It was what the girls were born to do, well if you don't count growing fast, which they never really got the hang of. Yes, they were born to be cut open, have their guts scooped out, and immediately begin to rot.
And they did
it well!
Friday, November 21
Saturday, November 8
Finally, some pictures from the Big Event
Yeah, I know I'm running behind. Anyway, first we have Leah, who is about to start carving a witch on one of the Jemimahs. Looks like the Big Girl has already been gutted. That was the kids' favorite part, cleaning out the insides.
The carving process took several evenings. Sometimes neighborhood friends would stop by to help.
"Cuddles the Cat" was Erin's favorite carving.
I'll get some more pictures up Sunday...
Yeah, I know I'm running behind. Anyway, first we have Leah, who is about to start carving a witch on one of the Jemimahs. Looks like the Big Girl has already been gutted. That was the kids' favorite part, cleaning out the insides.
The carving process took several evenings. Sometimes neighborhood friends would stop by to help.
"Cuddles the Cat" was Erin's favorite carving.
I'll get some more pictures up Sunday...
Sunday, October 12
Moving Day at Last
Fall weather is here! The girls are cut and with those all-too-familiar feeling of remorse and lost love, the vines are being hauled to the trash cans.
Let's get the baby up on the scale first. I think I burst something moving her; I'm going to need help to move the older sister.
Yep, that's what the estimate was almost to the pound. (Her sister clocked in at 215.0 pounds
And it's still good, they make a pretty sight in the front yard contentedly chewing their cuds or doing whatever pumpkins do in their spare time.
Fall weather is here! The girls are cut and with those all-too-familiar feeling of remorse and lost love, the vines are being hauled to the trash cans.
Let's get the baby up on the scale first. I think I burst something moving her; I'm going to need help to move the older sister.
Yep, that's what the estimate was almost to the pound. (Her sister clocked in at 215.0 pounds
And it's still good, they make a pretty sight in the front yard contentedly chewing their cuds or doing whatever pumpkins do in their spare time.
Tuesday, October 7
Ripe for the Picking
Ok, time to stop whining and look forward to the grandest holiday of them all. Halloween, of course!
Next year, there will be better insecticide to stop the bugs, better pesticide to stop the disease, and better deer-be-gone to stop the Fluffies. Better pollination to get the fruit started earlier, better dirt to let the roots run, better seeds to tilt the odds in our favor.
But for now, the Creator looks down at what he has grown, and says:
IT IS GOOD!
Ok, time to stop whining and look forward to the grandest holiday of them all. Halloween, of course!
Next year, there will be better insecticide to stop the bugs, better pesticide to stop the disease, and better deer-be-gone to stop the Fluffies. Better pollination to get the fruit started earlier, better dirt to let the roots run, better seeds to tilt the odds in our favor.
But for now, the Creator looks down at what he has grown, and says:
IT IS GOOD!
Sunday, September 28
Fun is Fun, but Done is Done
I don't know what's to blame, disease or old age, but the plant is pretty well shot.
The (nearly) final unofficial weights are 215 and 173 pounds.
There's lots of room for improvement. I'll be on the lookout for prime seeds and I'll start working on the dirt as soon as the vines are gone.
It wasn't the perfect season, but:
At least I won't be going to WalMart to buy pumpkins this year!!!
I don't know what's to blame, disease or old age, but the plant is pretty well shot.
The (nearly) final unofficial weights are 215 and 173 pounds.
There's lots of room for improvement. I'll be on the lookout for prime seeds and I'll start working on the dirt as soon as the vines are gone.
It wasn't the perfect season, but:
At least I won't be going to WalMart to buy pumpkins this year!!!
Sunday, September 21
Time for the Final Push!
The season is late, the plant is tired. The pumpkins sit and quietly add on the last few pounds. They are big enough to be a curiosity, small enough to not be grotesque monsters. Darn. I think there's too much salt in my soil, and too many deer eating my plant.
Anyway, its time for the late season burst of 0-0-60 fertilizer. It's 60% potassium, which helps plants grow healthy fruits.
Jemimah2 clocks in tonight at an estimated 203 pounds. Here she is wearing one of my old t-shirts. It keeps her cool and out of the sun, which keeps her from ripening too quickly.
The season is late, the plant is tired. The pumpkins sit and quietly add on the last few pounds. They are big enough to be a curiosity, small enough to not be grotesque monsters. Darn. I think there's too much salt in my soil, and too many deer eating my plant.
Anyway, its time for the late season burst of 0-0-60 fertilizer. It's 60% potassium, which helps plants grow healthy fruits.
Jemimah2 clocks in tonight at an estimated 203 pounds. Here she is wearing one of my old t-shirts. It keeps her cool and out of the sun, which keeps her from ripening too quickly.
Sunday, September 14
The Girls have turned Orange
But they should still keep growing for a while. I haven't been posting much because I keep thinking they're about through growing, a thought that angers and depresses me. But no, they're still slowing adding on pounds and not really slowing down yet.
This one is 140 pounds now; the bigger one is175.
But they should still keep growing for a while. I haven't been posting much because I keep thinking they're about through growing, a thought that angers and depresses me. But no, they're still slowing adding on pounds and not really slowing down yet.
This one is 140 pounds now; the bigger one is175.
Wednesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 3
Monday, September 1
Saturday, August 30
A Note to my Darling Wife
Dearest, I know you sneak over here and read the blog every once in a while, even if you don't admit it. So...
I know it makes you a little sad that we don't talk much any more. Did I tell you that Jemimah1 had a new worm on her yesterday? Don't worry, I killed it. And I finally got the sprayer to spray the fish fertilizer just right. Oh, and don't go in the back yard, it sort of smells.
But anyway, how are you? Have the girls, darn it can't think of their names, you know, the little one and the bigger one, gone back to school yet?
Well I've gotta run. You know where to find me if you need me - out in the pumpkin patch!
Dearest, I know you sneak over here and read the blog every once in a while, even if you don't admit it. So...
I know it makes you a little sad that we don't talk much any more. Did I tell you that Jemimah1 had a new worm on her yesterday? Don't worry, I killed it. And I finally got the sprayer to spray the fish fertilizer just right. Oh, and don't go in the back yard, it sort of smells.
But anyway, how are you? Have the girls, darn it can't think of their names, you know, the little one and the bigger one, gone back to school yet?
Well I've gotta run. You know where to find me if you need me - out in the pumpkin patch!
Friday, August 29
Disappointing Growth
Both girls are over 50 pounds now, but they're slow, slow growers by pumpkin standards. It must be taxing this somewhat wimpy plant to try to grow two fruits at once.
But I slugged the plant with fish fertilizer and gave the girls their first calcium bath, as long as they don't ripen for a while they'll be just fine.
Both girls are over 50 pounds now, but they're slow, slow growers by pumpkin standards. It must be taxing this somewhat wimpy plant to try to grow two fruits at once.
But I slugged the plant with fish fertilizer and gave the girls their first calcium bath, as long as they don't ripen for a while they'll be just fine.
Wednesday, August 27
Pests, Pests, Pests!
Caterpillars on (and in) the pumpkins - I killed another one tonight.
Grubs taking out the leaves.
Pesky powdery mildew.
The white flies are back.
The deer came grazing again last night.
It leaves plenty of room for improvement next year I guess.
These things certainly don't grow by themselves!
Then again, the girls added 6.5 and 8 pounds apiece yesterday. With some hot sunny weather maybe we can bump that up to 20 pounds a day soon.
Caterpillars on (and in) the pumpkins - I killed another one tonight.
Grubs taking out the leaves.
Pesky powdery mildew.
The white flies are back.
The deer came grazing again last night.
It leaves plenty of room for improvement next year I guess.
These things certainly don't grow by themselves!
Then again, the girls added 6.5 and 8 pounds apiece yesterday. With some hot sunny weather maybe we can bump that up to 20 pounds a day soon.
Tuesday, August 26
A Picture of the New Georgia Record
That's the 920 Taylor 08 you're looking at. Shattered anything ever grown down South. Ssshhh, keep your voices down, just stand back and gaze in awe.
PS. Jemimah2 gained 9.5 pounds today. She should really be packing them on these next two weeks, if I can just hold the plant together...
That's the 920 Taylor 08 you're looking at. Shattered anything ever grown down South. Ssshhh, keep your voices down, just stand back and gaze in awe.
PS. Jemimah2 gained 9.5 pounds today. She should really be packing them on these next two weeks, if I can just hold the plant together...
Sunday, August 24
It's a Race Against Time
I guess it always is... How big will the girls get before the dying leaves have a big impact? What about the shortening daylight hours? Is this weird August weather good or bad?
Things I've learned recently:
But in the meantime, the kids continue to pack on the pounds despite my fretting:
I guess it always is... How big will the girls get before the dying leaves have a big impact? What about the shortening daylight hours? Is this weird August weather good or bad?
Things I've learned recently:
- If you don't have a fungicide program, you're going to be hurt by powdery mildew.
- If you don't have an insecticide schedule, you're going to have to deal with evil bugs all season.
But in the meantime, the kids continue to pack on the pounds despite my fretting:
Saturday, August 23
This Plant is a Fighter
The oldest leaves are starting to die, as they always do. So the plant has decided to send out a new vine from the stump and get a new crop of leaves going!
Meanwhile, the deer keep gnawing back the vines at least once a week. But for some reason, they only visit one side of the plant. But if the deer forget to visit for a couple of days, new vines burst out in a hurry.
The oldest leaves are starting to die, as they always do. So the plant has decided to send out a new vine from the stump and get a new crop of leaves going!
Meanwhile, the deer keep gnawing back the vines at least once a week. But for some reason, they only visit one side of the plant. But if the deer forget to visit for a couple of days, new vines burst out in a hurry.
Thursday, August 21
Another Day and All is Mostly Well
More decisions need to be made. It's time to decide which pumpkin to cull, Jemimah1 or Jemimah2. Much to my surprise, Jemimah2 is significantly bigger. She's the one on the side vine, which isn't preferred. And then today two worms eat their way into Jemimah1 before I found them and blasted them with insecticide.
But you know what? I think I'm going to keep them both. That will keep me from having one incredibly huge pumpkin and will also make me an embarrassment to the sport. But after nearly two years of disasters, what's going to happen if I cut one Jemimah off, and then Fluffy eats the other or the stem splits?
I have at least 4 growing pumpkins now and more on the way, but I'll start taking off the new ones in a day or two. Here's a picture of Jemimah2, who you haven't seen before because she was supposed to be smaller and she hides in the middle of the patch. Her estimated weight is 9.6 pounds.
More decisions need to be made. It's time to decide which pumpkin to cull, Jemimah1 or Jemimah2. Much to my surprise, Jemimah2 is significantly bigger. She's the one on the side vine, which isn't preferred. And then today two worms eat their way into Jemimah1 before I found them and blasted them with insecticide.
But you know what? I think I'm going to keep them both. That will keep me from having one incredibly huge pumpkin and will also make me an embarrassment to the sport. But after nearly two years of disasters, what's going to happen if I cut one Jemimah off, and then Fluffy eats the other or the stem splits?
I have at least 4 growing pumpkins now and more on the way, but I'll start taking off the new ones in a day or two. Here's a picture of Jemimah2, who you haven't seen before because she was supposed to be smaller and she hides in the middle of the patch. Her estimated weight is 9.6 pounds.
Wednesday, August 20
Strategy and More Strategy
This is a thinking man's game, to be sure. Yes, with two fine pumpkins I'm winning this war, but the skirmishes continue...
First of all, I lost three good leaves to caterpillars just today. They are various kinds of caterpillars that bore into a flower stalk or a leaf stalk and kill the whole thing. I've never seen any like these before.
So I turned the back yard into a toxic waste site tonight. I'm going to win this battle.
I pulled one of the worms off of Jemimah1 too. I think by tomorrow the fruit cold have been killed. Close call!
Next, the deer come and trim the vines on one side of the plant nearly every night. Why don't they go all the way around and finish the job? Only because they are carnivorous idiots. Carnivorous? They are eating my daughters, for crying out loud!
Two more baby pumpkins bloomed today! I let the bees have their way with them. I'll probably be cutting them off anyway. Another baby will bloom tomorrow.
This is a thinking man's game, to be sure. Yes, with two fine pumpkins I'm winning this war, but the skirmishes continue...
First of all, I lost three good leaves to caterpillars just today. They are various kinds of caterpillars that bore into a flower stalk or a leaf stalk and kill the whole thing. I've never seen any like these before.
So I turned the back yard into a toxic waste site tonight. I'm going to win this battle.
I pulled one of the worms off of Jemimah1 too. I think by tomorrow the fruit cold have been killed. Close call!
Next, the deer come and trim the vines on one side of the plant nearly every night. Why don't they go all the way around and finish the job? Only because they are carnivorous idiots. Carnivorous? They are eating my daughters, for crying out loud!
Two more baby pumpkins bloomed today! I let the bees have their way with them. I'll probably be cutting them off anyway. Another baby will bloom tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 19
Sweet Growth Today
I think the twins are much bigger today! Form the Day 3 to Day 5 pictures they didn't change that much, but on Day 6 the girls are a lot bigger. I think they may be a bit ahead of where Bessie was at this stage.
I still don't think a picture every day is needed, but let me know if you want one - it's not any trouble.
Meanwhile, the (human) kids just went wandering in the woods alone... how many times have I told them not to do that??? Anyway, they reported seeing Fluffy - and she has a baby fawn! I've gotta run, gotta grab my M-80's and go hunting!
I think the twins are much bigger today! Form the Day 3 to Day 5 pictures they didn't change that much, but on Day 6 the girls are a lot bigger. I think they may be a bit ahead of where Bessie was at this stage.
I still don't think a picture every day is needed, but let me know if you want one - it's not any trouble.
Meanwhile, the (human) kids just went wandering in the woods alone... how many times have I told them not to do that??? Anyway, they reported seeing Fluffy - and she has a baby fawn! I've gotta run, gotta grab my M-80's and go hunting!
Monday, August 18
I really have no use for a hurricane
After all, the irrigation system already runs four times a day, and the wind would be Really Bad News. But this storm is going to go way to the east of us and we probably won't even get much rain.
At day 5, the girls look fine:
And just for the heck of it, I'll repost why I named both girls Jemimah...
In the past, I've waited until I've pollinated a fruit before I officially named it. Not this year. This year's monster is going to be Jemima.
Why Jemima? Well, all pumpkins are female to begin with. I like a good southern name, and all the better if it's a name you associate with a big old gal. After all, I'm trying to grow A BIG OLD GAL!
Beyond that... before she was immortalized by the Syrup Cartel, Jemima was a daughter of Job. That's right, the Job from the old testament. Now Job I can relate to... I figure I've suffered about as much in my pumpkin growing as he did from disease and pestilence. Anyway, at the end of the story, God rewarded Job with the three most beautiful women on earth for his daughters. One of those daughters was Jemima.
So to sum it up, I'm planning to grow a big old Southern syrup-lickin' beautiful pumpkin, and we will name her Jemima!
After all, the irrigation system already runs four times a day, and the wind would be Really Bad News. But this storm is going to go way to the east of us and we probably won't even get much rain.
At day 5, the girls look fine:
And just for the heck of it, I'll repost why I named both girls Jemimah...
In the past, I've waited until I've pollinated a fruit before I officially named it. Not this year. This year's monster is going to be Jemima.
Why Jemima? Well, all pumpkins are female to begin with. I like a good southern name, and all the better if it's a name you associate with a big old gal. After all, I'm trying to grow A BIG OLD GAL!
Beyond that... before she was immortalized by the Syrup Cartel, Jemima was a daughter of Job. That's right, the Job from the old testament. Now Job I can relate to... I figure I've suffered about as much in my pumpkin growing as he did from disease and pestilence. Anyway, at the end of the story, God rewarded Job with the three most beautiful women on earth for his daughters. One of those daughters was Jemima.
So to sum it up, I'm planning to grow a big old Southern syrup-lickin' beautiful pumpkin, and we will name her Jemima!
Sunday, August 17
Day 4, Growing Well...
But we don't *really* need a new picture every single day, do we? Both Jemimahs are noticeably larger and laying down on their pink Styrofoam now.
The 7-Up can is there to give perspective. Without another object in the picture, it's hard to get a feel for the size. When the pumpkins get bigger I switch to milk jugs... and then to neighborhood children.
I wish I could have found my lucky Mellow Yellow can. Lots of caffeine, maybe to pump up the growth? A can of Jolt or something would be even better.
The 2006 world record holder chimed in about the pumpkin being so far down the vine:
"Your weather and temp from here on out means a lot more that the distance out on the vine. At 33 ft out you will have plenty of food factory to feed the fruit."
It's sort of cool to be noticed by such a celebrity!
But we don't *really* need a new picture every single day, do we? Both Jemimahs are noticeably larger and laying down on their pink Styrofoam now.
The 7-Up can is there to give perspective. Without another object in the picture, it's hard to get a feel for the size. When the pumpkins get bigger I switch to milk jugs... and then to neighborhood children.
I wish I could have found my lucky Mellow Yellow can. Lots of caffeine, maybe to pump up the growth? A can of Jolt or something would be even better.
The 2006 world record holder chimed in about the pumpkin being so far down the vine:
"Your weather and temp from here on out means a lot more that the distance out on the vine. At 33 ft out you will have plenty of food factory to feed the fruit."
It's sort of cool to be noticed by such a celebrity!
Saturday, August 16
The Jemimahs, Day 3
This is Jemimah 1, the fruit on the main vine. I measured her at 33 feet from where the seed was planted. I know people normally want the fruit closer to the stump, but I don't know how much it really matters.
Looking at the measurements from last year, she should be about 2 pounds after a week - but about 40 pounds at the end of week two!
Jemimah 2 is already laying down. I thought her stem had broken when I first saw that.
This is Jemimah 1, the fruit on the main vine. I measured her at 33 feet from where the seed was planted. I know people normally want the fruit closer to the stump, but I don't know how much it really matters.
Looking at the measurements from last year, she should be about 2 pounds after a week - but about 40 pounds at the end of week two!
Jemimah 2 is already laying down. I thought her stem had broken when I first saw that.
Thursday, August 14
The Twins - Day Two
The second day, and all is well. Well, except for the latest threat - powdery mildew:
But fungicide should control it. Anyway, the girls both slept through the entire night - Most Impressive!
And I swear, this kid in particular - is she the spittin' image of her father, or what!?!? Look at that long, long stem. She'll be an easy pumpkin that won't rip herself off the vine.
The second day, and all is well. Well, except for the latest threat - powdery mildew:
But fungicide should control it. Anyway, the girls both slept through the entire night - Most Impressive!
And I swear, this kid in particular - is she the spittin' image of her father, or what!?!? Look at that long, long stem. She'll be an easy pumpkin that won't rip herself off the vine.
Wednesday, August 13
Welcome to the Twins!
I was going to wait a couple of days and make sure they survived the birthing process, but what the heck... the twins were born today!
I was a little late working on the pollination and really had to fight the bees for the flowers:
But in the end they are beautiful children. They'll more or less sit for 3 days or so, and then hopefully take off and start growing like weeds - I mean like pumpkins.
I was going to wait a couple of days and make sure they survived the birthing process, but what the heck... the twins were born today!
I was a little late working on the pollination and really had to fight the bees for the flowers:
But in the end they are beautiful children. They'll more or less sit for 3 days or so, and then hopefully take off and start growing like weeds - I mean like pumpkins.
Tuesday, August 12
Sunday, August 10
Friday, August 8
I'm Going to be a Father!
But... but... but... I don't know if I'm ready.
This is all happening so fast...
NOT!!!
This is the day we've been waiting for since Baby Magnolia was eaten last July. Saturday morning will be Pollination Day for Jemimah. The weather will be a touch cooler and she'll have ice blocks nearby to help keep her comfortable.
The plant may not be quite as strong as last year's, but it's not bad. It will be grateful for the seaweed baths I can start applying again next week.
It's time to get this party started!
But... but... but... I don't know if I'm ready.
This is all happening so fast...
NOT!!!
This is the day we've been waiting for since Baby Magnolia was eaten last July. Saturday morning will be Pollination Day for Jemimah. The weather will be a touch cooler and she'll have ice blocks nearby to help keep her comfortable.
The plant may not be quite as strong as last year's, but it's not bad. It will be grateful for the seaweed baths I can start applying again next week.
It's time to get this party started!
Thursday, August 7
Fluffy Attack!
She struck during the night this time. Thank goodness she prefers new tender growth instead of the old tough leaves.
She struck during the night this time. Thank goodness she prefers new tender growth instead of the old tough leaves.
These vines needed to be terminated anyway, so no major damage, no big deal. She could have left a couple of extra leaves on there though. But the main vine was protected, and she only clipped the vines on one side of the plant.
Monday, August 4
Running with Vengeance
That would be a good Indian name, don't you think? Anyway...
The vines look great; spreading and filling out the back yard. But I can't get a pumpkin to set. It's either too much fertilizer, or too much heat. As in, day after day of 95 degrees without a cloud in the sky. There's still time, and we're waiting to see what Preemie #4 does in the next couple of days.
That would be a good Indian name, don't you think? Anyway...
The vines look great; spreading and filling out the back yard. But I can't get a pumpkin to set. It's either too much fertilizer, or too much heat. As in, day after day of 95 degrees without a cloud in the sky. There's still time, and we're waiting to see what Preemie #4 does in the next couple of days.
Tuesday, July 29
And I Knew Lee...
... when he was absolutely nothing - LOL.
And now my pumpkin buddy from South Georgia is King Of The Hill. His 920 pound pumpkin is set to crush the old Georgia record. That's gotta be easily the biggest fruit ever grown this far south.
Now that you're a star Lee, don't forget the folks who made you what you are! LOL.
And save me some seeds dude - we'll be in touch!
... when he was absolutely nothing - LOL.
And now my pumpkin buddy from South Georgia is King Of The Hill. His 920 pound pumpkin is set to crush the old Georgia record. That's gotta be easily the biggest fruit ever grown this far south.
Now that you're a star Lee, don't forget the folks who made you what you are! LOL.
And save me some seeds dude - we'll be in touch!
Monday, July 28
Do or Die Week
The baby we were watching (preemie 1) didn't make it to Pollination Day. Neither did Preemie 2. That leaves us with a pretty nice vine, but no pumpkins:
Preemie 3 is our next great hope. After that... I dunno.
The good news is that preemie 3 looked nice and strong tonight. And there's always the chance a pumpkin might bloom on a side vine. Heck, the plant last year was so strong I have bloomed and set a side vine fruit before it got eaten. Anyway, we need a pumpkin in the next 7 days, or the season will be in jeopardy.
The baby we were watching (preemie 1) didn't make it to Pollination Day. Neither did Preemie 2. That leaves us with a pretty nice vine, but no pumpkins:
Preemie 3 is our next great hope. After that... I dunno.
The good news is that preemie 3 looked nice and strong tonight. And there's always the chance a pumpkin might bloom on a side vine. Heck, the plant last year was so strong I have bloomed and set a side vine fruit before it got eaten. Anyway, we need a pumpkin in the next 7 days, or the season will be in jeopardy.
Sunday, July 27
New Firepower in the War Against Ultimate Evil
Hey thanks for the firecrackers Tom! I figured I wouldn't really get a change to use them - boy was I wrong!
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of the main event; it all happened pretty fast. Anyway, Saturday morning I looked out the back window and that nasty digusting deer Fluffy was peacefully grazing. She was about 20 feet from the pumpkin vine, slowly heading in its direction. Leaving a trail of death and destruction in her wake.
So I grabbed my new M-80s and went outside. I smiled and murmured, "Oh, don't mind me, Fluffy" while I turned my back to light the fuse. She just stood there looking stupid. It's the only look she has, I think.
I turned around and threw the M-80 right at her feet. Or, right at where her feet had been a split second ago. Sweet throw! The only way it could have been better would be if she had opened her mouth and the M-80 had gotten lodged in the back of her throat before it exploded.
I've seen no sign of her snce... I wish I knew how far she ran before she found something tasty to eat in somebody else's yard. Will one gun-shot-like explosion be enough to keep her away?
Hey thanks for the firecrackers Tom! I figured I wouldn't really get a change to use them - boy was I wrong!
Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of the main event; it all happened pretty fast. Anyway, Saturday morning I looked out the back window and that nasty digusting deer Fluffy was peacefully grazing. She was about 20 feet from the pumpkin vine, slowly heading in its direction. Leaving a trail of death and destruction in her wake.
So I grabbed my new M-80s and went outside. I smiled and murmured, "Oh, don't mind me, Fluffy" while I turned my back to light the fuse. She just stood there looking stupid. It's the only look she has, I think.
I turned around and threw the M-80 right at her feet. Or, right at where her feet had been a split second ago. Sweet throw! The only way it could have been better would be if she had opened her mouth and the M-80 had gotten lodged in the back of her throat before it exploded.
I've seen no sign of her snce... I wish I knew how far she ran before she found something tasty to eat in somebody else's yard. Will one gun-shot-like explosion be enough to keep her away?
Thursday, July 24
Ready to Rumble?
The plant is growing like a weed. In fact, I think this vine would put any weed to shame - except kudzu.
I'm a little worried that the baby pumpkin looks a little small and puny. I sure hope it doesn't abort. There's another coming along a few feet further out, but still... oh well that worry can wait until tomorrow.
The plant is growing like a weed. In fact, I think this vine would put any weed to shame - except kudzu.
I'm a little worried that the baby pumpkin looks a little small and puny. I sure hope it doesn't abort. There's another coming along a few feet further out, but still... oh well that worry can wait until tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 23
Results From the Ultrasound
Once again, I'm going to have a daughter (funny how that always what happens).
She's going to be long and lean, just like her Daddy!
Geez, she looks so much like me... finally, I'm going to have a child without the need for a paternity test.
Probably she gets pollinated Sunday or Monday and then the fun finally begins! (Wow, I just looked and the pollination counter is dead on, and I haven't adjusted it since replanting. Cool.)
Once again, I'm going to have a daughter (funny how that always what happens).
She's going to be long and lean, just like her Daddy!
Geez, she looks so much like me... finally, I'm going to have a child without the need for a paternity test.
Probably she gets pollinated Sunday or Monday and then the fun finally begins! (Wow, I just looked and the pollination counter is dead on, and I haven't adjusted it since replanting. Cool.)
Monday, July 21
A New Trick...
New to me, it's not like I invented it or anything. You want to bury the vine at each leaf node, where new roots grow. Some growers bury the entire vine, although I'm nervous about inviting rot that way. Anyway, you dig a trench where the vine is about to grow:
Then you fill in the trench as the vine grows:
I measured the main vine growth at a full foot today. Side vines are starting to branch too. I'll probably not get an update up until Wednesday, but the season is about to get interesting again!
New to me, it's not like I invented it or anything. You want to bury the vine at each leaf node, where new roots grow. Some growers bury the entire vine, although I'm nervous about inviting rot that way. Anyway, you dig a trench where the vine is about to grow:
Then you fill in the trench as the vine grows:
I measured the main vine growth at a full foot today. Side vines are starting to branch too. I'll probably not get an update up until Wednesday, but the season is about to get interesting again!
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