have a cantaloped surface but has started yet. 49 days left before weigh-off. High today only 54 degrees.   Sunday, July 13 View Page Deep recess on the blossum end of the 1566 pumpkin.   Sunday, July 13 View Page That was suppose to be 126 inch circ 2 posts up for a total of 285 OTT.   Sunday, July 20 View Page Stem end look at the 1566 Rodonis pumpkin, measurements as of today 133 circ., 84 ss, 83 ee, for an est. wt of 556 lbs.   Sunday, July 20 View Page Blossum end view. Getting a deeper recess, any deeper and it will be a cavern.   Sunday, July 20 View Page Side view of the 1566 pumpkin. Has a smooth skin so far and picking up a light orange color as well.   Sunday, July 20 View Page 1297 Ghaye pumpkin ( selfed Pukos 998 ) selfed again for genetics only. Only about 70 to 80 lbs, but great shape and color.   Monday, July 21 View Page Maggie the pug, taking time out from her shrew patrol. So far only 2 days that have hit 70 degrees this year, has been a rough summer so far. More rain and clouds forecast for the upcoming week.   Friday, July 25 View Page Todays measurement on the 1566 Rodonis pumpkin. 138 circ., 85 ss, 84 ee = 307 OTT for an est. wt of 611 lbs. Still smooth skinned and picking up some good color as well. Weather last week was abysmal, wind, clouds, 3 inches of cold rain as an added insult. Will go down on record as the coolest summer ever if things don't change quickly.   Friday, July 25 View Page Blossum end view of the 1566 Rodonis pumpkin. Still lots of growth left in this pumpkin. Even with almost no sunshine this pumpkin still has a shot at a 1000 lbs. Need to finish the month around 670 lbs on the tape. Then get 230 more lbs in August. Yea, I know that adds up to 900, I think thats enough with this guy. Both mother and father were over 10% on the charts and I have a feeling due to the slow even growth all summer long this one is going over 10% as well. It is going to be close.   Sunday, August 3 View Page 1566 pumpkin continues its' steady growth despite virtually no sunshine and cool temps. Last 8 days have added another 100 lbs to the total weight. Circ. 144, ss 91, 88 ee for a total of 323 OTT = 710 lbs.   Sunday, August 3 View Page 1566 pumpkin from a distance. Only two days all summer that the temperature reached 70 degrees and it just barely broke 70. That may be all we see for this year as it is already cooling down slightly with no real warm spell in sight. This summer will go down as the coolest cloudiest on record for the Nikiski area.   Sunday, August 10 View Page 1566 pumpkin taped today at 146 circ, 93 ss, 91 ee = 330 OTT for an est. wt. of 756 lbs for a gain of 46 lbs for the week. Definitely slowing down, hoping I can get another 50 lbs on the tape before weigh-off at the Alaska State Fair on the 27th of August in Palmer. My guess is the pumpkin will go around 10% heavy and weigh somewhere around 880 lbs when it is all said an done. Weather this year was as bad as I've ever seen. Looks like we will only have 3 days where the temperature reached 70 all summer long and those three days it just reached 70. Night time temperatures this last week fell into the mid to upper 30s three nights running, a sure sign the end is near.   Tuesday, August 12 View Page Had to post another shot of the 1566 pumpkin with a rare appearance of the sun shining. Brings out the nice orange color.   Sunday, August 17 View Page Taped in today at 149 circ, 94 ss, 92 ee = 335 OTT est. wt. 770 lbs. Rare sunny day so I took advantage for a few photos. High 65 low 48.   Sunday, August 17 View Page Only real problem I have had on this pumpkin a slow moving crack in a rib valley about 10 inches long and an 1/8th of an inch deep on the shoulder, does not go into the stem. Have had 3 or 4 shorter ones on the shoulder all have healed nicely, the big one is healing as it splits, stopped getting longer today. Expansion cracks, indicates pumpkin is still putting on weight allthough slowly at this stage now.   Sunday, August 17 View Page Another look at same crack. Looks mean but I don't anticipate any problems. I did cut way back on the feeding program.   Sunday, August 17 View Page View of the deep blossum end recess on the 1566 pumpkin.   Sunday, August 17 View Page View of the main on the 1566 Rodonis plant at almost 5 months old, still in excellant shape despite constant wet humid conditions this summer.   Sunday, August 17 View Page This was the toughest season I have ever had to grow in.... bar none! Weigh-off 10 days from now on the 27th of August at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer.   Sunday, August 24 View Page Final measurement before weigh-off on Thursday, 151 circ, 96 ss, 94 ee = 341 OTT for an est weight of 833 on the 2008 charts.   Sunday, August 24 View Page View from the hill.   Sunday, August 24 View Page Pumpkin still growing on day 93 as evidenced by the expansion cracks that keep growing. Cut out about a 1/3rd of the plant to reduce the growth rate and ease the pressure. Very little water to plant at this stage. Also have brought temperatures down in the greenhouse and the pumpkin shack about 10 degrees.   Sunday, August 24 View Page 1297 Ghaye pumpkin at day 100. Good color and shape, hard as a rock.   Sunday, August 24 View Page View from the road on the hill looking towards the Lake.   Sunday, August 24 View Page South side of greenhouse.   Sunday, August 24 View Page Great color on the 1566 pumpkin. How heavy will it go?   Tuesday, August 26 View Page 1566 pumpkin out in the open. Lift later this afternoon. You can now make out the expansion cracks on the shoulders. Fortunately they have been slow growing and healing as they grow.   Tuesday, August 26 View Page I can fly! No, I just climbed on the roof for this shot. Will lift this guy out through the roof using a large excavater.   Tuesday, August 26 View Page Another shot from the roof.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Stem view of the 1566 Rodonis pumpkin. Most trouble free stem I have ever had on a pumpkin. Very good elasticity where stem joins body of pumpkin. Cracks radiate out from the rib valleys in 5 or 6 locations all superficial in nature.   Thursday, August 28 View Page I can't thank Donnie Rappe owner and operator of D C Rappe Excavating based in North Kenai enough for volunteering his service to move the 1566 pumpkin. His 320B Cat Excavator is one awesome piece of equipment.   Thursday, August 28 View Page John Dietsch operator of the 320B excavator for the lift.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Lifting ring overhead coming down.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Dropping into greenhouse.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Ring through the hole in the roof.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Ring and straps above pumpkin.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Getting straps spaced out for lift.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Running the rope through the loops and tying off.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Tied off and final check moments before lift. Any good prayers say'em now.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Taking up slack.   Thursday, August 28 View Page We have lift off.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Roof top.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Higher.   Thursday, August 28 View Page John you are one smooth operator. Thanks!   Thursday, August 28 View Page Damn this thing is so high up, do I need to file a flight plan?   Thursday, August 28 View Page John Dietsch swinging the 1566 pumpkin out over the driveway. One of my favorite aerial shots.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Dropping the 1566 pumpkin into the bed of the truck. Feels heavy pushing against it.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Touchdown.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Untying.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Don Rappe and J.D. below the bucket of the CAT 320B Excavator. When it comes to excavating and hualing around here D C Rappe is the man. Thanks again Donnie and John! You guys know how to move a ROCK!   Thursday, August 28 View Page 1566 pumpkin in bed of truck.   Thursday, August 28 View Page John Dietsch operator extrodinaire and J.D. Thanks John! That was an awesome lift, loads of fun!   Thursday, August 28 View Page Loaded and ready for the trip North to Palmer.   Thursday, August 28 View Page My wife Dana and son Steven on the right, doubling as photographers for the afternoon, without their terrific efforts there would be few photos of a lift like this.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Water bottles hooked up, light seaweed solution and bio-calcium. I think this guy actually gained weight on the trip North. Was still growing when cut loose.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Thanks Donnie, that excavator is a beast!   Thursday, August 28 View Page Dale Marshall and pumpkin from Anchorage, Alaska and Kathy Liska crops/Midnight Sun Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off director. The weigh-off is only one of many tasks she performs daily at the Alaska State Fair. Some how she makes this whole thing work with a smile on her face. Thanks again Kathy to you and your whole crops division crew for another terrific fair. You guys ROCK!   Thursday, August 28 View Page Close up of the 1566 pumpkin prior to weigh-off.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Two man weigh-off. Look to add some more contestants next year. Did I hear right? Dave Iles from North Pole is coming back into the fray in 2009. Mardi Robb from Palmer? Either one of those two is more than capable of smashing my 1019 state record. Look forward to seeing both of you as well Dale Marshall from Anchorage.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Worlds most Northern GPC weigh-off site. Well above the 60th parallel.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Rigging up for weigh-off. Mike Campbell from Alaska Division of weights and measurements. Mikes been doing this along time and knows his business. Has certified so many world records he's probably lost track. A terrific gentleman as well.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Dale Marshall and me rigging up his pumpkin. Est wt I believe was 276 lbs. I can't remember the cross exactly so I won't list it at this time.   Thursday, August 28 View Page 328 lbs..!!! Wow 19% over. First year out! That was super under the most miserable conditions ever faced up here. Congrats Dale. Largest one ever grown in Anchorage, Alaska.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Dale Marshall and the Marshall 328-08. One solid pumpkin!   Thursday, August 28 View Page J.D. and Dale rigging up the 1566 pumpkin moments before weighing.   Thursday, August 28 View Page 907 lbs..!!! Taped at 833 lbs on the 2008 chart ( 341 OTT ) 8.88% heavy. Needless to say I was satisfied, especially after the summer we had. This pumpkin had it all, great color, shape, and HEAVY to the charts. Terrific plant under the most adverse conditions imaginable, virtually no sun and only 3 days that the high temp for the day reached 70. Someone in a better climate is going to uncork an atrocious orange monster off this cross. Thanks Bill Rodonis for the seed.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Moments after weighing. Uphoria and elation after beating the odds..lol. Divers experience rapture of the deep, this must be rapture of the orange, who knows why we do this, all I know it sure is fun! And you meet so many cool people along the journey!   Thursday, August 28 View Page Behind the Megchelsen 907-08.   Thursday, August 28 View Page My better half Dana. The real pumpkin queen in my life. Thanks Dana for putting up with my obsession. These photos all made possible by Dana dodging countless fair goers.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Alaska State Fair loader operator Chris Donnally. Awesome job Chris. Thanks for putting up with us pumpkin crazed weigh-off people.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Loader and the Megchelsen 907 on the edge of the AG building looking towards the East.   Thursday, August 28 View Page This photo goes with the above entry.   Thursday, August 28 View Page J.D., Mardi and Scott Robb help guide the 907 back onto pallet after weighing. You'll be seeing Mardi again next year as a competitor in the pumpkin weigh-off. AGs vs Cabbage, stay tuned. Put a web cam in your greenhouse Scott I want to follow the action. Good Luck!   Thursday, August 28 View Page Onto the pallet for display.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Dana and J.D. in the display area for the large produce division of the Alaska State Fair.   Thursday, August 28 View Page 907 on display. Soon to recieve more light from flash bulbs going off than it saw from sunlight this summer.   Thursday, August 28 View Page Wasilla, Alaska Valley Garden Club members and two Alaska State Fair judges on the left. I see alot of potential new growers in this group.   Tuesday, October 28 View Page Tiffins and the pumpkin off the 1297 Ghaye plant. Est. Wt. 80 lbs. Nice color and shape. Pukos 998 two generations selfed. Carver for Halloween. Solid as a rock after 2 months off the vine. Hope I have some seeds out of this one as it was for genetics only.   Tuesday, October 28 View Page Had the 907 carved at the Kenai visitors center 8 weeks after being cut from the vine. Still rock solid, weather is very conducive for maintaining a pumpkin after harvest up here. The seed count was 264. Yes that is snow on the dock looking out the window. Lake is icing up tonight as the temperature is going down around the zero mark tonight. Ground is already frozen to a depth of 5 inches fortunately all the soil amendments are already done for the year. Low tempertures in interior Alaska fell to minus 38 last night.   Tuesday, October 28 View Page Closer look at the seeds out of the Megchelsen 907-08 ( 1566-07 Rodonis x self ). Seeds are fully mature and filled out, almost all of them have white tips. First time I've had white tipped seeds. I know thjey are viable because about 12 of them had germinated inside the pumpkin already. Some were about 5 inches tall and had a long well established tap root. The impatient pumpkin was already starting its own pumpkin patch inside itself.   Tuesday, October 28 View Page A final look at fall looking North across the lake.   Sunday, November 2 View Page A field pumpkin I carved Halloween. One cold Tiger as the temperature fell to 7 degrees, illuminated with a 75 watt florescent light bulb. Providing I keep the pumpkin out of the sun and the temperature does not rise above freezing this pumpkin will still be around next year. Lake ice already 5 inches thick.   Thursday, December 25 View Page 1297 Ghaye pumpkin selfed. This makes it a second generation selfed Pukos 998. Little 80 lber grown on a pollinator plant. Had about 300 fully developed seeds.   Thursday, December 25 View Page Seasons Greetings from Alaska. Sun only rises 6 degrees above the horizon this time of year. Temperature in the noon day sun 8 below.