Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 649 Entries. Friday, January 9 View Page Happy New Year to all! Shout to all my friends in the PNWGPG, Manure Man, 'The' Green Elephant, and Ron H. I am itching to 'till up sumpthin but have decided that it is still the 'off season'. So I will continue to just plan away... (lol) Here's the seeds I have got so far for this year 1536.5 VanKooten 1287 VanKooten 1358 08 Ghaye 1297 Ghaye 890 Ewing 08 1467 Perham 08 1184 Hunt 1055 Jutras 833 Hoffman I am sure i will stick a Crosby seed I just hav't decided which. I will definately try to grow the Crosby Giant Watermelon seeds this year with more care to detail. They are Proven Seeds. Keep it Real_ MG PS. The Photo is of my fifty year old Lions Head Maple this fall at the Ewing Nursery. Ryan...   Tuesday, January 20 View Page This Picture is of my 833 hoffman 06 plant that I grew in 2007. The stump ended up being 12" caliper; however the pumpkin that I choose was self pollinated on the back main. This season I will grow this seed again and will take a shot at growing one at ideally 10-19 ft. out. C.R.B. Pumpkins emailed me and I remembered that I have a seed from his 1184 Barker 08. I hope to let it see dirt this year. I think its the 1631.5 Mckie x 1689 Jutras cross. I also ordered from the PNWGPG Auction the 1055 Jutras 08 and the 1184 Hunt 08 both are (1689 Jutras x 1631.5 Mckie). Looks like I have got the full cross and reverse cross for this season. To bad Don's 1662 didn't have any seeds in it. He is a really awesome grower and i'd like to grow one of his giants some day also. I took 2 pages of notes from him at our spring meeting last year. MANURE MOVER had better be growin' my 890 this year or there's gonna be a tussle,(j/k). Shout out and thanks to the Wiz for sending MANURE MAN the totally Righteous seeds. The 895 Grande looks mighty mighty enticing... Big Up in '09 MONSTER GROWER OUT!   Wednesday, January 21 View Page Thankyou goes out to C.R.B.Pumpkins for sending me the seeds from the PNWGPG seed sale . Thankyou also for the 1184 Barker's you gave me. Hopefully I can beat you with your own seed this year Ron, (lol). Anyways you are the man. Also thanks to mr. Roof for all he does for the club and all of us growers. I jumped up and down and yelled hurray when I saw that they had stuck a 1255 van Kooten 08 in there. Even though the dude who runs the AGGC has never responded to my emails for 2 years or even acknowleged that I exist on planet earth... I was able to do some research at the auctions to find out that the 1255 is a real hot seed this year! Not to mention the fact that Jake is an incredibly nice and very energetic grower who I look up to and respect a great deal. So many seeds at the start of the year. I really can't say yet exactly what my lineup will be yet this year. I do know that this year I want to have plenty of starts in case I need backups.   Wednesday, January 21 View Page Correction, I have an 1187.5 Hunt 08 (1689x 1631.5) I previously listed it as the 1184 hunt but that is incorrect. Sorry.   Monday, February 16 View Page Hand Turned my backyard patch with the shovel today. I added 8 yards of composted grass, apples, and leaves. Zoos keeps getting into the smelly compost and dirt. Tryin' to get a head start on Manure Man...   Monday, February 16 View Page A look at the stuff. There are tons and tons of worms in the soil and compost.   Monday, February 16 View Page All Shoveled out and raked in. Please don't step on the Soil now! Lol! This could be my fair patch for the year. I'm Thinking hard about what seed/seeds that I will put in here. MONSTER GROWER OUT!!!   Monday, March 16 View Page Been thinkin' and thinkin' and thinkin' again this year about my patch. I see a lot of other nice patch pictures out there. I have been working on widening my backyard patch. I am pretty set on using the backyard patch for an attempt at the Puyallup fair this year. I had fun going last year and writing the weights down on the board as is all unfolded. Dean Biss grew a real monster. The circumference of his pumpkin was just massive, lets put it at that. I will also be working the pumpkin booth at the Puyallup Spring Fair this year. Its a lot of fun That is were I got some good tips from Red Rooster last year. Just got to procure a Holland's Land'o Giants seed and then my collection is complete for the year. Big Up in '09 M.G.   Tuesday, April 14 View Page I Planted my -<890 EWING '08>- in a small hoop house today ; Forgot the cord to my phone so no pick, but here is the patch on feb. 16th before i finished thou. (1161 Holland 07 x self). I have 11 seeds left from this one. The PNWGPG has 50 or 60 of these seeds and that is all of them. Thanks to Holland's Land'o Giants for helping me grow my pumpkins with wisdom and sound knowledge. God Bless. M.G.   Wednesday, April 15 View Page The first starts of mine up was my 890 ewing and the 782 huff.!!!!<> The best looking also are the 1161 Emmons 08! the 782 Huff! the 1220.5 Rounig! , the 890 Ewing, (and the 1055 Jutras is the greenest of all of my starts). Peace Wayne.   Thursday, April 16 View Page Picture from April 5th... Started March 30th...   Thursday, April 16 View Page 4-05-09   Thursday, April 16 View Page 4-5-09 Game On...   Thursday, April 16 View Page Left. 1184 Barker '08 (1631.5 x 1689)... Right. 1055 Jutras (1689 x 1631.5). This is the biggest possible DOUBLE REVERSE CROSSS !!!! LOL Thanks to the PNWGPG and the GVGO.   Thursday, April 16 View Page Planted my 890 Ewing in my New backyard patch. 4-14-09   Thursday, April 16 View Page 890 Ewing 07 (1161 Holland x Self). 4-14-09. I planted my seeds this year in 1 gallon stiff polly's with extra holes on the bottom, in 60 percent Nursery mixed topsoil and 40 percent cedar grove topsoil I mixed it myself by hand. P.s. I have never been a big fan of (STERIL SOIL)?....   Thursday, April 16 View Page Previous entry should read. 890 EWING 08 (1161 Holland 07 x self) Here is part of my compost stash.   Thursday, April 16 View Page My New top secret Backyard patch on 4-14. Thanks to Manure Man for helping me with my Front yard House. You will do ! k + this year. Thanks J. ...Monster Grower Out!   Monday, April 20 View Page 890 yesterday   Monday, April 20 View Page Side shot...   Monday, April 20 View Page 1184 Barker yesterday...   Monday, April 20 View Page 1055 Jutras yesterday...   Tuesday, April 21 View Page 782 Huff.   Tuesday, April 21 View Page 1357 Ghaye. Put out today along with the 782 in the previous entry. Thanks Jos! Big up in '09   Tuesday, April 21 View Page Last but not least is... 833 Hoffman 06. Thanks Ron. This is the plant that I am most excited to grow this year. The 833 Hoffman is a very aggressive vine. Maybe I will cross this with my 890 or possibly the 1357.   Tuesday, April 21 View Page 1055   Tuesday, April 21 View Page 1184   Thursday, April 23 View Page I got the green houses up today over the 782, 833, and 1357. Applied liquid "Fish & Poop" today.   Wednesday, April 29 View Page Front 1184 Barker 08. Rear 1055 Jutras 08. Today, I extended their greenhouse to give the plants more space. I think that I will 'till the patches within a week from today.   Wednesday, April 29 View Page Side View.   Wednesday, April 29 View Page There it is in all its heavenly glory!   Wednesday, April 29 View Page 833 Hoffman... Looking choice. I soil-drenched uncle Shorty's worm tea to all the starts today. Thanks Joe.   Wednesday, April 29 View Page The 1357 Ghaye is looking kind of stunted. I may have to abort this start and go with a backup. I will give it a few days though and see if the worm tea helps it.   Wednesday, April 29 View Page 890 Ewing 08... Looking fine and Dandy!   Wednesday, April 29 View Page I had to cull the 782 Huff today. Unfortunately, it got transplant shock due to cold weather. I planted my 1166 Emmons 08 today as a replacment. I put some 8-2-4 organic fertilizer into the hole with it. This plant came from my biggest seed and has done nothin' but jump out of the gym ever since it popped up. Thanks Don. M.G. out!   Friday, May 1 View Page I planted my 1220.5 ROUNIG back-up in front of the 1357. I put a small bucket of organic 8-2-4 Granular (dried chicken excrement, feather meal, blood meal, and potash) in the hole and all around the plant.   Saturday, May 2 View Page 1220.5 close...   Saturday, May 2 View Page 1220.5 ROUNIG yesterday closer.   Saturday, May 2 View Page My Life   Saturday, May 2 View Page continued...   Saturday, May 2 View Page Double Continued...   Saturday, May 2 View Page Triple Continued....   Saturday, May 2 View Page How do you lift your pumpkins?   Saturday, May 2 View Page My worm tea sits in the sun in the mornings. I use the large <ALL> container to fill my gatorade bottles. I Root fed with liquid "Fish an Sea Bird Guano" to each plant yesterday after watering 45 minutes prior..   Saturday, May 2 View Page Keep the rabbits away Buddy!   Saturday, May 2 View Page My 890 is chuggin' along.   Saturday, May 2 View Page Another view of the 890 from yesterday.   Sunday, May 3 View Page 1034 Biss and my 890's from back on April 8th.   Sunday, May 3 View Page 1034 Biss. In the House Today. Back up time. This ones in a good spot. Confirmed Rabbit sighting in the yard this week. Good thing i've got the starts protected. Manure man has my 890 and 623 growing up the hill. Along with the 895 grande and 1184 Barker. Maybe I should get flowers from his if possible and sib mine. That could be a long shot though due to the different flowering times of those 2 plants. Granular 8-2-4 organic applied under the 1034. Watered all plants today at around 2pm, lightly. Temps at 2pm; 64 degrees outside, 90 degrees in the greenhouses.   Monday, May 4 View Page Fed all the plants with liquid kelp today in the morning. Foliar and root. Watered lightly all over in the afternoon. Will 'till later this week. Go Mariners.   Friday, May 8 View Page 1166 Emmons. I over-watered the plants and that is why they yellowed. I cut of the watering a few days ago and they have started to turn back around.   Friday, May 8 View Page 1055 Jutras in front, 1184 Barker in Back... Both are doing well.   Friday, May 8 View Page 1357 Ghaye in front. 1220.5 Rounig in back. I noticed today that they 1357 has started to turn around and I think its growing well.   Friday, May 8 View Page 1034 Biss. Growing nicely.   Friday, May 8 View Page 890 Ewing. My best plant...   Friday, May 8 View Page Moles in the patch. I think they may have been planted by Manure Man.   Wednesday, May 13 View Page front 1055. rear 1184.   Wednesday, May 13 View Page 1166   Wednesday, May 13 View Page 1357   Wednesday, May 13 View Page 1034   Wednesday, May 13 View Page 1220.5   Wednesday, May 13 View Page 890   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1166 Emmons. Doing well.   Thursday, May 21 View Page Left; 1184 Barker 08' (1631 x 1689). Right; 1055 Jutras 08' (1689 x 1631) The greenhouse came off today and the fence went up.   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1184.   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1184.   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1055.   Thursday, May 21 View Page Well... Of course when I put the wire fence up today around the 1055 I dropped it on it. The big sad leaf got punctured. Luckily and apparently, It has suffered no major damage. @#$%^&*!   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1358 Ghaye 08 looking good. It will grow sumpthing big. Manure Man said so and he knows.   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1034 Biss. Looking mighty Fine!   Thursday, May 21 View Page 1034 Looking Mighty...   Thursday, May 21 View Page 890 Ewing 08. My own best plant is running on the ground like a wildfire. Sometimes when all else doesn't quit suffice, you have to take matters into your own hands. Into the Greenhouse on 4-14 and out on 5-20. Fenced today. That means stay out Critters and Deer. Lol.   Thursday, May 21 View Page 890 Ewing 08 .   Thursday, May 21 View Page 890   Friday, May 22 View Page Root-Fed all plants with a light solution of organic 9-6-2 "fish and poop". aka oceangoing fish and seabird guano, lol. Used about 1.5 gallons between the 6 plants.   Sunday, May 24 View Page Manure man is talking a lot. I wonder if he has any pumpkins growing at all, or if he is sandbagging. I think he's building a dike with all those sand bags to keep the beavers out of his patch.   Monday, May 25 View Page 1166 Emmons. Foliar and root fed all plants with a very light solution of 'fish and poo' this morning.   Monday, May 25 View Page 1166   Monday, May 25 View Page 1358 Ghaye   Monday, May 25 View Page 1184 Barker   Monday, May 25 View Page 1055 Jutras   Monday, May 25 View Page 1034 Biss   Monday, May 25 View Page 890 Ewing 08. All pix taken around 9 am this morning.   Wednesday, May 27 View Page Fed all plants with light seaweed extract solution today. Buried the mainvines on the 890, 1055, 1184, and 1034. The 1034 Biss is showing a pumpkin on the tip of the main. Its the first one that I have spotted this year.   Friday, May 29 View Page In the morning I Watered all the plants and surrounding soil really well. This was the first time I really hit 'em with water since they left their g-houses. Other than the rains we got a couple weeks ago. Good luck and gro a slunger. M.G.   Saturday, May 30 View Page The 1184 Barker put out a nice back-main. I decided to cut it off today though, because it is planted back to back with the 1055 Jutras. I want to run both plants straight forward. They both have plenty of room and both have prime spots in my Nursery. I also trimmed a small vine off the back of the 1055 and pinched a couple of thirds off of the 1184. The 1034 biss has a pumpkin the will open in a week. I will cull it. This plant is growing great! (Pictured. acer palmatum 'atrolinear')   Saturday, May 30 View Page First butterfly spotted this year. It really likes the 'molla red' azalea's. Signifies good luck.   Saturday, May 30 View Page Patience Skywalker...   Saturday, May 30 View Page Live long and prosper... p.s. the new Star Trek movie was awesome! The only thing that it was missing was a big pumpkin,lol.   Sunday, May 31 View Page Tilled the patches today with my grandpa's old tiller. I culled a pumpkin off of the main of the 1034 Biss. I also pruned all the tertiary vines off of the 1184 and 1055 sides. ---Pictured; 1034 Biss...---   Monday, June 1 View Page 1034 Biss. Minus the pumpkin I picked off at the tip. Lol   Monday, June 1 View Page Sideshot.   Monday, June 1 View Page My 890 Ewing. Tilled the patch today, big thanks to my personal geotechnical engineer, Manure Man. He has been a real help and we are determined to grow the Redmond record this year. Lol Thanks to the PNWGPG. We will have really great weigh-off's this year. Big up in '09 MONSTER GROWER P.S. Good luck to the Redmond Explorer's at Emily Dickinson Elementary.   Monday, June 1 View Page 890   Monday, June 1 View Page 890 Ewing 08. 1161 Holland 07 x self. Thanks to Holland's Land'o Giants!   Monday, June 1 View Page 890 Ewing 08   Monday, June 1 View Page 890 Ewing 08 from the back.   Monday, June 1 View Page 1166 Emmons 08. Looking good.   Monday, June 1 View Page 1166 Emmon's 08. Side shot.   Monday, June 1 View Page 1055 Jutras 08. A great plant. It has been a pleasure to grow so far.   Monday, June 1 View Page 1184 Barker 08. THE BEEFIEST of all! This one is doing great.   Monday, June 1 View Page Foliar Fed with fish and poop yesterday. Watered plants good once today.   Tuesday, June 2 View Page 1357 Ghaye 08. Picture from yesterday.   Friday, June 5 View Page Thank god Boom Boom and CRB and Manure Man are posting this year because I like the company and need the info. What would the world look like without posters? A lot of really plain walls, lol. The first flower of the year was open this morning on the 1166 Emmons. I buried vies yesterday. My 890 looks to be over 7' out and has two pumpkins on at the end and pumpkins coming on at the tip of each side vine. I think the the 1184 and 1055 are both over 6' out and the 1357 Ghaye is around 4'. Just a rough geuss on those. Yesterday it was in the mid-90's here. Good luck to each and every grower in '09 M.G.   Sunday, June 7 View Page 1357 Ghaye. Foliar fed all plants with light seaweed solution today.   Sunday, June 7 View Page 1034 Biss.   Sunday, June 7 View Page Front 1184 Barker. Back 1055 Jutras.   Sunday, June 7 View Page 1184 Barker.   Sunday, June 7 View Page 1055 Jutras   Sunday, June 7 View Page 890 Ewing.   Sunday, June 7 View Page 890. Main out 9' and there's pumpkins on at 8' and 8.5'.   Thursday, June 11 View Page Foliar fed 1184, 1055, 890, with 2 gallons of 'Fish and Poo'. That name is growing on me. lol. Apparently, I have finally figured what I am trying to do when I grow my pumpkins. I am creating '...a systemic matrix that forms a cohesive partnership'. I gave the 1034 and 1357 1 gallon of PooFish each and the 1166 a wee bit. Also the 833 Hoffman has snapped out of "it" and has started to grow nicely. Pix soon. It got transplant shock real hard. My garden has been blessed so far this year. I feel very good about my patch. The 890 has a keeper at around 11' or 12'. Its maybe 2 weeks away.   Thursday, June 11 View Page Fed 1184, 1055, 890 with 2 gallons of Poofish each.   Friday, June 12 View Page The dogs got into my 890 and I so i cut off three vines. The plant is ok though and the main was just barely scratched. It still looks good. Put a fence around it today and will finish tommorrow.   Monday, June 15 View Page After my dog dug a few of the 890's secondary's up to obtain the dried chicken manure underneath... I decided to fence it. I only lost a couple vines. The Plant is still looking good. The 1357 double vined so I cut the main back to a good secondary. I finished burying the vines on all the plants today. Gave 'em 1 gallon of seaweed each. Gave the 890 2 Gallons of seaweed.   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 890 Ewing 08 has a pumpkin at around 12-13' out on the main. 5 or 6 days away maybe.   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 890 Ewing   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 890 from the front...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page The stump on the 890...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1034 Biss from the back...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1034 Biss from the side...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1166 Emmons. Starting to take off.   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1184 Barker from the side...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1184 Barker from the front...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1055 Jutras from the side...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1055 Jutras from the front...   Tuesday, June 16 View Page Left 1184. Right 1055.   Tuesday, June 16 View Page 1357 Ghaye... The main vine started to double real bad so I cut it back to a secondary the other day. That was a hard cut to make, but I think I may have saved this one. Peace to all the growers. M.G. Out!   Thursday, June 18 View Page Foliar fed the plants with 1 gallon of fish emulsion and seabird guano each (1 cap full per 1 gallon h2o). I lifted the leaves and hit the bottom sides as well as the top. Bent the main vines on the 890 Ewing and the the 1184 Barker at 90 degree angles. The Barker is setting a pumpkin at 10' feet and the Ewing is setting a pumpkin at 12'. The Jutras also is setting a pumpkin at around the 10' mark. If I am not lazy I will run and get more manure and fish tomorrow morning before work.   Friday, June 19 View Page Left 1184 Barker 08. Right 1055 Jutras 08.   Friday, June 19 View Page Got the main vine trained to 90 degrees and ready to pollinate a hopeful keeper on the 1184 at 10'!   Friday, June 19 View Page I use my clippers a lot!   Friday, June 19 View Page I pollinated a nice 5 lober on the 1184 Barker 08 today. The cross on this one is... Drum role please! Lol. 1184 Barker 08 x 1055 Jutras 08. (1631x1689) x (1689x1631).   Friday, June 19 View Page Method of Pollination.   Friday, June 19 View Page Also pollinated a pumpkin on the 1055 Jutras today. I crossed it with the 1184 barker using 4 flowers also. It is only 9 feet out though so I think I will wait for the next pumpkin down the main which is over 11 feet.   Friday, June 19 View Page The set on the 1055 was a 4 lober.   Friday, June 19 View Page The shelter is up over the 1184. Thanks to Ron Barker for the seed.   Sunday, June 21 View Page This entry is just to let MANURE MAN know that he is NOT ALLOWED! to read my next post.   Sunday, June 21 View Page Pollinated a 4 lobe on the 890 Ewing 08 today at 13' out on the main vine. The cross, Josh close your eyes,lol.... (890 Ewing 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08) Thanks again to Jos for the seeds. Sorry no pix, no batteries the camera. Monster Grower Out!!   Saturday, June 27 View Page Pollinated a 5 lobe on the 890 Ewing today at around 15'. 890 Ewing 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08.   Saturday, June 27 View Page The evidence.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 890 Ewing 08   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1034 Biss 08. Foliar fed all the plants 2 gallons of 0-10-10 and seaweed extract this morning.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1034 Biss 08.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1184 barker 08, A beautiful plant. Quite aggressive. I have nicknamed this one "Mr. Green",named after a good friend of mine.   Saturday, June 27 View Page Mr. Green   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1357 Ghaye 08. It has a huge wing span. Nicknamed "Jr." after another good friend.   Saturday, June 27 View Page Jr.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1184 Barker 08 x 1055 Jutras 08. Day 08.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1055 Jutras 08. From the side.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1055 Jutras 08 x 1184 Barker 08. Day 8.   Saturday, June 27 View Page 1055 Jutras 08. What big leaves!!!   Saturday, June 27 View Page 833 Hoffman 06. This one has been through a lot but never gave up. I love this plant. Will grow again next year. M.G. Out!   Tuesday, June 30 View Page Today I laid off the plants with h20, except the 1034 and the 890 which I watered lightly under the plants in the afternoon.   Tuesday, June 30 View Page Pollinated the 1184 Barker 08 at 13'+ this morning. (1184 Barker * 1055 Jutras 08). It was a very large 5 lobe, the most beautiful of the season, so far. I am going to stick with this cross this season. The 1055 will open tonight at around 13'.   Tuesday, June 30 View Page Pollinated the 1357 Ghaye 08 on a side vine this morning. (1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08).   Tuesday, June 30 View Page Manure Man is my best friend and ally in the pumpkin game. We are sandbagging. Watch out! Coming soon to a weigh-off near you... A showdown with 'The Quiz'. J/K. lol. P.S. I am very good at taking test's. Pix tommorow.   Tuesday, June 30 View Page Pollinated the 1055 Jutras 08 at around 13' this morning. (1055 Jutras x 1184 Barker). This will be my keeper on this plant, hopefully.   Tuesday, June 30 View Page 1055.   Tuesday, June 30 View Page Pollinated a 5 lobe on a side today on the 1357 Ghaye. (2nd one). Same cross. (1357 Ghaye x 1034 Biss)   Friday, July 3 View Page Pollinated a 4 lobe at around 15' on the 890 Ewing this morning. (890 Ewing 08 x self) Third pumpkin pollinated, first white this cross. The first pumpkin didn't take and so I cut it off.   Saturday, July 4 View Page 1rst pollination on the 1034 Biss this morning. 4 lobe. 1034 Biss 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08. Watered real heavy today.   Saturday, July 4 View Page third pollination on the 1357 today. Sticking with The 1034 as the pollinator.   Sunday, July 5 View Page Pollinated the 1166 Emmons 08 this morning. (1166 x self)   Tuesday, July 7 View Page Second pollination on the 1357 Ghaye main vine today. 4th over all. this one is (1357 x self)   Tuesday, July 7 View Page Pollinated the 1055 for the third time yesterday. (1055 x1184)   Tuesday, July 7 View Page Pollinated the 1184 for the 3rd time today. (1184 x 1055) Watered heavy. Monster Grower Out!   Wednesday, July 8 View Page Today I pollinated a second pumpkin on the 1034 Biss. (1034x1055). The first pollination looks like a keeper.   Wednesday, July 8 View Page Today I culled the first pollination on the 1184 Barker. It was about 20 pounds and had started to develop a sag ring. I left the 2nd pollination on, its about 5 pounds but has a growing split on the blossom end. I am leaving it on in hopes that the 3rd pollination will be charming and not split.   Wednesday, July 8 View Page Buried vines and pruned 'The big 4' today. Pix tomorrow.   Wednesday, July 8 View Page the 3rd pollination on the 1184 on the left. same cross.   Thursday, July 9 View Page Life is simple. ................................. Keep it simple ................................. Inc. ................................. P.S. thats the first cull off the 1184 x 1055. Sag ring . I still love it though.   Thursday, July 9 View Page Hey, i'm modeling my boots. lol.   Thursday, July 9 View Page Holy cow this stuff is still brewing Josh. ............................................ www.simplici-tea.com ........................ www.simplici-tea.com .......................... One cup compost ... .5 cup alfalfa meal ... .5 cup food source ...................... see ya in 24 hours... ........................ 48 if you want some more protozoa.   Thursday, July 9 View Page Everything is correct in the last post except I meant 36 hours for more protozoa.   Thursday, July 9 View Page left 1184 Barker 08. Right 1055 Jutras 08.   Thursday, July 9 View Page 1055   Thursday, July 9 View Page second pollination on the 1055. Doing well. First one culled.   Thursday, July 9 View Page This is the third one on the 1055. (1055x1184)   Thursday, July 9 View Page The stump on the 1184 is bigger than a coke can.   Thursday, July 9 View Page 1357 Ghaye. Sprayed with Simplici-tea today.   Thursday, July 9 View Page Close up of the one on the right side.   Thursday, July 9 View Page The right side vine.   Thursday, July 9 View Page And finally, 2 on the main vine of the 1357... These are both selfed...   Thursday, July 9 View Page 1034 Biss 08... 'The crowd pleaser'. lol. Lets take a look under the hood...   Thursday, July 9 View Page front 1034x1357... back 1034x1055...   Thursday, July 9 View Page the 890 Ewing 08...   Thursday, July 9 View Page Front   Thursday, July 9 View Page 890 Ewing 08 x self... Looking good. My favorite...   Friday, July 10 View Page the second 1184x1055 split also but it has been left on to help take the preasure off of the next one.   Monday, July 13 View Page 1055x1184. day 13. Brewed compost tea and applied to the 1184 and 1055 this morning.   Monday, July 13 View Page 1034x1357. Day 9.   Monday, July 13 View Page The 1034 Biss   Monday, July 13 View Page 890 Ewing 08   Monday, July 13 View Page 'Big White'. Year 2, Day 10   Wednesday, July 15 View Page Cut off 1 basketball sized and 1 grapefruit sized and 1 baseball sized pumpkins off of the 1357. Now its down to 1 pumpkin out about 10 feet out on the main. This remaining pumpkin is kind of in between the size of a baseball and a grapefruit.   Wednesday, July 15 View Page A little cal and seaweed today. Watered in heavy. I culled about a 40 pounder off of the 1184. Pollinated another on the 1184 yesterday. This one is selfed. All other plants down to one pumpkin, 1184 down to 2... So far the 1184 Barker is at least double maybe triple the caliper at the stump than any of my other plants. It is almost the size of a Gatorade bottle. It is ridiculously huge, thanks again Ron.   Thursday, July 16 View Page Repositioned the main vines and culled down to one pumpkin on the 1055 and 1034. P.S. Watch out for the 1034... It bites... Sniper towers... armed and loaded. lol.   Thursday, July 16 View Page last entry sould read 7-15-09   Thursday, July 16 View Page Watered all plants well again this morning. Then, 5 gallons of simplici-tea for the 1034 Biss 08. Last 2 pollination's on the 1184 seem to have taken and are growing without splits.   Saturday, July 18 View Page 1034 Biss 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08. Day 15. Watered all plants heavy again this morning.   Saturday, July 18 View Page 1184 Barker 08 x 1055 Jutras 08. Day twelve Pollinated on 7-7   Saturday, July 18 View Page 1055 Jutras 08 x 1184 Barker 08. Day 19. Pollinated on 6-30.   Saturday, July 18 View Page Front View. I love the look of this one.   Saturday, July 18 View Page 1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08. Day 15. Pollinated on 7-4.   Saturday, July 18 View Page 890 Ewing 08 x self. Day 16. Pollinated on 7-3.   Saturday, July 18 View Page Side View... Good luck to all... M.G. Out!   Sunday, July 19 View Page The 1055 Jutras and the 1034 Biss are growing really fast. They couldn't be more different in shape. I think they will probably be a couple of hundred pounds by the end of the month, fingers crossed. They seem to be growing the fastest at the start, more than anything that I have seen. And I am the one and only 'Monster Grower', fyi. Lol. Serious...   Sunday, July 19 View Page Note to self, Don't spray compost tea on the side vine tips when its 800 degrees kelvin out. No catastraphe this time. However, i have apparently averted a 'near miss', lol.   Tuesday, July 21 View Page So, I took the detour route over to Manure Man's place and was pleasantly surprised to see that he had taken good care of his 890 Ewing 08... He's got a long stemmer on. that dirty dog. Oh well can't win 'em all, so I released 3 ferret's in his patch before I left. (2.5 hours later)...   Tuesday, July 21 View Page Of course I always ride over there on my throne, as I am and always will be... the one and only... 'MONSTER GROWER'...   Tuesday, July 21 View Page Front 1184 Barker... Back 895 Grande... Manure Man remember that the old leaves in the middle still shade the stump... So no need to cut them off... Your plants are beautiful... remember our plan before the end of the month... And by the way, Get the heck out of my slipstream, I am a professional cyclist.   Tuesday, July 21 View Page Manure Man works Hard in his Patch and he will be rewarded. (Pictured- 623 Ewing 08)   Tuesday, July 21 View Page Manure Man's... 890 Ewing x self... The dreaded 'LONG STEMMER'...   Tuesday, July 21 View Page Manure Man is my Idol. M.G. Out!!!   Wednesday, July 22 View Page 1034 Biss 08... Looking good. Foliar fed all plants with seaweed today...   Wednesday, July 22 View Page 1034 Biss 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08... Pol- July 4th Day 19 Circ. 63"   Wednesday, July 22 View Page Side View of the 'Torpedo'. lol.   Wednesday, July 22 View Page The 890 Ewing 08 is looking real green and healthy... Its climbing away like Alberto Contador. Lol   Wednesday, July 22 View Page 890 Ewing 08 x self Pol-July 3rd Day 20 Cir. 47"   Wednesday, July 22 View Page 1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08 Pol-July 4th Day 19 Circ. 44"   Wednesday, July 22 View Page The 1055 Jutras 08 is looking real deep Green...   Wednesday, July 22 View Page 1055 Jutras 08 x 1184 Barker 08... Pol- June 30th Day 23 Circ. 68"   Wednesday, July 22 View Page From the Back... M.G. Out!   Thursday, July 23 View Page They will find you and they will eat you...   Thursday, July 23 View Page The 'Land of the Lost'... Lol   Thursday, July 23 View Page 1184 Barker 08 x self Pol 7-14 Day 10   Thursday, July 23 View Page The 1055 Jutras 08 is looking good. Watered everything fully this morning.   Thursday, July 23 View Page 1055 is starting to get some orange around the stem.   Sunday, July 26 View Page Compost tea for the 1055 and 1034 yesterday. More today for the 890. Temps in the 90's. Bring it!   Monday, July 27 View Page The 890 Ewing 08 x Self is doing just great so far. Slow and steady and beefy looking.   Monday, July 27 View Page Chillin' out in the cocoa cabana. Lol. Temps near 100 degrees here the last 2 days this week.   Monday, July 27 View Page The stem on the 890 is totally Awesome!   Monday, July 27 View Page The 1358 GHAYE 08 is the only plant that I still have a few vines to bury. I have FINISHED burying all vines today except mains for the rest of the season. This plant is DOING WELL and is VERY HEALTHY.   Monday, July 27 View Page Of course I meant to say the 1357 GHAYE 08 in the last post... And here is the <1357 GHAYE 08 x 1034 BISS 08>... Go Dogs!!!   Monday, July 27 View Page Close...   Monday, July 27 View Page Closer... (1034 BISS 08 x 1357 GHAYE 08)...   Monday, July 27 View Page What a Nice Blossom!!!   Monday, July 27 View Page 1055 JUTRAS 08 x 1184 BARKER 08. Day 28. Est.. 250. I am pretty serious about this one. Lol. I call this one the 'WASHINGTON, ICE ICE BABY'...   Monday, July 27 View Page Got the WASHINGTON HUSKIES cap out today to help determine the size in all the pix. That's were I went to school. Go Dog's!!!   Monday, July 27 View Page KING COUNTIES PRIDE... LOL MONSTER GROWER OUT!!!   Monday, July 27 View Page 1055 JUTRAS 08 today... M.G. Out.   Wednesday, July 29 View Page The temperature never got under 72 degrees last night and today it could reach 110 degrees. Needless to say I watered this morning. These are records here, man.   Thursday, July 30 View Page Howdy Pardner... 1055... It might be 'spilling over'. Lol   Thursday, July 30 View Page The 1055 is looking sweet.   Thursday, July 30 View Page Its over 100 degrees here and Manure Man has stopped by today to make the rounds. Apparently, his 623 is almost bigger than my 890... Will see about that buddy. Actually Josh, I think that your 623 might mistakenly be the beach ball that I left in your patch when I was over the other day. You probably just covered it thinking that it was a pumpkin. I know how you engineers are.   Thursday, July 30 View Page Manure man with my 'wild' Pumpkins...   Thursday, July 30 View Page The 1034 Biss 08 is looking strong in the heat, man...   Thursday, July 30 View Page Manure Man has started to take an interest in the shape of this pumpkin. He asks me 'are you concerned'? I say, 'fear not young paduon for you will overcome 'The Hump'...   Thursday, July 30 View Page I tried to tell it that 'All Torpedo's eventually turn into Banana's'... LoL... Here put your hat back on, relax.   Thursday, July 30 View Page Here's the 1034 from the bottom.   Thursday, July 30 View Page The 1357 Ghaye is starting to take off.   Thursday, July 30 View Page Zoos has been guarding the 890 from bad karma...   Thursday, July 30 View Page The 890 Ewing's karma seems to be getting some orange!!!   Thursday, July 30 View Page I don't know, this picture is a couple hours old now... Manure Man's 623 has probably passed me by now... That wouldn't surprise me though because the guy that made that 623 cross is a super awesome grower.   Thursday, July 30 View Page The 890 is tucked in for the night. Until next time. Monster Grower Out!!!   Thursday, August 6 View Page Dropping into full on sandbagging mode. Lol.   Thursday, August 6 View Page Memories of yesterday, literally! LOL. ... Back to sandbagging mode for real... Monster Grower Out!   Sunday, August 9 View Page Sandbags are piling up nicely... The pumpkins however have reversed course and are now severe decline. I don't know whats going on... What in the Heck!!! I did learn though that moles are deathly afraid of dinosaurs. Especially plastic T-rex's. No pix tomorrow. Lol.   Monday, August 10 View Page Welcome to the 'The Headquarters', LOL. "I wonder what club he belongs to"... The Grows 'em big in '09 club.   Monday, August 10 View Page Due to sandbagging purposes I am unable to produce pictures of my other pumpkins. However, please feel free to enjoy this picture of the 1034 Biss 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08 on day 68.   Monday, August 10 View Page Of course I meant to say day 38 in the last post, but who's counting. Lol   Tuesday, August 11 View Page When the Seattle Times weather reports a 'chance' of rain, DOES THAT MEAN I SHOULD PREPARE FOR A RELENTLESS ALL NIGHT MONSOON!!! Apparently... Would have skipped the watering yesterday had I called it right. Oh well I guess we'll just 'push 'em' a little bit.   Tuesday, August 11 View Page My brother knows whats up! 1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08   Tuesday, August 11 View Page One pick just to let you know that I'm serious. Lol. Say goodbye to this one for a while guys and gals. For real.   Tuesday, August 11 View Page I wish that I had a cousin that was so nice he would surrender the pollen from his 1370... LOL... Maybe Manure Man has been holding out on me. He is a dangerous sandbagger. He is growing the 'Washington Ice'. The 895 Grande x ... I had to sneak into his patch the other week to get a look. He is very secretive. I was able to steal some pollen from his 895 when he wasn't looking. I also released more ferret's and sprayed some Crossbow for good measure. HA HA HA. Don't mess.   Tuesday, August 11 View Page See he wasn't looking!   Tuesday, August 11 View Page I think he may have known that something was up! He started to look serious. I hightailed it out of there before he could choke slam me... Lol.   Tuesday, August 11 View Page .5 inches of rain in Seattle over night. Another Seattle area weather all-time record for this year. Just enough rain to keep a giant pumpkin grower up all night. Lol...   Tuesday, August 11 View Page I know that when you pollinate something with the 1184 Barker 08 that you will grow something really monstrous and huge. I am glad that I have 1 or 2 seeds left from it. Not so glad that I let Manure Man borrow 1 before the season. (J/K). Go Seahawks!   Tuesday, August 11 View Page 1055 Jutras 08 x 1184 Barker 08.   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Dog and pumpkin both chillin'.   Wednesday, August 12 View Page He's begging me to show you the 890...   Wednesday, August 12 View Page First Jalepeno harvest.   Wednesday, August 12 View Page 890 Ewing 08 x self   Wednesday, August 12 View Page The 'Williams Pride' apples are ripe and delicious.   Wednesday, August 12 View Page The 890 is not ripe and tastes bad to deer.   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Lots of grapes this year. 'Mars Blue'   Wednesday, August 12 View Page The 1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08 says hi.   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Crooked nose and all... LOL   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Back at the Headquarters...   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Doing some thinking...   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Its a big stemmer...   Wednesday, August 12 View Page Monster Grower out...   Thursday, August 13 View Page So, I am going to start brewing more compost tea again. Now I will up my brewing to 5 gallons per week per plant. Foliar and root drench. Big thanks to www.Simplici-Tea.com for helping me along with all aspects. From this week on I will also use 1 spoonful of their soluble kelp also. So the mix will be... 5 gallons Tea 1 cup Simplici-tea compost .5 cup Simplici-tea microbe foods .5 cup alfalfa meal 1 spoon solube kelp 24 hour brew, 36 for more protozoa...   Friday, August 14 View Page Manure Man, I do admit that the 895 Grande is my favorite looking pumpkin this year. It has an awesome shape and color and it is long. Big stemmer for sure. Dun Dun Dun Da Da Dun Dun... Ice Ice Baby...   Friday, August 14 View Page Had to grow a hanging giant this year. It just worked out that way. 833 Hoffman 06 x open. I have a few of these 833 seeds left and I seriously intend on taking a good shot at them next year. This year I had early season transplant problems on a few plants and unfortunely the 833 was one of them. Thanks to Ron H. who got me my first seeds. Thanks for the knowledge and good luck bro.   Friday, August 14 View Page The Hanging Pumpkin in my 'Brandy wine' tomato's. Trying to do at least something right this year. The 'PUMPKIN PRINCE' is my favorite on Big Pumpkins. Grow 'em Big in '09 P.S. Manure Man is from COLORADO, thats why I nicknamed his 895 Grande the 'Washington Ice'... The WIZ and BIZ ended up definitely saving the day... They are true pros... M.G. out   Friday, August 14 View Page Thanks to Simplici-Tea.com for the compost tea. This batch included kelp and fish. Trees love it to!   Monday, August 17 View Page Mother Nature is playing on all of my heart strings this year. What a ride so far. Unbelievable...   Monday, August 17 View Page Got tendentious real bad in my wrist so I guess I won't be lifting the pumpkins by hand again this season! LOL   Tuesday, August 18 View Page Angel's watchin' over my patch.   Tuesday, August 18 View Page Gonna fly away   Tuesday, August 18 View Page The sun is back again. whoohoo!   Wednesday, August 19 View Page No growth for at least 3 weeks. I think that the pumpkins are in nostalgia mode. Shikes   Wednesday, August 19 View Page I have heard good rumors about Manure Man's 895. The 'Washington Ice'. It may be ready for competition sometime in 2010. LOL   Wednesday, August 19 View Page You can do it at a Trot or you can do it at a Gallup. LOL I prefer the Gallup!!!   Thursday, August 20 View Page The 'Washington Ice' is the 895 Grande x the 1184 Barker. It's a beautiful pumpkin, except for those horrible warty protrusions. I only have one thing to say. GET PLASTIC SURGERY! LOL... Once again Manure Man is sandbagging and planning. He lays low with the big pumpkin growing 30 pounds a day +. He took a picture of the 895 with no size reference!. Huh, I saw the 895 today and it was much bigger than that photo showed. I think he doctored that up too!!@ The 895 is definitely the best looking pumpkin of the year.   Thursday, August 20 View Page IT'S HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!!   Sunday, August 23 View Page Well the Emily Dickinson Explorer's garden looks nice but wound up lacking pumpkins! That's OK though kids because, I'm working on it for you! The pumpkins are so big now that my oven looks small in comparison.   Sunday, August 23 View Page So I woke up early and started surfing the pumpkin block... I found out quickly that I have already fallen way too far behind in the Blue Ribbon Contest. Good job Boom Boom. Way to represent. Show that Superindent what a big pumpkin looks like!   Sunday, August 23 View Page Manure Man is in Georgia for a week. I know what that means. No one is tending the patch. Hey Josh, I told Jimmy last week that he will have plenty of time to play with your clippers while your out of own. He thought that was a great idea!   Sunday, August 23 View Page I found out that Manure man slipped my pumpkin some cantaloupe pollen. This is what happens when you cross a pumpkin with a cantaloupe. The dreaded 'CantaPumpkin' This is the current world record CantaPumpkin, (as far as I know).   Sunday, August 23 View Page It's long stemmer.   Sunday, August 23 View Page It was the best eating CantaPumpkin that I ever did try though. Thanks to Manure Man. Hey Josh, say hi to Festus and Cletus while your over there. Ha Ha Ha Drink an 'Old Gold' for your old boy M.G. Don't worry, I am sure that by the time that you come back in town that Round-Up will have kicked in.   Sunday, August 23 View Page The 1034 Biss 08 has some 2.5 foot wide leaves man! I am leaving the main vine to run run away. (as a hopefull insurance policy). LOL. Lets just say that it is growing really fast man, like 250 pounds a week. I believe Jake when he said at the spring meeting, "Yes we can, Yes we can". Lol I hope that he beats everyone again this year. What a great grower!   Sunday, August 23 View Page Pumpkin Dog! Don't Mess!   Sunday, August 23 View Page The 890 Ewing 08 has a really flat face. And the largest blossom. Slow and steady wins the race, slow and steady beats 5th Place... LOL   Sunday, August 23 View Page The "Cocoa Cabana"   Sunday, August 23 View Page Chicks dig Big Pumpkin Growers!   Sunday, August 23 View Page Not scared of you!   Sunday, August 23 View Page They are growing so fast that you can hear them. Trust me.   Sunday, August 23 View Page Chicks really dig Big Pumpkin Growers!   Monday, August 24 View Page Joshes pumpkin is AAAAAWWWWWSSSSOOOOMMMEEEE!   Tuesday, August 25 View Page The 1055 looks really big. Anyone who reads this is allowed to view it soon... LOL Round big cantalouped. Cream... SOLID.   Tuesday, August 25 View Page Let the games begin!!!   Thursday, August 27 View Page Dang! No growth on Anything!   Thursday, August 27 View Page I know the only proven way to check the quality of compost tea is the taste test. LOL   Thursday, August 27 View Page Ask Yourself... Are You Ready For a Throwdown!!!   Friday, August 28 View Page Rest in Peace. DJ AM   Friday, August 28 View Page Manure Man is so happy that his 895 Grande 08 is so big, he danced a jig.   Friday, August 28 View Page What a Pumpkin!!!   Friday, August 28 View Page The stem is just huge!!! I told him not to worry about the huge crevasse. It doesn't go to the cavity and the pumpkin looks sound!   Friday, August 28 View Page Inside the Crack!   Friday, August 28 View Page Manure Man's 890 Ewing 08 is also looking good! He did a nice job with this one.   Friday, August 28 View Page Thanks to MANURE MAN for spraying the 'Fish and Poop' with me today. We both sprayed all of our plants. The best part was when she said "No... don't spray it on the cucumbers." LOL   Friday, August 28 View Page Manure Maker!   Friday, August 28 View Page His Biggest Pumpkin!   Friday, August 28 View Page He's good at pulling cord too! And spraying Fish and Poo!   Friday, August 28 View Page Checking to make sure that the Poofish was applied at the correct rate.   Friday, August 28 View Page What a nice Garden this year Man.   Friday, August 28 View Page Only the best. "Faith Farms Chickens".   Friday, August 28 View Page Manure Mover's of America, Local chapter meeting today at Faith Farm!   Friday, August 28 View Page Manure Man and I had a business lunch today. I told Jimmie that the 895 Grande had tall enough leaves on it (4') that he could ride his bike under there. LOL had such a tough time gorilla gluing all of those leaves back together before he could notice.   Friday, August 28 View Page It's HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!   Friday, August 28 View Page HeavyDutyLicous!   Sunday, August 30 View Page Well Here is the start of the EWING NURSERY/MONSTER GROWER unofficial patch tour. The 890 Ewing 08 x Self. (1161 Holland 07 x self). Thanks to the Hollands for being such awesome growers. I look forward every year (at least the last 2) to being able to see Joel Holland and his pumpkins at the weigh-off's.   Sunday, August 30 View Page I watched Joel's HollandsGiants.com video last year and took note more than a couple times. Thanks also to Ron Hoffman for helping me get started!   Sunday, August 30 View Page Well... I do play sometimes I guess.   Sunday, August 30 View Page Yeah G. Its a big stemmer. Gatorade Bottle size! Don't doubt it player.   Sunday, August 30 View Page Well I Guess that the tour is over then and you can go home. Oh wait, you are home so... Lets continue the tour.... Hey Whats this over there...   Sunday, August 30 View Page Hey Guys here it is... 'THE OKLAHOMA THUNDER'. LOL 1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08   Sunday, August 30 View Page 'OKLAHOMA THUNDER'   Sunday, August 30 View Page 1055 Jutras 08 x 1184 Barker 08...Thanks to Joe and Ron. ... You want sum...   Sunday, August 30 View Page Come and get sum foo!   Sunday, August 30 View Page The tour was AWESOME!!! Hope that you liked it too!   Sunday, August 30 View Page What the heck is that thing over there?   Sunday, August 30 View Page Close Up of 'The Reaper'...   Monday, August 31 View Page To all those who wanna mess... For real I don't play. LOL. 1034 Biss 08 x 1357 Ghaye 08. Thanks to Dean & Jos for the seeds.   Monday, August 31 View Page I don't know but that's messed up!   Monday, August 31 View Page Thanks for finding the other one bro... I used them as Corsages! For all the chicks that I pick up growing pumpkins. LOL   Monday, August 31 View Page The 1034 Biss has 2.5' wide leaves!   Monday, August 31 View Page My pumpkins kick butt   Monday, August 31 View Page Yo Manure Man Were You At! I Need my Homey Back Pozting Pleaz...   Monday, August 31 View Page I hope that you beat me; but I don't think that you will, (Except JOEL H & STAN P & JAKE V & AND MY BROS WALT & BRAD P!!!) and of course Lee R. Lets Get 'em This Year Boyz... LOL   Monday, August 31 View Page And Ronny B.   Monday, August 31 View Page Living life is easy. Loving life takes time.   Monday, August 31 View Page ITS NICE THAT YOU TRY... BUT YOUR PUMPKINS ARE MUCH OLDER THAN MINE AND sMALLER! I AM JUST A YOUNG GROWER. THANK GOD THAT THIS IS NOT THE EAST COAST AND WE DON'T HAVE TO PRETEND. LOL   Monday, August 31 View Page We just have to Catch Up. LOL. Catchin' up with them ain't easy. Shout out to Joe.   Monday, August 31 View Page Same Latitude different philosophy. LOL   Monday, August 31 View Page RIP DJ AM. Shout Out from DJ REBOM at LIVEMIXOUT.COM   Monday, August 31 View Page Enough Bolonga! I want to see your big pumpkins!   Monday, August 31 View Page Show me the Precious.   Wednesday, September 2 View Page Hey Manure Man! I rolled your 895 over last night to get a look underneath! Don't worry I rolled it back over for YA.   Wednesday, September 2 View Page Nice one on the 1166 Emmons. I have 6 nice pumpkins on this plant   Wednesday, September 2 View Page Triple   Wednesday, September 2 View Page Another bigger one on the 1166!   Wednesday, September 2 View Page And another big one on the 1166 Emmons!   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 'The Latecomers'... Part 1   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 1055 Today   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 1055 Side   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 1055 From the Front...   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 'The Latecomers' PART 2   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 1034 Today   Wednesday, September 2 View Page 1357 Today   Wednesday, September 2 View Page The 890 Ewing Just broke 2,000 lbs. ...You might as well just buy the pizza now! LOL   Thursday, September 3 View Page In September Manure Man illegally entered my patch and posted a note on my home-made sign board. This is just one example of what I have to deal with out here. I leave the patch for just 1 day and he is all over it with his soil testers and reverse transfused myco inhibitors. Unbelievable.   Thursday, September 3 View Page The last few posts were also from Sept 3rd. Here is evidence of Manure Man stealing my idea for using these black binder clips to hold down my pumpkin clothes. As far as I know I was the first one to ever use the black Binder clips. He steals all my good ideas. Especially my secret ideas that I don't post. LOL   Sunday, September 6 View Page Releasing the giant insects in Manure Man's patch seems to have kept him at bay for now, thank god. At least I haven't seen him post for a while. I think that it worked. He called me the other day... 'What the heck is it... It looks like some sort of giant insect.'   Sunday, September 6 View Page Brandy W!ne   Sunday, September 6 View Page The Three Stooges   Sunday, September 6 View Page Oops... Heres the pick.   Sunday, September 6 View Page Sound All Around... Best that I've ever grown for sure!   Sunday, September 6 View Page Back at Faith Farm. Manure Man has gotta be around here somewhere?   Sunday, September 6 View Page Okay... I think I have made him angry.... Possibly not a good idea maybe.   Sunday, September 6 View Page I may have to hightail it outa there. I am wearing Jordan's.   Sunday, September 6 View Page Oh. Thank god itz just the Washington Ice.   Sunday, September 6 View Page Get ready to sink...   Sunday, September 6 View Page Waite?   Monday, September 7 View Page -640 Kelvins!   Wednesday, September 9 View Page Got the 1166 Emmons 08 loaded today. I have 6 pumpkins on this plant. All open pollinations. This one by far the biggest though. Central Market wanted a few pumpkins by sept. 25th for display. Heres the first.   Wednesday, September 9 View Page The Back end had some minor oozing. Figured that i'd cut it before the oozing turned into all out war. LOL   Wednesday, September 9 View Page It's a nice looker!   Wednesday, September 9 View Page The front end is old and dignified.   Wednesday, September 9 View Page Distinguished   Wednesday, September 9 View Page I always cause a stir at whatever I do. Thanks to the peeps at central. someday I will be able to sleep when all of my pumpkins are cut off. (JK), (NJK). (JK) (LOL)   Wednesday, September 9 View Page Thanks my pumpkin Yo!   Wednesday, September 9 View Page LongmontPete's 1385 is rad!   Wednesday, September 9 View Page For all of the older people, "rad" is a term that is used commonly by younger people to describe something that is considered totally awesome or otherwise epic. LOL   Wednesday, September 9 View Page Hey Manure Man... I called Marlin E. Rice and he said that photo of the beetle was a fake. In his words "It was a complete forgery". He said that the beetles that I released were much bigger. He also said that they will borrow into the soil and they typically like to enter the pumpkin cavity through the bottom side of the pumpkin, creating a 2" diameter hole. The beetles then set up a "kegger" party inside the pumpkin with DJ Rebom on 4 turntables. LOL   Saturday, September 12 View Page Well... Yestderday was the Puyallup fair and here was the 1055 Jutras 08 x 1184 Barker 08. Just Sitting there so...   Saturday, September 12 View Page Here's another picture. (Read 'em and weep because The County is widening the road through my patch next year). They are nice though and are letting me reclaim my soil!   Saturday, September 12 View Page And Another...   Saturday, September 12 View Page Big Bruiser is ready for lift off!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Good stem shot!   Saturday, September 12 View Page The Stump on the 1055 Jutras 08 was large. The plant was amazingly awesome to grow!   Saturday, September 12 View Page The Biggest leaf that I could find on it!   Saturday, September 12 View Page 'The Crew'   Saturday, September 12 View Page The rest of The Crew with the harness I built!   Saturday, September 12 View Page I had a GeoTechnical Engineer SUPERVISE. Thanks J! You Da Man!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Ya it's a big one!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Manure man is the only one of us that really got a good look under!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Ya!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Go Hawks!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Well i'm going to sleep, so I'll post my other fair picks later, but here's my new PB 3rd place Puyallup Fair... 991 Ewing 09!!!!!!!   Saturday, September 12 View Page Confirmed UFO sighting!   Tuesday, September 15 View Page Stan's pumpkin was really really heavy. It looked and felt like concrete. It had the 898 Knauss in it.   Tuesday, September 15 View Page My plants are also a little bit weathered and old. The powdery mildew is the worst that I have ever seen before. There is a little browning on a few leaves, almost like a 'rust'. I think it may have had to do with the unusually hot summer and the current change to milder temperatures. Everything is still chugging along here. Manure Man on the other hand...   Tuesday, September 15 View Page Has been searching all around town for extra blankets as his patch has just about frozen solid. BRRRRRRRRRRRR!   Tuesday, September 15 View Page I don't know what happened but the 1034 Biss has dropped off the radar... Got a note left in the patch this morning, it read... "on vacation to Hawaii until October, don't worry though still averaging 20 POUNDS A DAY!" LOL   Tuesday, September 15 View Page The 890 Ewing has popped back up on the radar and is coming in fast! Definitely growing faster than the pumpkins up the hill at Manure Man's patch. I went up to the 'NO PICTURE ZONE' this morning and had a look for myself. Manure Man came out in his parka with his raccoon skin hat on to show me his patch which was completely frozen solid. Beginning to wonder if THE WIZ sent him some of that Super Turbo Fruit Finisher Fertilizer along with those seeds this year?   Tuesday, September 15 View Page Zoos keeps telling the 890... 'Grow faster, I want pizza'...   Tuesday, September 15 View Page Thanks to Ron Hoffman, The Holland's, Cindy in littlerock, Ron Barker, Stan Pugh, Rollie Kroeger, Walt and Brad Perham, Dean Biss, Bob Risi, The Halbert's, my family, and all the PNWGPG. Without you the fair pumpkin would not have been possible. I have big thing in store yet this year so... Good Luck and God Bless!!! Grows 'em Big LOL   Wednesday, September 16 View Page Hey Cindy, save me a seed from that 1467x1100 if you don't mind. Congrats on the 411 it was a nice pumpkin. Tell Nikky that I said Hi! Big things in the patch this year! trying to keep everything local if I can...?...   Wednesday, September 16 View Page All suited up and ready for the million pumpkin march tommorrow. LOL   Wednesday, September 16 View Page I have aloud Manure Man to borrow my Cabela's -40 Alaskan Guide Series Sleeping bag so that he can use it in the patch. He's so desperate that he'll just about try anything. LOL   Wednesday, September 16 View Page Manure Man bet me a large pizza from or favorite place 'Pizza Schmizta' that I can't beat his pumpkin with my 890. We shook on it and everything. I have upped the watering on this pant to try and 'push' it. It is sometimes hard to compete with all that manure working against you.   Wednesday, September 16 View Page Hey Josh, I like pineapple on my pizza!   Wednesday, September 16 View Page My homey Manure Man is all iced up! Go get 'em J...   Wednesday, September 16 View Page Manure Man's 895 Grande 08 has the biggest stem of any pumpkin that I have ever seen in real life! I definitely want to grow one of those seeds next year. I must have the precious...   Thursday, September 17 View Page Sorry Jos no pics of the 1357 lately. It is a fine looking pumpkin. It is not my biggest pumpkin or easiest plant to grow, however it had no problem putting on pumpkins. To test the "shell" which is ghost white and ridged, I took a sledgehammer to it. Now I have to deal with this broken hand. LOL Pix Tommorow... Peace and Respect to all growers! M.G. OUT   Friday, September 18 View Page Lets go head to head and see what really happens. Thanks to all the PNWGPG. Won't be shut out in 09... Fingers Crossed   Friday, September 18 View Page always walk the walk...   Friday, September 18 View Page Of course that picture was a few days old.   Friday, September 18 View Page Oh my god. The tape Broke.   Saturday, September 19 View Page The Orange one is still growing. Temps in the upper 70's to 80's today. Had to raise the vine again. It won't stop. ITS is definitely the best that I have ever grown. 1034 Biss x 1357 Ghaye. Go Seahawks   Tuesday, September 22 View Page My biggest one split. the 1034 x 1357 got a little hole on top. I taped it five days ago at 393". Its my biggest ever. I will probably bring it to The Farm weigh-off in Snohomish this Sunday to get a weight out of it for exhibition.   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Great Color!   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Front View   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Stem   Tuesday, September 22 View Page All hope lies on the much smaller 890. Turning out to be A really cool looking pumpkin!   Tuesday, September 22 View Page 890 Ewing from the back   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Stem   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Healthy Plant   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Went and saw my fair pumpkin. Gonna bring it home next Monday.   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Russ Leno's pumpkins are amazing!   Tuesday, September 22 View Page I love skulls!   Tuesday, September 22 View Page The one in front is my favorite.   Tuesday, September 22 View Page I pulled all the seeds out for ya buddy!   Tuesday, September 22 View Page For the grower of course.   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Smile   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Everyone watch out for flying stuff. We had big crouds.   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Held down the booth under chainsaw fire. LOL   Tuesday, September 22 View Page Nice display of gourds.   Tuesday, September 22 View Page The Huskies whooped up on those sc boys. Go Dogs!   Tuesday, September 22 View Page While Manure Man vacations in Boise... I water and fertilize.   Sunday, September 27 View Page 1182 Ewing 09 (1034 Biss 08x 1357 Ghaye 08). Thanx to Dean & Jos. Grow 'em Big. God Bless. M.G. Out.   Sunday, September 27 View Page My 1182 Ewing 09 DMG, was a new pb for me. Here is my 890 Ewing 08 x self today after the weigh-off, still growing.   Monday, September 28 View Page The Measurements of the 1182 Ewing 09 DMG were, 101-102-175= 378" or 1130 lbs. The 1182 went 4.4% heavy(52 lbs.) over the chart.   Monday, September 28 View Page I had a great time at The Farm Weigh-off. It was cool to talk to Jim Sherwood. He is a very funny guy and also a very Knowledgeable and great grower. Good luck to everyone in the upcoming weigh-offs. Peace and Respect, M.G. Out!   Monday, September 28 View Page 411 Manure Man 09   Monday, September 28 View Page Manure Man Manure Man, Life's so simple, I have a plan, to grow a pumpkin you will do, but I'll Monster one up bigger than you! LOL   Monday, September 28 View Page Glad to see it hit the scales!   Monday, September 28 View Page Hangin' out at The Farm!   Monday, September 28 View Page This Marrow was totally awesome! (69 lbs.)   Monday, September 28 View Page Here are all of the seeds from the 1182   Monday, September 28 View Page I Drove down to Puyallup this morning and picked up my 991. Good Season for me this year so far all around. Two New PB's   Monday, September 28 View Page Felt good to have them 'Home'.   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Here's another pick of the 890 afternoon Sunday. I put a plastic cover on it last night because the weather is changing to rain this week. Looks like I'm scared in this pick too doesn't it J. HaHA. Temps have been cold at night here.   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Our new Piglets. First time that we have grown hogs for years! From the right to left. Wayne, Alice, and Leroy. They have been hanging out at the fair with my 991 for the last 3 weeks!   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Zoos, sit. Good boy!   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Good sun today in REDMOND! Looks like the Calm before the storm though. I hope Manure Man beats Me, and I will buy 2! Pizza's. He's the best grower in Redmond! He has learned how to manage his land using organic practices. Not just benefiting him, but the whole ecosystem. Good job and Gro big! 890 out!   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Our new Trojan Hog watering system works awesome now. Even Beefed up the barrel tap gasket system Myself.   Tuesday, September 29 View Page They are so smart!   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Lovin' it!   Tuesday, September 29 View Page Good Night!   Wednesday, September 30 View Page The 1184 Barker grew a pumpkin through the fence!   Wednesday, September 30 View Page The stem on the 1184 Barker!   Wednesday, September 30 View Page I nice one on the 1184 taken a few days ago.   Wednesday, September 30 View Page 1184   Wednesday, September 30 View Page Apparently we may need a crane to lift the 895 Grande 08 x Ice. Manure Man is going to drive one up from Colorado himself. LOL. Should be a personal best for him by like 15 times! Go Huskies.   Wednesday, September 30 View Page People ask me... So you've had such a successful season this year... Are you already planning for next year? I say, Yeah... The pigs should fill the garbage can by the end of the week! COMPOST HAPPENS! LOL   Wednesday, September 30 View Page I have the sheet, poncho liner, and Plastic working well. The plastic holds up to the wind and the 890 stayed dry through the nights rains!   Wednesday, September 30 View Page 890 Ewing 08 x self. from the front. Day 89   Wednesday, September 30 View Page Another   Wednesday, September 30 View Page Blossom   Friday, October 2 View Page Pumpkin Parade tommorow! WhooHoo Starts in Sumner and ends at the Pumpkin Palace in Orting. This weigh-off is so much fun and I look forward to it every year now! Details at PNWGPG.com Rock on. M.G. Out!   Saturday, October 3 View Page And the drum roll please...   Saturday, October 3 View Page Here they are sitting there.   Saturday, October 3 View Page 407 Venters 09! (890 Ewing 08 x open) I had the pleasure of getting to take the neighbors to the pumpkin to the weigh-off!   Saturday, October 3 View Page 535 Ewing 09 (1357 Ghaye 08 x 1034 Biss 08)   Saturday, October 3 View Page Another Shot! It is a nice looking pumpkin.   Saturday, October 3 View Page Lots of nice Pumpkins here today at the Pumpkin Palace in Orting.   Saturday, October 3 View Page It was a good year for pumpkins in Washington this year!   Monday, October 5 View Page Here's another shot for ya J.   Monday, October 5 View Page First light freeze here was in the last week of Sept. Last night it froze again. Last night was the second freeze of the year. It froze harder Turning most of the leaves on the 890 to 'Toast'. I didn't cut it off though.... Of course the blanket blew off last night also. Figures. At least it still had a bed-sheet on it. The pumpkin seems to be fine.   Tuesday, October 6 View Page 5 days until the GPC CENTRAL MARKET Weigh-off in Shoreline, Wa. Good luck to all. See ya on Sat. Contact me with questions. Grow 'em big. MONSTER GROWER   Tuesday, October 6 View Page Again, Manure Man is my idol!   Wednesday, October 7 View Page Growing a 1725 pound pumpkin is a heck of an accomplishment. The 1503 top ten average is also really awesome. Good job to all Ohio Growers! What a great year for you!   Wednesday, October 7 View Page Manure Man is an awesome pumpkin carver/grower. He was inspired by the best master sculpter, Russ Leno. I did the carve on 'Monster' my 1182 Ewing o9 Dmg. I have a limited seed count, maybe 50-100 seeds from the 1182. Manure man traced the 'Monster' for me and carved the 'Evil Skull Thing'. LOL Brains on top to come tomorrow. Thanks to Rollie for the help today. Ryan.   Wednesday, October 7 View Page I cut into the 991 Ewing 09 and all the seeds were no good. I grew the 991 Ewing 09 on the 1055 Jutras 08 (1689 x 1631) and cut it off early for the Puyallup Fair. Which was awesome and I am going to take a shot at it again next year. Here's my ace in the hole though. Because I still have 1 1187.5 Hunt 08 seed (also 1689x1631). So I will grow this seed next year. Thanks again to the GVGO and the PNWGPG.   Wednesday, October 7 View Page I had to bust out the orange pagoda stools!   Thursday, October 8 View Page The 991 was solid.   Thursday, October 8 View Page We were rockin' out to the 80's!   Thursday, October 8 View Page MONSTER GROWER 09   Thursday, October 8 View Page Have you seen your children Lately?   Thursday, October 8 View Page Its definitely solid!   Friday, October 9 View Page Hey Manure Man... Give me a Dime, Give me a nickel. Your pumpkins smaller and your in a pickle.   Wednesday, October 14 View Page I cleared my backyard patch today and spread the free cover crop that I got from Sumner Animal Grub. Its getting watered in good in this storm tonight.   Wednesday, October 14 View Page Ya Ya Ya... I bought pizza for Manure Man... He deserved it... It was funny when we were getting the seeds out of his 825... A guy pulled up and gave us each an adult beverage. Then another guy pulled up when he left and said. "that doesn't even look like a pumpkin, it looks like some kind of squash.... Whatever J, I thought it was an Orange Beauty. Stay tuned for some after pictures of the Central Market Giant Pumpkin display... And later this month, Pumpkin boat racing! LOL   Wednesday, October 14 View Page Vary large Sequim Squash present at weigh-off!   Wednesday, October 14 View Page Russ Leno was awesome at the weigh-off!   Wednesday, October 14 View Page The pumkin in the Middle is Dick Kilburn's 1355, On the Left is Mike Popp's 1303, On the Right is Stan Pugh's 1146.5. Thanks to my uncle shorty for sending me these pix today.   Wednesday, October 14 View Page Another Shot of the nice display.   Wednesday, October 14 View Page All in all a very nice show this year. I had a lot of fun!   Wednesday, October 14 View Page The 776 Ewing 09 (890 Ewing 08 x self) after the weigh-off!   Wednesday, October 14 View Page Really flat bottom and this pumpkin is Solid. I don't remember ever growing a flat bottom one before. I love this variety!   Wednesday, October 14 View Page Did I say flat?   Wednesday, October 14 View Page I call the color 'Pasty Salmon'. LOL   Thursday, October 15 View Page I called Manure Man and asked him to post the Pick of my 776 Ewing 09 on the scale at the GPC Central Market Weigh-off in Shoreline. He said that he wasn't gonna post it because he was gonna use it to talk trash later.   Friday, October 16 View Page Hey Manure Man... I let my dog out to take a ump on your front lawn! He had Italian for dinner... Don't slip on those meatballs. Note to self (Watch out for Manure Man's security sprinklers). I got soaked. LOL   Friday, October 16 View Page The Sequim Seqaush chocolate chip cookies are the best in the west!   Sunday, October 18 View Page Good job to Mike J in Cali for both of your nice pumpkins. The 1055 Jutras you grew looked real beefy! I might email you for a couple of seeds from that one. I didn't get any out of my 1055. Good job taking it over 1 K. Also, your 991 urena was a really great colored pumpkin. Cool looking and heavy!   Sunday, October 18 View Page I want to make sure that my posts contain Quality information. In the next few posts, I will be making some BOLD and quantitative statements. AWESOME! P.S. If your board go and spread some manure! LOL   Sunday, October 18 View Page ... I am happy to announce that the Puyallup Fair set its new all time TOP 10 best average this year.   Sunday, October 18 View Page Drum roll please... The Puyallup Fair 2009 Top 10 Total weight was 9,169 lbs.   Sunday, October 18 View Page 9,169 / 10 = A new all-time best Puyallup Fair Top Ten average of... 916 pounds! Good job to all the growers and to everyone at the fair!   Monday, October 19 View Page Hey Manure Man! I am on to what you are up to up there at the patch. Over head camera's from my undercover helicopter have confirmed that patch preparation has begun at Faith Farm for 2010. AKA, Lots and Lots of <Manure is being spread. I was able to stop the FED-EX Gal from delivering you those 1467 seeds the last few last weeks. You'd be surprised what a 'ROAD CLOSED' and a 'DETOUR' sign can do to screw up the mail traffic. Good Luck in 2011 though. M.G. OUT!   Monday, October 19 View Page Thanks to Manure Man for carving the 991. I call it the 'DEVOURER'. Hey Hey. He's a 1rst year grower and a first year carver. He grew an 825 and a 407 and carved some rad stuff. We ain't done yet... We's just gettin' started. 'I heard a rummer that the Green Elephant was making a comback in 2010'. We have a new member of the Redmond crew, Awesome.   Monday, October 19 View Page Radicalness!   Monday, October 19 View Page What a year   Monday, October 19 View Page Thinkin' and plannin' hard about next year!   Monday, October 19 View Page Calm down M.G.. Don't think too hard. Here, lay your head down there on the pallet and rest... h no... elp!   Tuesday, October 20 View Page In an effort to pump up the posts I made an early morning trip to starbucks and grabbed pumpkin spice latte. It is decent but not quite as good as the ones at the Pumpkin Palace in Orting.   Tuesday, October 20 View Page I love the little white ghost pumpkins, but have never grown them.   Tuesday, October 20 View Page How does this Ron Barker guy keep getting in to everyone's diary's. Oh yea, because he grows really big pumpkins and is a really great grower. He even let me take a sneakpeak at his new patch before the season. It was tilled up beautiful. When I looked underneath the 1191 it looked concave in the bottom. I'd be interested to see how this one looked on the inside.   Tuesday, October 20 View Page The Popp's grow really heavy ones too! It was pretty flat on the bottom.   Tuesday, October 20 View Page See, I told ya it was pretty flat on bottom.   Tuesday, October 20 View Page My favorite sign is the 'Caution Farm Animals May Bite' Sign. Its like hello, Duh...   Tuesday, October 20 View Page Send out the message. As far as posting goes, I mean business. LOL   Tuesday, October 20 View Page To beat me you will have to post 'early and often'. Maybe even start earlier in the season or something. LOL I have so many upcoming posts that Ken might have to extend my pumpkin diary into 2010!   Tuesday, October 20 View Page God Bless   Tuesday, October 20 View Page More from my now famous thumbs-up around the world tour back in '05   Tuesday, October 20 View Page This really started it all for my ongoing thumbs-up pumpkin tour!   Tuesday, October 20 View Page Everyone heard the rumors that Don Young was coming out west this year with the big guns. Well... I heard a new rumor that Monster Grower might be coming out to Niagara this year. Watch Out!   Tuesday, October 20 View Page This just in...I found out that Manure Man is not really a first year grower. He was growing last year under the name 'Art Vandeley'. His cover was the 'Import Export business' Specifically Matchbooks and paper towel products. Sooo the investigation will continue...!   Tuesday, October 20 View Page Had some visitors today. Western Washington Blacktale   Tuesday, October 20 View Page National Geographic... Eat your heart out. LOL   Wednesday, October 21 View Page Grow'em orange in 2009   Wednesday, October 21 View Page 1182 Ewing 09 Dmg   Wednesday, October 21 View Page Joined the AGGC.org today.   Wednesday, October 21 View Page The fall Display! The leaves are really coming down around here now. Gonna start composting that pig manure soon. I am gonna mix it with bark and or my compost and cover. More picks of the piggy's soon.   Wednesday, October 21 View Page I forgot to put a picture on the AGGC today when I entered in the 991 Ewing 09. So here's another for the old diary.   Wednesday, October 21 View Page There it is again also taken on Sept 11th (The day of the Fair)   Wednesday, October 21 View Page Same Day   Wednesday, October 21 View Page Same day at the Puyallup Fair weigh-off.   Thursday, October 22 View Page Whats under your leaves (991). LOL   Thursday, October 22 View Page No where to go but up! What a great day.   Thursday, October 22 View Page Stan set the bar really high!   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Before... (776 Ewing)   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Before part 2...   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Inside the 776 EWING 09. The seeds went bad in this one. They matured but went 'soft'. unfortunately. Great solid pumpkin though. Might have like 3 seeds out of it that are viable.   Tuesday, October 27 View Page I call it 'Ole too tooth'. Yes thats spelled correctly. LOL (MY OWN FREE HAND CARVING)   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Close up of 'Ole too tooth'...   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Closer up of 'Ole Too Tooth'... (776 EWING 09... 890 EWING 09 x SELF) It took me about 45 minutes to carve it. After about 15 minutes into carving it, THE RAIN STARTED.Put on a rain coat and I was all good. Thanks dad!   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Steady   Tuesday, October 27 View Page Thats my soil worker in the picture. I've been driving a tractor since I was 10 years old.   Friday, October 30 View Page People ask me all the time (especially this time of year, the show off time)... "How do you grow your pumpkins?" I figured out my response for the next time I'm in this situation... I say "I use a modified Christmas tree pattern. Actually it is more of a modified spider which is kind of a double modified christmas tree." Or a modified holiday spiderman tree, whatever you prefer... LOL. Huh?   Saturday, October 31 View Page 535 EWING 09... (1357 GHAYE 08 x 1034 BISS 08). got a couple hundo seeds out of this one, Thank G.   Saturday, October 31 View Page Oh ya I carved the 535 my self on Oct 30th. It was the hit of the entire neighborhood   Tuesday, November 3 View Page So I stopped by Central Market yesterday to double check that all of the seeds had been removed from all of the pumpkins there. The weigh-off was a great time there this year. Manure Man's kids told me that they went on 2 hayrides at the Central weigh-off. I jokingly told them I didn't know if 2 hayrides were allowed in 1 day. They thought that was funny. LOL   Tuesday, November 3 View Page Boom Boom, this ones for you! I looks every bit of 24.3% Heavy! Just look at the wall thickness. Front, 731.5 Huff 09 Back, 1074 Perham 09. I also noticed how The 1074 which was grown off the 1467 Perham was very solid without many blemishes on the interior of the Pumpkin.   Tuesday, November 3 View Page Applied beneficial bacteria killer heavily at Manure Man's patch up the hill yesterday! LOL   Tuesday, November 3 View Page Sorry Here's the pick of the 731.5 and the 1074... crap crap crap... LOL   Tuesday, November 3 View Page Dick Kilburn's 1355... Okay, I'm a hand model again.   Tuesday, November 3 View Page Another view of the 1355 Kilburn inside...   Tuesday, November 3 View Page All that good cheese going to waist. LOL   Wednesday, November 4 View Page Manure Man... Since your 825 beat my 776 at THE MARKET... Here's a pick of my entire seed stash...LOL!   Wednesday, November 4 View Page Sorry for the fuzziness but you get the idea. This is my entire collection other than the rest of my own.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Started to 'reclaim' my dirt from my pumpkin garden. In a year or to my old garden will be in the middle of the street. Digging & Moving our trees also. I have fond memories of this garden and I am glad that I was able to grow a prizewinner in this spot this year. I was hoping and planning to do so all year and it worked. It took a lot of planning and aggressive plant maintenance/temperature control.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Close up of my dinner last night. It was excellent. I am turning vegetarian.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Chopped 'em up into little pieces and spread them out with the pile of reclaimed dirt./ WARNING... <MANURE MAN>:) / If you mess with me this could happen to you. LOL   Thursday, November 12 View Page Grow 'em or blow 'em.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Then feed 'em to the Piggy's.   Thursday, November 12 View Page MANURE MAN:)... This could also happen to you... Just make a move and see what happens! Next time I say lets do lunch, better watch out. Bad intentions.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Hey Manure Man. I didn't tell you and your gonna be mad... I sent you the bill from the back-hoe demonstration that I gave to Jimmy when you guys were here the other day. This should MORE THAN get me bACK for the pizza I bought you after Central and pay for our trip to Niagra this year. Here It is... 10 Minute Backhoe use fee @ $25 per minute = $275.00 My Time @ $1,000 per minute = $11,620 (Prorated) Spectator Fee (Thats You)= $7,000 (Flat Fee Charge) + Tax (DISCLAIMER) ... I accept Paypal, ALL Checks PAYABLE TO MONSTER GROWER PLEASE! Failure to pay will result in a penalty of $15 dollars a day + undisclosed interest.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Tha Bone Yard!   Thursday, November 12 View Page Pieces of a season   Thursday, November 12 View Page Cunningham's White Rhododendron in its second bloom. The one thats blooming is on the south side of the field and gets the most sun.   Thursday, November 12 View Page Kinda Fuzzy Close   Thursday, November 12 View Page Zoos is Pig Crazy!   Tuesday, November 17 View Page Manure Man and I are going to Niagra this year FYI. Please alert the local law enforcement, we get more than kinda rowdy! LOL. If anyone else from the Seattle area is going also, let me know. We are going to be going over Niagra falls in giant Pumpkin Boats! (Manure Man's Idea) He's been watching a ton of SUPER DAVE OSBORNE RE-RUNS and he swears we can do it. I have been watching Chuck Norris workout video's daily and I think that I am finally ready. I am up to advanced green belt now and have mass confidence. M.G. Out   Tuesday, November 17 View Page (DISCLAIMER) ... Hey Boom Boom, I am catching up, Catching Catching Up... Ha Ha   Friday, November 20 View Page He is a real piece of work that Manure expert is.   Friday, November 20 View Page I'd feel like I could do it all to though I guess if I had a pumpkin with as big a stem on it as Manure's 890 Grande. did How bought those broncos the last few weeks J. Keep your head up at least you guys still will probably go to the play-offs. Even though you cheat at fantasy football.   Friday, November 20 View Page I meant the 895 Grande 08 x 1184 Barker 08 (825 Venters 09). Should have a bunch of seeds for the club out of this one. Should make for a nice cross even though Manure Man smothered it all summer under these blankets.   Friday, November 20 View Page Boom Boom. The chocolate chip cookies you brought me at the market were THE BEST ever! A few other people there had some. Someone asked me. "Are those Erin's Cookies"? I said "yes." They said, "Did she bring them for everybody." I said "no but you can have some." LOL My brother and I finished the rest off later. You definatley got the skills. I'm just still not sure how you plan on beating me at posting. I see now that you will not beat me by chipping away at it, rather you will continue to visit more big time growers than me and show me up with large chunks of posts at a time. I however have a plan. And it rhymes. And a secret backup plan in case plan 1 fails. So watch out because everyone that has ever seen the "tortoise and the Hare" knows that 'slow and steady wins the race, slow and steady beats 2nd place.' LOL;}   Saturday, November 21 View Page In September Manure Man illegally entered my patch and posted a note on my home-made sign board. This is just one example of what I have to deal with out here. I leave the patch for just 1 day and he is all over it with his soil testers and reverse transfused myco inhibitors. Unbelievable.   Saturday, November 21 View Page The last few posts were also from Sept 3rd. Here is evidence of Manure Man stealing my idea for using these black binder clips to hold down my pumpkin clothes. As far as I know I was the first one to ever use the black Binder clips. He steals all my good ideas. Especially my secret ideas that I don't post. LOL   Thursday, December 3 View Page Look at how good the dark soil is at Manure Man's....   Thursday, December 3 View Page Manure Man's secret leaf compost pile. I burned it of course.   Thursday, December 3 View Page Dang it, should'nt of burned it. Know I've released those trace mineral's from the leaves into his soil. Trying back up plan 1a. ie. STOP MANURE MAN from recieving all shipments from Colorado. And also those from 'The Quiz'.   Thursday, December 3 View Page Plan 1b. Redirect all Manure Man's Colorado Shipments to my urban command center. Note to self, 'Hold on to these shipments for personal use'. LOL P.S. please especially look out for the 895 GRANDE.   Friday, December 11 View Page I have now expanded my capabilities. I have unmanned UAV Drone aircraft patrolling the sky's over Manure Man's patch. Ready to blast any possible pumpkins with a 'Surgical Strike.' The Drones are armed with cutting edge 'anti-composting' weaponry. I command them remotely through my xbox 360.   Friday, December 11 View Page I love the perseverance of this 'mario' mushroom that comes up underneath this Douglas fir tree every year. Never Fail.   Friday, December 11 View Page Good boy Zoos!   Friday, December 11 View Page Even Zoos had a bite of the 776 Ewing today. He can't stand the pigs having something that he can't. Ron I bagged the 1182's and i'm sending them to ya along with my 535's. You da man.   Friday, December 11 View Page The 3 Pigs are living very happily. I take good care of them. It is cold here, 8 degrees every morning this week. The freeze was the deepest today this year. They comfortably sleep inside.   Friday, December 11 View Page Hey Guys!   Friday, December 11 View Page Hey little Wiggley's   Wednesday, December 30 View Page The PNWGPG SEED AUCTION will be on 1/2/2010 at 7pm eastern time. Thanks To CRB Pumpkins for doing such a great job creating the lots. I saw the draft and it is a real beauty! It will be posted on BigPumpkins in the seed auction section within the hour. M.G.   Wednesday, December 30 View Page HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL.   Wednesday, December 30 View Page May the New Year Bring you luck, prosperity, and a ridiculously huge 1rst place pumpkin.   Wednesday, December 30 View Page I grow pumpkins to try and break the world record like everyone else. The only difference with me this year is I have a main goal of trying to win the Puyallup fair. Which means cutting something early, which means a stressful decison. LOL   Wednesday, December 30 View Page I got my passport application turned in so I am ready to go to the convention in Niagara in march. I have a bad left hand right now and I just hope that its well enough to compete in the sport of pumpkin growing in 2010. I got a shot of cortizone in my wrist a week ago. I think its starting to feel better. maybe? I don't know.   Wednesday, December 30 View Page Cheers to the New Years! Break out the pop bottle rockets.   Wednesday, December 30 View Page Hey Manure Man. Keep it up and i'm sure one day you will beat me in the Redmond pumpkin championships! LOL   Wednesday, December 30 View Page OKAY Seriously, This guy came in to the nursery a few weeks ago and said, 'Hey, I saw that article in the Reporter about your big pumpkins and stuff, that was cool.' I was like, "what article, are you serious"? I had no idea there was an article. However I approve of it as long as it was tastfull. LOL   Wednesday, December 30 View Page Oh Yea I forgot to mention. 'Hey BOOM BOOM'. I am officially 4 posts ahead of you now. LOL. HAPPY NEW YEARS and GOOD LUCK. M.G. Out!   Thursday, December 31 View Page Today is the last day of the first decade of the new Millennium! Not just the start of some regular old run of the mill century.   Thursday, December 31 View Page This year I learned a lot about pumpkins. One thing is that during pumpkin season its time to go big or go home.   Thursday, December 31 View Page Also, When the tailgate gets run into it smashes a window. LOL   Thursday, December 31 View Page Oh my the things I have learned. Little kernels of knowledge and nuggets i've earned.   Thursday, December 31 View Page Here's some more of what i've learned in '09   Thursday, December 31 View Page It's time to grow pumpkins, relax, and let ride. Throw chips out for seeds and place bets on the line.   Thursday, December 31 View Page After '09 I also know now that at least half of my 2010 line-up is all ready planned out.   Thursday, December 31 View Page Dreaming and thinking 1468. If that seed pops up, that would be great.   Thursday, December 31 View Page 1568 Connolly is in my economy and will be grown by me in 2010   Thursday, December 31 View Page I have my 2009 seeds bagged now and will send them to those that I have talked to. Don't worry guys and I will have some at the spring meeting   Thursday, December 31 View Page The posting battle continues with the rise of the lycans! After battling MANURE MAN all year I have decided to give up and release the Lycans in his patch for 2010   Thursday, December 31 View Page However, unexpectedly MANURE MAN has fought back 825 STRONG!!! He's easily agitated and a very tough opponent.   Thursday, December 31 View Page However in 2010 I have called in uncle fester for support agianst MANURE MAN'S 825 Armies.   Thursday, December 31 View Page I love the sport of pumpkin growing. LOL   Thursday, December 31 View Page I will still plant my main seeds in mid April this year.   Thursday, December 31 View Page I will also start backups in mid april. And probably stick some in also in the beginning of may.   Thursday, December 31 View Page I can't wait for Niagra so that I can get some good tips. We will be in Toronto for 6 days.   Thursday, December 31 View Page We will fly into buffalo at midnight and drive to Canada. I look forward to driving around up there in Canada an exploring. Hitting the casino and maybe a hockey game.   Thursday, December 31 View Page I will beat Manure Man in pool so many times on the Canada trip that he will have flashbacks of Mario Kart on the Wii.   Thursday, December 31 View Page 2010 will also be the rise of the 'Green Elephant'   Thursday, December 31 View Page God only knows what he'll add to our carvings this year. Our team consists of a geo-technical engineer, a priest, and a professional giant pumpkin grower. j/k LOL   Thursday, December 31 View Page I will also grow at least 1 of the 1058 ghaye in 2010   Thursday, December 31 View Page And a 1536.5 VanKooten   Thursday, December 31 View Page Boom Boom your chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is the best in the world.   Thursday, December 31 View Page And yes there is more!   Thursday, December 31 View Page 2010 is the start of my new world pumpkin tour!   Thursday, December 31 View Page Be sure though Your posting skills haven't diminished!   Thursday, December 31 View Page The battle is over and you are quite finished!   Thursday, December 31 View Page He stands on the stage at Central Market so proud and fiercely proclaims his status as 'the #1 poster in all of the land, pictures and all'...   Thursday, December 31 View Page To be continued... is my wendy's menu, triple baconator w/cheese and a large pumpkin in 2010 at the Puyallup venue.