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Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 165 Entries.
Friday, January 6 View Page
Patch Prep for 2012 continues. Outlined in blue is patch one for the 852 Myers. This patch was dug over Sept/Oct 2011 and a load of manure (not aged) was spread over and turned in followed by a thick sowing of grazing rye. Didn't manage to get it all sown though before it was too late to sow.
 
Friday, January 6 View Page
Patch 2 (in red) for a 907 Wagler. I was running late with this patch and only managed the same prep as above on a small section. Hope to continue and finnish digging and spreading manure by the end of January. Both patches are round 550 square feet each.
 
Monday, January 9 View Page
As a second year grower I am hiking up the number of plants grown from one in 2011 to four in 2012. Thanks to Ian Paton, Pumpking and Smallmouth_luke for sharing your seed with me. Here is my line up: 852 Myers (745 Snyder x 1059.6 Vincent McGill), 907 Wagler (924 Wittman x 1098 Moretti), 1173 Paton (1421 Stelts x 1725 Harp), 525 Puricelli (1059.6 V/McGill x 1165 Marsh). The 852 Myers and 525 Puricelli will no doubt produce orange beauties. Hope to make the following crossess: 852 Myers x 1173 Paton, 907 Wagler x 1173 Paton, 1173 Paton x 525 Puricelli and finally 525 Puricelli x 852 Myers.
 
Monday, January 16 View Page
The weather has finally turned cold and is about -3oC so I can't do any more digging and can only but dream
 
Tuesday, February 7 View Page
I cant begin to do justice to how much time I have wasted deliberating over which seeds to sow. Here is my FINAL choice and I need to promise myself not to think about it again. Thanks to all growers that have shared their seed with me, I'll do my best to make sure they see dirt another year.
 
Tuesday, February 7 View Page
Been getting a bit of cabin fever and now that my seed selection is done and dusted I just had to get to the plot today. Here is the first of my pumpkin houses (this one is 15 ft long). The sheet plastic on top is quite dirty, i'll give it a clean but am happy with it as it will filter a little of the sun to prevent the early leaves from getting singed (happened last year). I'll make and add the side frames (most probably from glass) once I have finished adding the ammendments and have put some ground cover down to warm the soil. Aim is to start a little early this year so I will need to get it nice and warm in there and will need to add a small tunnel inside as well.
 
Sunday, February 19 View Page
Dug in the grazing rye on patch one today...what a work out. Not too sure if I dug in too early or too late but we'll see, simply turned over to a depth of 1 foot and will do again in a month when I add some ammendments. I covered the patch with black plastic so that should speed things along a bit. Still to do: dig the last 100 sq feet of patch 2 and 200 sq feet of patch 3 and dig in manure then ammend in a month. Patch 4 will be done last minute as per in my first year
 
Sunday, February 26 View Page
Did some more pumpkin house prep today and decided against the dirty plastic roof and will replace with big squares of double glazed glass. The sides went on today and still allows me space to get in there and dig in ammendments etc. The plastic sheeting will go on mid-late March. Not looking forward to getting on my knees to bury vines etc
 
Tuesday, February 28 View Page
Side view of the house. Hope I have enough materials to duplicate for the other patch which I favour more as it was completely covered in rye and is a little wider
 
Monday, March 5 View Page
I did plan on running soil tests but the money is needed aleswhere at the moment. The plan is therefore to try and cover all the elements modestly although I know I'm shooting in the dark. Lets hope the soil balance is okay and we'll just have to see how it goes. Patch 1 is already an improvement on last year as it has manure throughout in autumn and was covered with grazing rye which has been turned over. Patch 2, not as good as patch 1 but still better than lasy years 1366 Patch. Its had manure applied to about 50% of it (work in progress) and is having a large temporary pumpkin house (20' wide x 15' long) built. The soil around the planting area is good To both these patches I tilled in ammendments today within the first 15'x15' area (225 square ft) to cover N, P, K and Mg. I will do a pH test soon to help me decide how to apply Ca. To each 15'x15' area was added: 5.5lbs bonemeal (P), 3.3lbs K2SO4, 1.65lbs blood (N) and 1.65lbs Epsom salts (Mg). Ammendments turned in and watered in with seaweed extract soltion (50ml in 7L) then patches were covered back up.
 
Monday, March 5 View Page
A quick ammendment to above, all work on these patches is spade and fork work and not tilling. I often think as I am sweating as I work how other growers must plough through with tractors and rotovators.
 
Tuesday, March 6 View Page
Patch 1 measures 25' wide x 22' long (550 sq ft) - planting the 852 Myers here. Patch 2 measures 24' wide x 25' long (600 sq ft) Planting the 1216.5 DeBacco here. Patch 3 - Still a bonfire in progress Planting the 772 Wagler here (sorry Jorg if its any consolation i'll be planting my own 494 in similar conditions) Not sure if I will grow my 494 as hard as the others but I am keen to see if a selfed 1366 throws up anything different. You never know, the neglected ones sometimes turn out to be the best.
 
Tuesday, March 20 View Page
Here's a look at the completed pumpkin house. Just need to employ some dwarves to do the vine burying and watering etc. I have been trampling all over this plot so today I gave the soil one more turn to make it nice and fluffy and have promised not to go in again. In the planting spot I emptied 100L of BioBizz Almix [a blend of soil (20%), compost (35%), worm castings (10%) and Perlite (30%) as well as a special 'pre-mix' (5%) of biologically active organic ingredients. It is pH is 6 and has a fairly high CEC)]. I turned it in very loosely! I'll drag out the ground covering as needed to prevent the weeds from growing
 
Tuesday, March 20 View Page
Another view of the house. If customs do not confiscate another parcel destined from the UK then I may just plant a 1304 Sperry (1610 Lieber x 1161 Rodonis) in here.
 
Tuesday, March 20 View Page
Having discussed flag and tree vine patterns with NorthShoreBoys and seing how well it works for him, I am going to grow two plants side by side in a flag pattern on this patch (covered in black). The plastic on the ground is the planting location and where a smaller pumpkin house will go. Plants will be grown up to 22' with 12' secondaries with a walkway between them for watering. Likely candidates would be the 852 Myers and the 1216.5 DeBacco.
 
Tuesday, March 20 View Page
This would be the third patch and is virgin ground. It is a little over 1200 sq ft but needs a lot of work. It has had two bonfires on there so microorganisms and worms in the soil have had a hard time of it. Tons of screws and nails to pick out of the soil. To make life easier for myself I may just go for a 500 sq ft patch in the middle and grow another two flags patterns. Candidates for here would be the 772 Wagler and a 1131 Gansert. Sorry guys for seed not going to a better spot but I'll do my best to get the ground in good condition in the next four weeks. To be honest, this patch is no different to the one that grew my 494 last year so the results may even be better this year. The only draw back is having enough material to grow these ones undercover so they could be late starters. Time will tell.
 
Saturday, March 24 View Page
Started germination trials today on a few of my own and one 562 Minor (which dwarfs mine) Took three seeds, filed the edges and soaked in warm water for 1h then placed between moist cotton wool (excess water squeezed out). Cotton wool pad placed in a sealable freezer bag and placed next to the hot water boiler (temp. 80-90 ish but variable). Same as above for a fourth seed but I picked away some of the shell. Don't ask me why, just curiosity although I will not be doing this when sow time comes).
 
Sunday, March 25 View Page
Checked on the seeds after 24h. All look nice and plump. The seed which had part of the shell removed (about 1/5th of one side, just to expose a fraction of a cotyledon) has started to split open at the end and will the first one out.
 
Monday, March 26 View Page
All seeds have sprouted on the second day. Shame to bin then, oh well.
 
Thursday, March 29 View Page
Patch 1 - 20Kg CaCO3 dug in over entire plot (0.4 Kg per m2) and 4 bags of composted manure dug into planting spot
 
Thursday, March 29 View Page
Patch 1 - At the same time as adding the above I added 7lbs of bonemeal and 14 lbs of fish, blood and bone to the remaining area 300 sq ft of the plot
 
Thursday, March 29 View Page
Just before the black plastic went back on and after ammendments were added.
 
Thursday, April 5 View Page
Sophiana has her year all planned out. Her pumpkin is the 852 Myers and as she is significantly smaller than me I'm letting her have the big pumpkin house (if that was the only reason ;) )
 
Thursday, April 5 View Page
My daughters main passion is horses
 
Monday, April 9 View Page
Seeds started in between cotton wool as per test run. Seeds sown: 852 Myers (x2) and 1304 Sperry (x2)
 
Tuesday, April 10 View Page
Seeds started in between cotton wool as per test run. Seeds sown: 772 Wagler (x2)
 
Thursday, April 12 View Page
Here's a picture of the 1304 Sperry which looks just like its mother, the 1610 Leiber. Hope the ...Geyelin looks just like them
 
Thursday, April 12 View Page
...and this is where its going. The soil is in great condition (despite no soil test info) and I just need to get this hot house completed and covered.
 
Thursday, April 12 View Page
the water has been turned on so I dug out some tubing that I inherited with the allotment. I think this will do for the low rise pumpkin house on the left, it works fine from the mains but I intend to run it from a waterbutt pump. Checked the temperature in there and its very hot, despite outside temperatures. The soil is warm enough to sink you feet into, just as you do at the beach
 
Tuesday, April 17 View Page
Sown a 907 Wagler and 738 Wagler as back ups today which would hit the patch nect friday (27th). The weather is crap until then anyway.
 
Wednesday, April 18 View Page
Here's the seedlings. One 852 didn't germinate (probably my fault for not keeping it at the right temp. One 772 seems a bit stunted after I messed around with it and the other had trouble shaking its coating. Both the lone 852 and the 1304's are busting roots out of these 5L pots. Figure it's about time to plant this week. The first true leaves are just showing.
 
Wednesday, April 18 View Page
Here sits one of the 1304's. Not the patch I wanted it to go in. The 852 should have gone here but I figure if its too cold then there's always the other to replace it as I only have one 852
 
Thursday, April 19 View Page
I quickly finished the other pumpkin house today and had to make do with some think bubble stapled around most of it but it should do the job. Just checkout that storm above. On the bright side, at least there will be no frosts. Temperature in the pumpkin house in the background in 28oC (82oF) which isnt bad considering there was not much sun today.
 
Thursday, April 19 View Page
..... and in went the 852 Myers. Placed a plastic box (with a hole in it) on top for a little added protection tonight. I didn't want to wait any longer as the plant realy was screaming 'get me in the ground' with the roots coming out of the base of its 5L pot.
 
Thursday, April 19 View Page
Here's this months forecast. There's got to be some sun in there somewhere.
 
Tuesday, April 24 View Page
Both plants are doing just fine. The 1304 is just starting to work on its second leaf. The 852 is showing slug damaged to the cots. I lifted up the mulch fabric and spotted some baby slugs and lifted them out. Will have to return to the plot tomorrow with some grit to sprinle around the base.
 
Thursday, April 26 View Page
One of the cots on the 1304 had a chunk take out of it since yesterday. I picked two fat slugs from under there and hurled them out of the patch then sprinkled some slug pellets. I tend not to use slug pellets but what else can I do. Threw some pellets around the 852 and gave both plants a water. The 1304 is growing despite the overcast weather and I wonder of the benefit of starting early this year. I'll answer this question come pollination time when I see how much plant is behind the fruit. Aiming to pollinate around 15' but lets just see what the plant throws up.
 
Friday, April 27 View Page
Outside temp is 7oC, pumpkin house is 14oC. Note to Jorg: placed half a dozen candles in each pumpkin house after hearing that you have good weather forecast. The pumpkin vigil begins! Also, I'm coming over to Germany with some red indians to dance next to your patch! ;)
 
Friday, April 27 View Page
The Pumpkin Vigil
 
Friday, April 27 View Page
the 1304 Sperry plant is tucked up for the night
 
Friday, April 27 View Page
and so is the 852 Myers. A smaller pumpkin house so not so many candles.
 
Thursday, May 3 View Page
Ordered some products today to put on the patch: Fulvic acid, Humate liquid, Soluble Seaweed and a Micro-Organism/Humate based product. Going on the patch sometime soon!
 
Saturday, May 5 View Page
Note to self: 8L solution made up with fulvic acid (4g), humate liquid (8mL) and soluble seaweed (5 tsp). 4L of solution applied to each 16 sq ft area around the 1304 and the 852 plant.
 
Saturday, May 5 View Page
Correction to the above: ended up with 8L of solutuion per plant
 
Tuesday, May 8 View Page
738 Wagler planted today on the edge of patch 1. Watered in with solution of fulvic, humate and seaweed as above. Could have chosen the 772 but that one will sit as a spare incase of any mishaps. Had some trouble getting it out of the pot (10L) so we'll see how it takes over the next week or two. 1304 is taking off, 3 main leaves out and lots of small ones about to burst out. 852 just working on its 3rd leaf. Not as vigorous as the 1304 but not the same conditions either as the 1304 is in Biomix/soil and the 852 is in aged manure/soil. The 1304 hothouse is a lot hotter as well and the weather has been poor.
 
Thursday, May 10 View Page
1304 Sperry - 30 Days from sowing This one is my front runner!
 
Thursday, May 10 View Page
852 Myers - 30 days from sowing Growing for orange. Off to a slow start and the cots got mauled by slugs.
 
Thursday, May 10 View Page
738 Wagler - 23 days from sowing Also growing for orange.
 
Thursday, May 10 View Page
Planted the 738 Wagler on the edge of a well prepared 852 Patch as I had to get it in the grounf and hadn't got its patch prepped. It will run into the distance for as far as it wished to grow. Still some time to prep.
 
Thursday, May 10 View Page
Applied microorganism based product 'Viresco Soluble' to the 16 sq ft area around 1304 and 852 plants.
 
Friday, May 11 View Page
Foliar fed all plants with a 1L solution of fulvic acid (1g), liquid humate (1mL) and sol seaweed (1tsp).
 
Friday, May 11 View Page
The 1304 Sperry is my daughters pumpkin and mine is the little 852 Myers. Hmm..something is wrong here. Sophiana made a sign for her patch but I dont think the paint will survive the rain.
 
Monday, May 14 View Page
Decided to plant the 772 Wagler rather than let it go to compost. As with the 738, just couldnt get it out of the pot without disturbing the root ball. At the moment the plan is to grow both the 738 and the 772 in flag patterns as I only want to have to prep one side and it would make maintenance easier. Lets look upon this as a test to see what they grow. The 772 is in unammended soil, absolutely nothing, no compost, manure nada! This will be the only plant to be heavily fertilised using the Hydroponics of Holland liquid feeds. I want to go easy on the soil so will not be using this on the other plants. Both 738 and 772 may be allowed to grow up to 17' (terminate at pumpkin) with 14' secondaries. The 1304 and 852 main vines will not be terminated and left to grow indefinately even if the secondaries have to be terminated
 
Friday, May 18 View Page
I'm a little worried about the 852 as it is growing extremely slowly, has a slightly depressed/flattened point both sides of the main vine and is appears to be throwing out twin leaves at each node. I am contemplating digging up another plant (ouch) and moving it to the same patch just in case the 852 does have issues. I'd hate to move the other plant but its a risk woth taking as its in an impoverished patch of soil anyway.
 
Friday, May 18 View Page
Flattened portion of the 852 stem. Its more noticeable when you feel the stem on both sides
 
Friday, May 18 View Page
A shot of the 852 showing twin leaves at everynode. This plant is coming along extremely slowly. My other (1304) will be vining in a few days and the 852 has a long way to go!
 
Monday, May 21 View Page
1304 Sperry - 42 Days from sowing
 
Monday, May 21 View Page
1304 Sperry - 42 Days from sowing - under canopy view
 
Monday, May 21 View Page
852 - 42 Days from sowing 772 - 41 Days from sowing and 3 days after replanting Both are a little close so I will not have the luxury of letting them grow too big before deciding which one to cull.
 
Wednesday, May 23 View Page
As of yesterday the weather got Hot and I was caught off guard! Had to rush to the plot from work and open up the pumpkin houses. I was lucky and ended up leaving them open last night. I may close tonight but lets see how I feel. Still nothing groundbreaking to report with growth, just patiently waiting for touch down followed by 1ft of growth per day (happy days).
 
Monday, May 28 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 49 - almost down and coming up to 3'
 
Monday, May 28 View Page
852 Myers - Day 49 - vine down for a few days now and still throwing out twin leaves
 
Tuesday, May 29 View Page
Some time ago I came by some free fertilisers 'Hydroponics of Holland' which I believe are designed for cannabis growing for which there is a 'dutch formula' for combining them. Against my better judgement I couldn't help myself and am now using them on my pumpkins but have had to combine them in a different way. 1 (Grow) = 25-12-50 2 (Bloom) = 00-50-35 3 (Micro) = 45-00-10 So far I have been using 7.5ml of both Bloom and Micro to give a 8L solution of 45-50-45. If anyone reads this and thinks it is too much, please give me a shout out.
 
Tuesday, May 29 View Page
852 Myers - Day 50 - Vine = 2'
 
Wednesday, May 30 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 50 - Vine = 3'
 
Thursday, May 31 View Page
852 Myers - Checked today and noticed it stopped putting out twin leaves (each with its own secondary) at the 5th leaf node. I'll use the extra secondaries to angle back and try and fill the 100 sq feet behind the stump.
 
Monday, June 11 View Page
Hey Mother Nature, how is one supposed to grow a giant pumpkin with weather like this. Some mid-week sun was that a typo?
 
Monday, June 11 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 63 - Vine = 7.5' (with two sets of 3' secondaries)
 
Monday, June 11 View Page
One more note, I pinched off at least four tertiaries today from the first two sets of secondaries on the 1304 Sperry. I honestly cant say I remember doing it so early last year.
 
Tuesday, June 12 View Page
852 Myers - Day 63 - Vine = 5.5'
 
Tuesday, June 12 View Page
Noticed that on both plants that the roots are at least 4' out around each plant so I need to get some soaker hose down this week to enable even and regular watering. Also, after reading a post about vine colour in relation to fruit colour, I noted that the 1304 has yellow vines throughout. More suprising is that the plants from two generations of orange pumpkins (i.e. the 738 Wagler and 852 Myers) both have green vines.
 
Tuesday, June 12 View Page
Guess vine colour/pumpkin colour correlation does not always hold true. See last years 1366 which didn't have an ounce of orange in it but had yellow vines. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=162258
 
Sunday, June 17 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 70 - Vine = 10'
 
Sunday, June 17 View Page
852 Myers - Day 70 - Vine = 7'
 
Monday, June 18 View Page
You only have to look at the weather reports above to appreciate why growth is very slow.
 
Tuesday, June 19 View Page
738 Wagler, which has been outside without cover from the start is stalling at 3'. Really need some warm weather to get this one going. This is known to my 3 yrs old son and his plant so I hope to get a respectably sized and 'orange' pumpkin for him. Just can't grown giants outside without cover in the UK. The leaves and stem are incredibly stiff so I must have overdone the N at some point but can not think when. Anyhow, all ferts stopped on all plants and am only continuing for the time being with twice weekly nettle and seaweed/humate drenches.
 
Wednesday, June 20 View Page
Makes me want to cry!
 
Wednesday, June 20 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 70 - Vine = 10' 8". Has two sets of secondaries approaching 6'. No sign of any females on the main so there should be a good chance to get a big plant before pollination. Last year I pollinated on the 7th/8th July so it would be a good bench mark to compare with. She'll be ready when she's ready!
 
Wednesday, June 20 View Page
Correction to the above: 'Day 73'
 
Wednesday, June 20 View Page
852 Myers - Day 73 - Vine = 8'. This plant kind of hugs the ground with really low leaves but looks healthy. Photo's to follow once I have removed the pumpkin house covers as its a little awkward to photograph
 
Thursday, June 21 View Page
852 Myers - Day 74 - Vine = 8'6". Grew 6" last night after yesterdays short lived sunshine to reveal a female at 8'. I'll leave it on just incase no others pop up but not one for pollination. Root spread on this plant seems to have favoured one side of the plant where they have spread in masses about 5' out.
 
Thursday, June 21 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 74 - Vine = 11'. Two males open at the stump, must of sniffed a whif of the female on the 852.
 
Thursday, June 21 View Page
Note to self: 738 Wagler main terminated as no growth. Plant is suffering Nitrogen bloat and has stalled due to the weather. However, it has two secondaries (flag pattern)and the first one back from the cut is growing and will become the new main. Not expecting anything amazing just but would be nice to see what kind of orange pumpkin this one throws.
 
Friday, June 22 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 75 - Found a tiny minute female clustered up in the tip at 11.5 feet which is great news given the speed at which the main is 'not' growing. Could mean a July 2nd pollination and I'm happy with that. I was lucky really as a week ago I was mixing some fish, blood and bone into the soil under where each node would be and I didn't realise that I had spilt some on the tip area. One leaf back from the female withered and has been removed and one leaf and one secondary at the female node have withered and been removed. Can't see anymore damage and fingers crossed. Would of had to of removed the latter anyway. May start training the main round when its long enough
 
Monday, June 25 View Page
852 Myers - Day 78 - Vine = 9.5' with new female emerging at tip. Other female at 8' now shunted along to 8.5'. The pumpkin house has been completely removed on this one.
 
Tuesday, June 26 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 78 - Vine = 12.5' where the female has been shunted along to. First two sets of secondaries are at 9' and the rest are catching up. Hope to have at least 8 sets of secondaries no shorter than 10' come pollination at which time I'll try and strip the roof and sides off the pumpkin house without falling on the plant (confident i can do it). I am growing tertiaries of the first set of secondaries and will grow them back to fill the 4-5' void behind the stump.
 
Tuesday, June 26 View Page
Changed my mind today, due to the speed at which the secondaries are approaching the sides and therefore started stripping the pumpkin house down ahead of schdeule. Ideally I would grow with it all season but at only 2' high on the edges and 3.5' high in the middle it is getting rediculous to roll in on my belly to bury vines. Also, I put a 4inch gash in my back from an exposed screw.
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 80 - Vine = 14', female now at 13.5'. Plant 20' at widest.
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
Side shot of 1304 at Day 80
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 80 with female at 13.5' with leaf and secondary already trimmed off.
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
1304 Sperry - Day 80 - Area behind the stump to be filled with tertiaries. First one already being trained back.
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
852 Myers - Day 80 - Vine = 11' with a female at 8.5' and 9.5'. Former one should open tomorrow. A little early in relation to plant size but will pollinate all the same and then the next one along a little later
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
852 Myers, female at 8.5' should be open tomorrow for pollination at Day 81. Have covered over to protect from the rain and will tie up the flower this evening along with some males from the 1304 pollinator
 
Thursday, June 28 View Page
A growth comparison by date of this years 1304 Sperry with last years 1366 Paton. I am clearly ahead in terms of having more plant behind the pumpkin come pollination time albeit on an older plant. That said, I read that genetics of the 1161 Rodonis favour longer growth. I guess the first 60 days will be key for a second year grower and having more plant behind the fruit should be key. In 2013 I will continue to grow early but will build better pumpkin houses and use gas or parafin heaters to keep temps up.
 
Friday, June 29 View Page
Well, misread that one. Female on 852 didn't open, maybe tomorrow. However, male on 1304 pollinator did open and was packed with pollen. Problem is that I dont think any males will be open tomorrow. Lets hope I have misjudged it again.
 
Saturday, June 30 View Page
852 Myers - Open pollination at 8.5'
 
Tuesday, July 3 View Page
Another wet and grey day. Rain clouds continue to blot out the sun and both plants have not budged in two days. Usually after two days I need 2-3 hours vine burying and teriary trimming and general mooching about. Depressed!
 
Tuesday, July 3 View Page
One is not amused!! Well hacked off!! Whats the point!
 
Wednesday, July 4 View Page
Both plants have paler leaves with green veining. Could it be manganese deficiency as a result of cold weather limiting uptake at a time of increased need (near pollination)? Noticed another change in the garden in that my hibiscus has buds about to flower. It seems that the weather has tricked the plant into thinking it is autumn
 
Thursday, July 5 View Page
852 @ 12'- should open 7th and there should be males flowers off the 1304 available
 
Thursday, July 5 View Page
1304 @ 14' should open on 8th but not sure about available males on the 852 pollinator.
 
Thursday, July 5 View Page
852 Myers - Open pollination at 8.5' didn't take therefore culled. Another open pollination today on the first primary (insurance)
 
Saturday, July 7 View Page
5am - Three males from 1304 about to open have been tied, cut and refridgerated. 9pm - Females at 12' on 852 and 14' on 1304, both tied up at 9pm
 
Sunday, July 8 View Page
Polinated 852 x 1304 @ 12' using pollen from two day old refridgerated 1304 males and one fresh tied 1304 male. Retied then petals removed later at 9pm.
 
Sunday, July 8 View Page
Polinated 1304 x 852 @ 14' using pollen from only one fresh tied 852 male. Nb. At 9pm whilst untying I realised that I had forced the female that morning as it didn't spring open as with the other pollination.
 
Monday, July 9 View Page
Just took note of this weeks weather forecast, there's no sun forecast and with temps of 51F-62F, I want to get in as many quotes as I can for tarmacking below. Could stretch to block plaving for a nice patio if the price is right.
 
Tuesday, July 10 View Page
Open pollination on 1304 (6th secondary)
 
Tuesday, July 10 View Page
Here's a typical day for us in the East Midlands this summer.
 
Wednesday, July 11 View Page
3DAP for 1304 and 852, think I detected 1 mm of growth on the 852. Lord bring us some sun!
 
Wednesday, July 11 View Page
Photo's taken 3DAP and no change since pollination. Weather has been cold, wet and with zero sunshine except a little this afternoon so maybe some measurable growth tomorrow. Nice variation in the shape of each potential pumpkin.
 
Friday, July 13 View Page
Another cold and cloudy day. Absolutely no sun! Last year I grew a 494 with minimal effort and therefore feel a target of 750lbs would be modest considering the extra effort and care this year. Too hot would be a challenge but 'no sun', can't do anything with that! Anyone seen my anti-depressants?
 
Wednesday, July 18 View Page
At the moment CC stands for 'couldn't care less'. As a friend said, they're just in hibernation due to the lack of sun and warmth. At least they're growing and if the weather pics up (due to the jet stream being misplaced) then maybe they will grow.
 
Wednesday, July 18 View Page
A shot of the entire patch with the 1304 Sperry in the forefront and the smaller 852 Myers in the background. All secondaries on the 1304 are almost at 12' with many already terminated. The ones terminated at 12' eventually filled out to 14'.
 
Wednesday, July 18 View Page
852 Myers - pollinations so far are 5lobe 852x1304 at 12' on 8/7 and four open pollinations on the secondaries (5 lobe 2nd right on 12/7, 4 lobe 5th right and 4 lobe 5th left on 14/7, 4 lobe 6th right on 17/7)
 
Wednesday, July 18 View Page
1304 Sperry - pollinations so far are 4lobe 1304x852 at 14' on 8/7 and two open pollinations on the left side secondaries (4 lobe 6th on 10/7 and 4 lobe 3rd on 14/7). All the 1304 females are oblong whereas the 852 females are nice and round. I'm curious to see how the oblong 1304 females will turn out
 
Tuesday, July 24 View Page
Some sun kicked in two days ago and the pumpkins woke up although still significantly behind any benchmarks. Will see how the next 15 days pan out.
 
Tuesday, July 24 View Page
I was a little careless removing the petals off the 1304 and pulled off the green bits outside of the flower. This left a wound that the pumpkin seems to be trying to heal. The beads seen have the same texture as set silica sealant
 
Tuesday, July 24 View Page
The beads of gel have gone, presumably as the pumpkin grew they dried and dropped off. Its left a wound that may be okay since the weather is dry now. Will need to seek further advice
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
Had to terminate the main vine on the 1304 due to the short stem and unfavourable positioning.
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
After the cut. Finding it a little awkward to get this one in a good position and I'm a little worried its going to grow on the blossom end.
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
Following the two days of clear skies and temps of 27oC, the pumpkins have finally come out of hibernation. I didn't want to start measuring so early but felt it was justified. 15DAP 16.5CC, 16DAP 18.5CC (+2"), 17DAP 22.0CC (+3.5")
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
The 852 Myers has woken up too; 15DAP 18.0CC, 16DAP 19CC (+1"), 17DAP 27.75CC (+2.75"). Just need the weather to hold out to hit this years target of 750lbs. The positioning of the 852 is fine so I can continue the main to which I have started supporting the vine with some styrofoam.
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
Correction to the above post: 17DAP 21.75CC (+2.75").
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
A cool mutation on my honey bear squash plant. This year has seen lots of odd stuff with my squash plants.
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
Here's the main vine that had to be amputated from the 1304
 
Wednesday, July 25 View Page
...and here's a shot of one of the tap roots starting extend out. Nice.
 
Thursday, July 26 View Page
Repositioned the pumpkin today by shifting it about 1m to the right and with a 45 degree clockwise twist in the vine. The blossom is now up, the vine has lots of slack and the pumpkin sits better now. Thanks for your advice Cecil and Jorg
 
Thursday, July 26 View Page
852 Myers at 18DAP and starting to grow a nose. I presume it will fill out, I hope....
 
Thursday, July 26 View Page
Some more mutation, this time on my blackfutsu squash
 
Thursday, July 26 View Page
same flower as previous pic but from inside the flower
 
Thursday, July 26 View Page
Another squash mutation on the blackfutsu squash plant. The previous is blackfutsu but I may have written bon bon. Nearly all the females are born open with no petals and all the males grow like the previous picture. If I do get some I'm a little hesitant to taste them
 
Tuesday, August 7 View Page
Day 30 for the 1304 and its only at 127" OTT. It just isnt happening this year without any sunshine. Photo's to come soon. 852 Myers may have aborted. I would say it has been slowing down but it wasnt exactly going anywhere. Last measured 96.5" OTT. Guess I'll have more time to prep the patch for next year and I'll do it properly this time. I was kicking myself for not soil testing but I think I got let off by the weather let down
 
Monday, August 13 View Page
36DAP on the 1304 is 58.5cc, 45ss and 42bs = 146.5"OTT and its only something like 4lbs a day. To be honest I'm a little embarassed at this years effort especially when others report 30cc on day 10. To be honest I'd rather it be hitting the bench marks and have it split. At least I'd enjoy the ride. No thrill = no fun. If it wasn't for my kids I'd plough the patches and grow some rye! The only encouragement I have is a fellow UK grower here on BP that lost his kin at 200-300lbs last year and this year he is growing undercover, his soil report was perfect and his kin is growing v.well! 35 Weeks to go for round 2
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
Make that 145.5" OTT and daily gains of 3 lbs. You should see my nettles though, must be the biggest of all the allotments. Message me if you want some seed
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
Here's the 852 that aborted around 30DAP, was culled 33DAP. I have another chance with the 852 with an open pollinated around 3rd or 4th Aug? Its just 4' out from the stump on a side vine. I'll give it 30 days and see how it goes otherwise I'll pull the plant and start on prep. Shame as the 852 plant looks strong.
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
Here's the 1304 as of yesterday (36 DAP). Its an odd shape, almost looks like an acorn squash. Only been putting on 3 lbs a night for the last three. Very embarrassed and may have to relocate to www.smallpumpkins.com. Turning a nice orange though.
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
Rear end of the 1304. Really dodgy stem shape and angle.
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
Say adios to that blossom end
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
If anything is doing well this year its these bob bon squash. I have 6 plants and have counted 25 of the beauties. I have tried tuffy sweet, delicata, hooligan, uchiki kuri, thelma sanders etc etc and none are a sweet adnd tasty as the bon bon squash. Highly reccomend them!
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
These timbers were the main support for the pumpkin house I built and I now use it to support a 66L tank that feeds 45m of soaker hose. Its great for delivering seaweed etc.
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
Even better for getting along the main and pinching out tertiaries etc. Gotta have one of these next year!
 
Tuesday, August 14 View Page
and great for soaking the areas where the soaker hose doesn't get to. Although after walking down one beam I nearly fell off. Couple of metal links next year to stand on.
 
Wednesday, August 15 View Page
The 1304 just didnt feel right around the blossom end. It was very spongey and the skin was not firm. Discussed it with Jorg who agrees it was probably on its way out since it was not changing colour evenly and only from the blossom up. I also noticed this on the 852 that aborted. After a little excavating I found a little brown area that looks to be the start of rot.
 
Wednesday, August 15 View Page
I'm sure this isnt good!
 
Wednesday, August 15 View Page
Here's my last shot at a pumpkin on the 852. Estimate it was open pollinated around the 4th Aug so lets call yesterdays measurement 16" on day 10.
 
Wednesday, August 15 View Page
On lifting the polystyrene mat that the aborted 852 was sitting on I found these guys looking for a drink some 13' out. Served as a reminder to water everywhere and stay on those walk boards! Here that kids!..stay on those boards
 
Wednesday, August 15 View Page
Ever the pessimist or maybe a realist but there goes my chances of a decent sized pumpkin on the 11 day old 852. Sittin in my office now looking at the shoppers caught in the downpour!
 
Thursday, August 16 View Page
Today I started clearing the patch of the 1304 (R.I.P) and got re-acquainted with my hoe. I took 8 soil samples from within the first 12'x 15' area and have left the sample to dry. It will be my first soil test so I'm eager to see what its like. I'm on holdiday for a week and will crack on with patch prep when I get back and will complete it with a mid september sowing of rye for a beautiful patch next year. Time to do things propertly for 2013.
 
Thursday, August 16 View Page
The future of this patch looks bright and I can't wait to get stuck in and sit the winter out in the knowledge I have done things right. As a fellow grower said, "you wouldn't put a baby in the bath without checking the water" and the same goes for those pumpkin seeds.
 
Thursday, August 16 View Page
With nothing else to photograph here's a shot at my ornamental 'Lace Lady' tree with her twisted and contorted branches and leaves. Gave her a heavy prune this year and she'll look a lot better next year and once she is not surrounded by all that other foliage. A bobbon plant is to the left, its an F1 buttercup hybrid and in my opinion is the tastiest squash around. Its incredibly sweet but not over so. Its a great climber and very vigorous.
 
Thursday, August 16 View Page
Got myself some new patch trousers. Can't beat them for fit!
 
Friday, August 17 View Page
Checked the 13 day 852 and its 19". Dissapointment round two, just glad I'm off on holiday leaving this ***** weather behind. Apologies for the ***** ;) At 19" I reckon that my estimation of a 4/7 pollination is correct: 6" at poll and 13" growth at 1" a day.
 
Wednesday, August 29 View Page
My last shot of a kin is literally 'blown'. This happened whilst I was away on holiday for a week. It was 41oC in Turkey (lovely!) but was pouring back in the UK. The split must of happened early on and it grew out. As a season comes to a dissapointing end, prep must begin quickly for the next. Good luckk to everyone that's still hanging in there and I hope you reach some good pb's
 
Wednesday, August 29 View Page
Well that's one to tick off my bucket list, 36 years of age and had never flown a kite. Here's my son having a shot at it. I'm thinking about getting a huge one that lifts you off the ground. I do try to practice moderation but fail everytime
 
Sunday, September 2 View Page
Not growing pumpkins frees up loads of time so I went camping Saturday night with an early start climbing on Sunday. Chose to climb without shoes as the pair I had were not ideal and have left much cherished skin on the millstone grit.
 
Wednesday, September 26 View Page
Here's my first ever soil report for the two patches that were used this year and cleared following both my pumpkins aborting.
 
Thursday, September 27 View Page
Here's a shot at my two patches. Patch 1 had a 1:1 mix of grazing rye/winter tares (vetch) sown on the 5th September and its been slow to grow. No prizes for guessing why. Patch 2 had a later sowing of 20th September. Upon checking yesterday it seems that some of the seed may just about be coming through although its been so wet and cold that I'm not sure how much. I have come to the conclusion that you just can't grow giant pumpkins in the UK unless you do so undercover so I am building two polytunnels for next year. They will be 20'x20' as indicated by the blue lines. The sides of each will roll up to allow and extra 3' (or more) of secondaries on each side.
 
Monday, October 8 View Page
First squash to hit the pan this year and this one is called Honey Bear. Plant grows to a compact bush just like a courgette plant. Sauteed 1cm think slices in olive oil for 5 mins each side with a touch of salt. Tastes good but the benchmark (Bonbon F1) I am comparing them to is high. Would grow again and 1 can easily be finished off by 1 person. Just had mine for breakfast.
 
Monday, October 8 View Page
Same again for this one which is called 'Rolet'. Its a South African gemm squash (I think). This one is a good climber that doesn't take up too much space and as the literture states can grow up to 15 squash. I harvested 10 cricket ball sized fruits. Not as tasty as Honey Bear but not a lot in it. If I grew it again I would give them away simply as you need an axe to get into them. Having a go with your kitchen knife will probably end up in casualty with a finger in ice. I'll give these ones away with a warning (just for my conscience)
 
Wednesday, October 31 View Page
The perfect pumpkin soup! Take one squash (bonbon variety pictured, superb taste), peel, chop into 1/2 inch cubes then roast for 30 mins (covered) with olive oil and salt. Mash up then transfer to a pan. Add parmesan (50g per half a squash, see picture for size reference), stir then add 1L of good quality chicken stock and simmer for 10 mins. Allow to cool slightly then blend to a super smooth liquid. Add double cream (how much?...you choose) and warm through. Tastes fantastic! A goo alternative to BonBon would be Honey Bear Squash. Equally as tasty and maybe not so sweet. These will be the only squash for eating that will grace my patch next year.
 
Wednesday, October 31 View Page
For those without 20:20 vision!
 
Saturday, December 8 View Page
Green manure growing nicely on Patch 1.
 
Saturday, December 8 View Page
Patch 2 could have done with being sown a week or two earlier. Only had enough seed to do a 20'x 15' area. For the remaining area (undercover) I'll probably sow some mustard or other green manure in March.
 
Saturday, December 8 View Page
Patch 3, here is where I grew my first year and only pumpkin (494 lbs). Its about 16'x18' and needs a soil test.
 
Saturday, December 8 View Page
Patch 4: I'm going to grow a squash in a flag pattern. At 20' long and 15' wide it will be 300 sq ft. Today I cleared all the wood and misc materials off these patches as I started my winter tidy up at the allotment
 

 

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