Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 115 Entries. Wednesday, April 16 View Page THIS WILL BE MY PATCH LAYOUT FOR 2008. I HAD PLANNED ON DOING 6 PLANTS FOR COMPETITION AND 4 FOR COLOR TO SELL BUT HAVE DECIDED TO DO 8 COMPETITION PLANTS WITH A COUPLE OF COLOR PLANTS INCLUDED IN THEM. I WILL TRY A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT STYLES OF PRUNING THIS YEAR ALSO. PLANTS WILL BE ABOUT 600 SQUARE FEET EACH. I'M STILL WORKING ON MY LINEUP. I MIGHT HAVE TO PUT THEM IN A HAT AND PULL THEM OUT. LOL. Thursday, April 17 View Page HERE'S MY DRIP LINE WATER SET UP FOR THIS YEAR. THIS WILL BE MY 1ST YEAR USING DRIP TAPE. I HAVE A FEW SEEDS SET FOR MY LINEUP. 1370 ROSE,1348 HESTER,1402 BOSWORTH,1420 LARUE,772 POIRIER.THE OTHER SEEDS THAT I AM JUGGLING AROUND ARE 904 STELTS,1385 JUTRAS,1689 JUTRAS,1465 SLUSAREK,1462 GIBSON,1248 FORD, AND 1404 MCKIE. Thursday, April 24 View Page I SOAKED MY SEEDS LAST NIGHT. HERE'S WHAT I HAVE IN THE GERMINATION CABINET SO FAR. COMPETITION PLANTS, 904 STELTS,1385 JUTRAS,1348 HESTER,1370 ROSE,1248 FORD,1465 SLUSAREC,1402 BOSWORTH,1420 LARUE, 772 POIRIER. THESE WILL BE FOR COLOR AND THE PLANTS WILL NOT BE AS LARGE AS MY COMPETITION PLANTS, IN HONOR OF HOWARD DILL 730 DILL,802 KURILICH. I WILL HAVE ACCESS TO 1446 EATON TO DO THE SAME CROSS AS THE 998 PUKOS. THE REST OF THE CROSSES I AM STILL PONDERING. Thursday, April 24 View Page I RECEIVED NEWS THAT MY SON TOOK CARE OF A WOODCHUCK TODAY. ALL THAT SHOOTING PRACTICE HAS PAYED OFF. LOL. Wednesday, April 30 View Page ALL MY SEEDS GERMINATED EXCEPT THE 1370 ROSE. I SOAKED THE 1370 IN SOME GA3 AND PUT IT BACK IN THE BAGGIE.SO FAR NOTHING.I PUT MY PLANTS IN DON VANHOUTTE'S GREENHOUSE THIS YEAR TO LET THEM GET A LITTLE BIGGER BEFORE THEY GO IN THE GROUND.I STARTED SOME MORE SEEDS YESTERDAY. 1302 ZUHLKE,1078 ZUHLKE,1008 ZUHLKE,956 ZUHLKE,736 ZUHLKE,491 ZUHLKE, AND A 500 NORTHRUP.IT HAS BEEN VERY COLD THE LAST TWO DAYS. 25 DEG THIS MORNING AND 30 DEG YESTERDAY MORNING. Thursday, May 1 View Page HERE'S A NEW LAYOUT OF MY PATCH. I WILL BE PUTTING IN 12 PLANTS. THE FOUR ON THE END WILL BE COLOR PLANTS AND THE PLANTS WILL BE KEPT SMALL.12 PLANTS WILL BE ABOUT 6 TOO MANY. LOL Wednesday, May 7 View Page I POTTED SOME MORE SEEDS YESTERDAY. 1407 HEMPHIL,1068 PAPEZ,1008 ZUHLKE,1078 ZUHLKE ,491 ZUHLKE,736 ZUHLKE,797 ZUHLKE. THESE WILL BE BACKUPS AND EXTRA GIVE AWAY PLANTS.I HAVE ABOUT 30 PLANTS STARTED NOW. THE 1402 BOSWORTH AND 1465 SLUSAREK SEEDLINGS LOOK REAL POOR. MAYBE THIS IS A GOOD THING, WHO KNOWS.:-) Thursday, May 8 View Page I PICKED UP MY PLANTS FROM DON VANHOUTTE'S GREENHOUSE YESTERDAY. I WILL PUT THEM IN THE GROUND THIS WEEKEND. HERE'S WHAT I HAVE PLANNED SO FAR. IT MIGHT CHANGE BEFORE THEY ACTUALLY GO IN THE DIRT. Tuesday, May 13 View Page I PLANTED SOME OF MY PLANTS LAST NIGHT. THE 904 STELTS,1348 HESTER,1385 JUTRAS,1248 FORD,AND THE 1402 BOSWORTH PLANTED SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE 1465 SLUSAREK. THESE TWO PLANTS ARE MY WEEKEST PLANTS AND I WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THEM. I MIGHT JUST CUT ONE OUT LATER OR GROW THEM IN A FLAG PATERN. I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN LOTS OF TALK ABOUT THE WEEK SEEDLINGS TURNING OUT TO BE THE BEST PRODUCERS,SO I WILL KEEP THEM AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. IT WAS 39 DEG. AT MY PLACE THIS MORNING. I WISH THINGS WOULD WARM UP. Thursday, May 15 View Page 5/14/08 I PLANTED THE 772 PORIER, 1068 PAPEZ, AND THE 1407 HEMPHIL IN THE PATCH. I ONLY HAVE FOUR MORE PLANTS TO GET PLANTED FOR COLOR. I HAVE Monday, May 19 View Page 5/18/08 I PLANTED THE REST OF MY PLANTS. 730 DILL, 802 KURILICH, 956 ZUHLKE, AND 500 NORTHRUP. THINGS ARE OFF TO A SLOW START THIS YEAR. WE NEED SOME HEAT. Tuesday, May 27 View Page 5/25/08 WE HAD A FROST LAST NIGHT. I LEFT MY HOOPS OPEN FOR SOME STUPID REASON AND HAD SOME DAMAGE TO SOME PLANTS.I HAD MY MIND ON WATCHING THE RED WINGS PLAY AND FORGOT TO CHECK THE WEATHER REPORT. I THINK MOST WILL BE OK BUT I LOST THE 1402 BOSWORTH AND THE 1465 SLUSAREK. I HAD THEM PLANTED SIDE BY SIDE IN THE SAME HOOP HOUSE. I REPLACED THEM WITH A 1420 LARUE THAT WAS STILL IN A POT. THE BAD PART IS THAT THE 1420 LARUE HAD DAMAGE ALSO BECAUSE I HAD IT IN ONE OF THE OTHER HOOPS. I HOPE IT MAKES IT. I HAVE ABOUT 12 NICE BACKUP PLANTS STILL IN POTS. THINGS ARE FINALLY STARTING TO GROW WITH THE NICE HEAT WE HAD OVER THE WEEKEND.I GAVE THE PLANTS A DOSE OF DUNKEL'S AND I PLANTED THE REST OF MY GARDEN ON 5/26/08. Wednesday, May 28 View Page 5/28/08 WE HAD A HARD FROST THIS MORNING. IT WAS SO THICK I HAD TO SCAPE MY WINDOWS ON MY CAR. I COVERED MY PLANTS WITH BUCKETS AND BLANKETS LAST NIGHT AND CLOSED UP THE HOOPS. I HOPE IT WAS ENOUGH. MY WIFE WILL FILL ME IN LATER WHEN SHE UNCOVERS THEM. MAN I WISH THE WEATHER WOULD WARM UP AND STAY WARM. Thursday, May 29 View Page 5/29/08 WE HAD ANOTHER LITE FROST THIS MORNING. I HAD MY HOOPS CLOSED SO I HOPE THINGS ARE OK. I FAIRED WELL WITH THE HEAVY FROST WE HAD THE DAY BEFORE. Thursday, May 29 View Page THIS IS THE LAYOUT OF THE REST OF MY GARDEN THAT I PLANTED. I WILL HAVE PLENTY OF ORNAMENTAL GOURDS AND PUMPKINS THIS FALL. THIS SHOULD KEEP ME BUSY THIS SUMMER. LOL Thursday, June 5 View Page 6/5/08 THIS HAS BEEN MY WORST START EVER. WE ONLY HAD TWO NIGHTS IN MAY ABOVE 50 DEG. AND FROST MAY 24TH,25TH, AND 26TH. SINCE THEN THINGS HAVE WARMED UP BUT I REALLY MESSED UP MY PLANTS SPRAYING FOR APHIDS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY WILL SURVIVE. I DON'T SEE ANY CHANCE OF GETTING ANY PUMPKINS SET IN THE 1ST WEEK OF JULY. Thursday, June 5 View Page 6/5/08 I FORGOT TO MENTION THE GREAT NEWS. DETROIT RED WINGS WON THE STANLEY CUP. WOO HOOO. Thursday, June 5 View Page WHAT A GREAT TEAM. I LOVE HOCKEY. Thursday, June 19 View Page 6/19/08 IT WAS 48 DEG. YESTERDAY MORNING AND IS 49 DEG THIS MORNING. JUST WHAT I NEEDED WITH THE MONTH OF MAY ONLY HAVING ONE NIGHT OVER 40 DEG. I ONLY HAVE ONE PLANT THAT MIGHT BE READY TO POLLINATE BY THE 1ST WEEK OF JULY. I DON'T SEE ANY RECORDS COMING OUT OF MY PATCH THIS YEAR. I HAVE BEEN COACHING TWO BASEBALL TEAMS THIS YEAR. I AM WAY BEHIND ON TAKING CARE OF MY GARDEN. Tuesday, July 1 View Page 6/27/08 I POLLINATED THE 1ST PUMPKIN OF THE YEAR ON THE 1348 HESTER PLANT 3 LOBE MAIN VINE 8FT OUT POLLINATED WITH 1041 MCKIE. HOPE TO GET THE NEXT ONE AT AROUND 10 FT NEXT WEEK. ALL MY OTHER PLANTS ARE WAY BEHIND. THE 904 STELTS HAS GONE FROM DOUBLE TO RIBBON VINE. I MIGHT PULL IT SOON. Friday, July 4 View Page JULY 4TH I POLLINATED A FIVE LOBE PUMPKIN 8FT OUT ON THE 772 POIRIER X SELF. Sunday, July 6 View Page 7/6/08 1348 HESTER X 1248 FORD MAIN VINE 10 FT. 4 LOBE 7/6/08 1068 PAPEZ X 1348 HESTER MAIN VINE 7 FT. 4 LOBE. Friday, July 11 View Page 7/11/08 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE 5-LOBE MAIN VINE 12 FT. HOPE IT TAKES. THIS IS A VERY NICE PLANT. THE 1041 POLLEN CAME FROM DENNIS FETTY. IT IS A VERY NICE PLANT ALSO. Saturday, July 12 View Page 7/12/08 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 5-LOBE MAIN VINE 8FT. 1068 PAPEZ X 1385 JUTRAS 4-LOBE 1ST SIDE VINE. Sunday, July 13 View Page 7/13/08 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 5-LOBE MAIN VINE 12 FT. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 5-LOBE MAIN VINE 12 FT. 1348 HESTER X 1385 JUTRAS 4-LOBE SECOND SIDE VINE. Tuesday, July 15 View Page 7/15/08 904 STELTS X 1348 HESTER 4-LOBE NEW MAIN 8 FT. THIS PLANT IS SMALL DUE TO REMOVING THE MAIN THAT WAS A RIBBON VINE. I DON'T EXPECT TO GET ANYTHING TOO BIG FROM THIS PLANT. Wednesday, July 16 View Page 7/16/08 956 ZUHLKE X 1348 HESTER 4-LOPE MAIN VINE 8FT. 1407 HEMPHILL X 1465 SLUSAREK 5-LOBE MAIN VINE 8 FT. 1068 PAPEZ X 1385 JUTRAS MUTANT MAIN VINE 12 FT. THIS ONE WAS HIT WITH ROUNDUP OVERSPRAY. I MIGHT HAVE TO TRAIN A SECONDARY AS A NEW MAIN. I HAVE A FEMALE COMING ON A GOOD SECONDAIRY JUST BEFORE THE OVERSPRAY DAMAGE. I WILL BE PULLING THE 1465 SLUSAREK PLANT DUE TO NEEDING ROOM FOR THE 1420 LARUE PLANT.THE PLANT BARELY SURVIVED FROST AND INSECTICIDE BURN EARLY IN THE YEAR. I JUST KEPT IT TO MAKE THE CROSS. Thursday, July 17 View Page 7/17/08 1348 HESTER X 998 PUKOS 5-LOBE 18 FT. MAIN VINE 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE 5-LOBE 16 FT. MAIN VINE 500 NORTHRUP X 802 KURILICH 5-LOBE 10 FT. MAIN VINE 730 DILL X 772 POIRIER 4-LOBE 14 FT. MAIN VINE *NOTE* JULY 6TH POLLINATION 1348 X 1248 10 FT ABORTED JULY 4TH POLLINATION 772 X SELF 8 FT ABORTED THE 998 PUKOS AND 1041 MCKIE POLLEN CAME FROM DENNIS FETTY. HIS PUMPKIN ON THE 998 PUKOS IS AT 75 INCHES CIR. ON DAY 20. IT LOOKS LIKE MY POLLINATIONS THAT I DID BETWEEN 7/11 AND 7/13 ARE GROWING. IT IS GOING UP TO 90 DEG. TODAY SO THE ONES I DID TODAY MIGHT NOT TAKE. Friday, July 18 View Page 7/18/08 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 5-LOPE MAIN VINE 16 FT. 1068 PAPEZ X 1385 JUTRAS 4-LOBE 3RD SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE. 904 STELTS X 1248 FORD 5-LOBE 2ND SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE. 90 DEG. TEMPS YESTERDAY AND THIS WEEKEND. NOT SURE IF THE POLLINATIONS WILL TAKE WITHOUT USING ICE AND SHADE. Friday, July 18 View Page 7/17/08 20 DAY CIR. 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE MAIN VINE 8 FT. 51 INCHES. Saturday, July 19 View Page 7/18/08 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 2ND SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE 6 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 5TH SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE 5 LOBE. 1068 PAPEZ X 1385 JUTRAS 2ND SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 4 LOBE. 1068 PAPEZ X 1248 FORD 3RD SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 4 LOBE. 1420 LARUE X 1385 JUTRAS MAIN VINE 12 FT. 5 LOBE. Monday, July 21 View Page 7/21/08 1068 PAPEZ X 1385 JUTRAS NEW MAIN 12 FT 3-LOBE 1407 HEMPHILL X 1385 JUTRAS MAIN VINE 10 FT 4-LOBE 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP MAIN VINE 19 FT 4-LOBE 1248 FORD X 1348 HESTER MAIN VINE 19 FT 4-LOBE I PULLED THE 1465 SLUSAREK PLANT AND MIGHT PULL SOME MORE IF I DON'T GET SOME GOOD SETS. THE HEAT IS MAKING IT TOUGH TO POLLINATE.WE FINISHED UP WITH SOFTBALL THIS WEEKEND. NOW I WILL HAVE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO WORK ON MY PLANTS. I HAVE REALLY SLACKED OFF THIS YEAR. Tuesday, July 22 View Page 7/22/08 904 STELTS X 1348 HESTER NEW MAIN 12 FT 4 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 5TH SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE. 5 LOBE Tuesday, July 22 View Page 7/22/08 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE DAY 10 CIR. 22 INCHES THIS LOOKS LIKE A GOOD ONE. Friday, July 25 View Page 7/25/08 1248 FORD X 998 PUKOS MAIN VINE 18 FT. 4 LOBE 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP SECONDARY AT THE POINT THAT THE MAIN VINE PUMPKIN ABORTED 18 FT 5 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 998 PUKOS 2ND SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. 1348 HESTER X 998 PUKOS MAIN VINE 20 FT. 4 LOBE. I AM AT THE POINT OF PULLING PLANTS. THE ONLY MAIN VINE SETS I HAVE ARE 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS AT 8FT. 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE AT 8 FT. 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE AT 12 FT. EVERYTHING ELSE HAS ABORTED. IF I CAN GET A COUPLE SIDE VINE SETS GOING ON SOME PLANTS I MIGHT GROW THEM JUST FOR THE GENETICS. BEING TWO TO THREE WEEKS BEHIND ON MY PLANTS HAS TAKEN IT'S TOLL ON MY POLLINATIONS. THE 90 DEG WEATHER IS KILLING ME ON MY POLLINATIONS. Saturday, July 26 View Page 7/26/08 1068 PAPEZ X 998 PUKOS 14 FT NEW MAIN 4 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 998 PUKOS 5TH SIDE VINE LEFT 5 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 1689 JUTRAS 2ND SIDE LEFT 2ND PUMPKIN 5 LOBE. 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS MAIN VINE 14 FT 4 LOBE. Saturday, July 26 View Page 7/26/08 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 30 DAYS 89-56-56=201 OTT=181 LBS. NOTHING GREAT BUT DOING OK. I MEASURED HOW FAR OUT IT IS FROM THE STUMP, AND IT IS ONLY 7 FT. OUT.I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANOTHER SET ON THE MAIN SO I WILL JUST HAVE TO SEE WHAT I CAN GET FROM THIS ONE. YOU MIGHT NOTICE THAT I HAVE BEEN USING A LOT OF 998 POLLEN LATELY. THAT IS BECAUSE THE 998 PLANT THAT I AM GETTING POLLEN FROM HAS A PUMPKIN GOING ON A RECORD BREAKING PACE. I THINK MY 1302 RECORD IS GOING DOWN THIS YEAR. Sunday, July 27 View Page 7/27/08 772 POIRIER X 802 KURILICH 2ND SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE. I AM JUST TRYING TO GET SOMETHING FOR SEEDS OR TO SELL. I HAVE ONE ON THE MAIN THAT MIGHT TAKE ,BUT IT IS TOO SOON TO TELL. Monday, July 28 View Page 7/28/08 1385 JUTRAS X 1689 JUTRAS MAIN VINE 20 FT 5 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 7TH SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 1248 FORD 6TH SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. 500 NORTHRUP X 772 POIRIER 1ST SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE 5 LOBE. 956 ZUHLKE X 1385 JUTRAS MAIN VINE 14 FT. 5 LOBE. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP RIGHT SIDE VINE. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP RIGHT SIDE VINE. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP RIGHT SIDE VINE. THIS IS ABOUT IT FOR POLLINATIONS THIS YEAR. I HOPE TO GET SOME PUMPKINS FOR GENETICS AND SOME TO SELL. I DON'T SEE ANY CONTEST WINNERS COMING FROM MY PATCH THIS YEAR. Tuesday, July 29 View Page 7/29/08 802 KURILICH X 772 POIRIER 1ST SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. 802 KURILICH X 772 POIRIER 3RD SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. 500 NORTHRUP X 802 KURILICH 1ST SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. Wednesday, July 30 View Page 7/30/08 802 KURILICH X 500 NORTHRUP 6TH SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 4 LOBE. 500 NORTHRUP X 802 KURILICH 2ND SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 4 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 772 POIRIER 3RD SIDE VINE LEFT SIDE 5 LOBE. 1068 PAPEZ X 1420 LARUE 2ND SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 15 FT OUT. I AM POLLINATING A LOT OF SIDE VINE PUMPKINS DUE TO NOT HAVING SETS ON THE MAINS. I WILL PROBABLY GROW 2-3 PUMPKINS ON SIDE VINES ON EACH PLANT JUST FOR THE GENETICS AND TO SELL. Thursday, July 31 View Page 7/31/08 956 ZUHLKE X 1248 FORD MAIN VINE 16 FT. 4 LOBE. 1407 HEMPHILL X 1248 FORD MAIN VINE 16 FT. 5 LOBE. 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 8TH SIDE VINE RIGHT SIDE 5 LOBE. Friday, August 1 View Page 8/1/08 500 NORTHRUP X 1348 HESTER MAIN VINE 18 FT. 5 LOBE. 1068 PAPEZ X 1348 HESTER NEW MAIN 18 FT. 4 LOBE. DAY 10 CIR. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 26 INCHES. DAY 20 CIR. 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE 72 INCHES. I SWEAR I AM DONE DOING POLLINATIONS. LOL. I THINK I HAVE SOME GOOD SETS ON SIDE VINES ON ANY OF MY PLANTS THAT I FAILED TO GET ANYTHING GOING ON THE MAINS. I WILL LET 2-3 PUMPKINS GROW ON THESE PLANTS JUST FOR THE CROSSES THAT I MADE. I AM GOING ON OUR PATCH TOUR TOMORROW TO CHECK OUT THE GUYS THAT ARE KICKING MY BUTT THIS YEAR. LOL. Wednesday, August 6 View Page 8/5/08 40 DAY MEASUREMENT ON THE 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE. 114-73-74=261 OTT=381 LBS. IT'S DOING OK FOR BEING 7 FT. FROM THE BASE AND BEING A 3 LOBE PUMPKIN. I FORGOT TO NOTE THE 10 DAY CIR. ON THE 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP MAIN VINE PUMPKIN. IT WAS 26 INCHES AT 10 DAYS. I WENT ON THE PATCH TOUR SAT. AND THERE ARE SOME REALLY NICE PUMPKINS IN MICH. THIS YEAR. I ALSO STOPPED BY DON VANHOUTTE'S PLACE YESTERDAY AND HE HAS SO MANY BIG PUMPKINS IT IS CRAZY. HE HAS 80 PLANTS AND SO FAR HIS BIGGEST IS ON THE 1096 PRIVITERA. Sunday, August 10 View Page 8/10/08 I MEASURED MOST OF MY MAIN PUMPKINS TODAY. I WILL BE DOING THEM ON SUNDAT EVERY WEEK FROM NOW ON. 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 123-76-79=278=458 LBS. 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 93-63-66=222=240 LBS. 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE ???-??-??=???=???LBS. TOP SECRET. LOL. 30 DAYS OLD TODAY. 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 66 CIR. 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 74 CIR. 1385 LARUE X 998 PUKOS DIDN'T MEASURE. THESE ARE ALL ON THE SAME PLANT. 772 POITIER X 500 NORTHRUP 66 CIR. 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS 43 CIR I HAVE PUMPKINS ON THE 500 NORTHRUP ,802 KURILICH,956 ZUHLKE, AND 730 DILL. SOME ARE CONTROLLED CROSSES AND SOME ARE OPEN. ALL LATE SETS. HOPE TO HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OFF THESE. I PLAN TO PULL THE 1068 PAPEZ PLANT TODAY. NOTHING REALLY TOOK OFF ON IT. I MESSED THIS PLANT UP PRETTY BAD EARLY IN THE SEASON WITH ROUNDUP. I TOOK SOME PICTURES TODAY AND WILL POST THEM LATER. Sunday, August 10 View Page OOPS. SHOULD READ 1385 JUTRAS X 998 PUKOS. Monday, August 11 View Page HERE'S A FEW SHOTS OF MY PUMPKINS. THIS IS THE 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE. Monday, August 11 View Page THIS IS THE 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS. IT IS ON A PRETTY SMALL PLANT. I LIKE THE SHAPE OF THIS ONE. Monday, August 11 View Page HERE'S THE 1248 FROD X 1041 MCKIE AT 30 DAYS. I NOTICED A LITTLE SPOT THAT WAS OOZING SAP NEXT TO THE BLOSSOM ON SUNDAY. I CLEANED IT WITH BLEACH SOLUTION. I WILL CHECK IT TONIGHT AND SEE IF I NEED TO PUT A FAN ON IT. Monday, August 11 View Page THIS IS THE 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER ON A SIDE VINE. THIS ONE IS GROWING THE FASTEST ON THE PLANT. I HAVE TWO OTHER PUMPKINS ON SIDE VINES. Monday, August 11 View Page HERE'S THE 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE. I HAVE A 1385 JUTRAS X 998 PUKOS CROSS ON THIS PLANT ALSO. I AM GROWING THREE PUMPKINS ON THIS PLANT FOR GENETICS. I FAILED TO GET A SET ON THE MAIN. THIS IS A GREAT PLANT. I THINK IT WOULD HAVE GROWN A REAL GOOD ONE ON THE MAIN. Monday, August 11 View Page THIS IS THE 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP. I HAVE THE REVERSE CROSS ON THE 500 NORTHRUP PLANT. Monday, August 18 View Page 8//17/08 I DID MY WEEKLY MEASUREMENTS ON SUNDAY. NO REAL RECORD BREAKERS COMING FROM MY PATCH. I JUST HOPE TO HAVE SOMETHING RESPECTABLE COME WEIGH OFF TIME. 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 132-80-82=294=539 LBS. 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 107-71-76=254=353 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 92-65-66=223=243 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 86-54-57=197=172 LBS. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 88-62-58=208=200 LBS. 772 POIRIER X OPEN 80-53-52=185=144 LBS. CUT THE STEM PART WAY TODAY. 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS 68-50-50=168=111 LBS. 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE ???-??-??=???=??? LBS. STILL TOP SECRET. HINT, IT IS NOW MY BIGGEST IN THE PATCH. I HAVE A FEW PUMPKINS GROWING ON MY OTHER PLANTS. I HAVE 500 NORTHRUP, 802 KURILICH, 956 ZUHLKE, AND 730 DILL. THESE WILL BE FOR SELLING IN THE FALL. Wednesday, August 20 View Page 8/20/08 47 DEG. THIS MORNING. WHAT MONTH IS THIS ? I WAS HOPING FOR GOOD WEATHER FOR A WHILE BECAUSE OF MY LATE POLLINATIONS. I DON'T THINK 47 DEG. COUNTS AS GOOD WEATHER. LOL. I WILL DO 40 DAY MEASUREMENT ON THE 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE PUMPKIN TODAY. Wednesday, August 20 View Page UPDATE: IT WENT DOWN TO 44 DEG. A FEW MILES FROM ME. I BET IT WAS A LITTLE COLDER AT MY PLACE. Thursday, August 21 View Page 8/20/08 40 DAYS FOR MY 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE PUMPKIN. AVERAGED 29.8 LBS. PER DAY FROM 30 DAYS TO 40 DAYS. THESE COLD NIGHTS ARE NOT HELPING ME MUCH. I HOPE I CAN GET AT LEAST THAT MUCH GAIN IN THE NEXT TEN DAYS. IT WILL BE ALL DOWN HILL FROM THERE. I HAVE AROUND 40 DAYS LEFT TO GROW. Thursday, August 21 View Page 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE DAY 40. Thursday, August 21 View Page DAY 40 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE. I WILL TAKE MEASUREMENTS ON ALL OF MY PUMKINS ON SUNDAY. I HAVE A LOT OF PUMPKINS GROWING BUT ONLY ONE REAL CONTENDER. IF IT DOSN'T MAKE IT TO THE END,I WON'T HAVE MUCH TO TAKE TO THE WEIGH OFFS. Friday, August 22 View Page I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THE PRUNING STYLE I DID ON MY 1248 FORD PLANT THIS YEAR. YOU KNOW HOW YOU START OUT WITH A PLAN AND IT CHANGES ALONG THE WAY. WELL THIS IS A NEW WAY OF PRUNING FOR ME. I AM TRYING TO HAVE SOME FRESH PLANT TO OBTAIN LATE SEASON GROWTH. I WON'T KNOW UNTIL LATE SEPT. IF IT WORKED OUT THE WAY I PLANNED. I WILL START TO TERMINATE THE LATE GROWTH THIS WEEKEND AND HAVE IT ALL ENDED BY SEPT. Friday, August 22 View Page WOOPS I POSTED THE WRONG PICTURE. Sunday, August 24 View Page 8/24/08 I TOOK WEEKLY MEASUREMENTS TODAY. 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 137-83-85=305=600 LBS. 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 116-76-80=272=430 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 104-72-73=240=333 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 101-62-64=227=256 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1248 FORD 51-36-37=124=49 LBS. 1407 HEPHILL X 998 PUKOS 94-65-67=226=252 LBS. 956 ZUHLKE X 1385 JUTRAS 81-59-63=203=187 LBS. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 105-70-70=245=318 LBS. 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE !#&-(!-(#=##*=*!! LBS. MY ONLY HOPE FOR A CONTENDER. STILL DOING GOOD. I HAVE AROUND 8-10 MORE PUMPKINS ON THE 500 NORTHRUP,730 DILL, AND 802 KURILICH THAT I AM GROWING TO SELL. I HAVE SOME PRETTY NICE ONES GOING ON THEM. Friday, August 29 View Page HERE'S A SHOT OF MY 1248 FORD PLANT ON 8/25/08. I WILL TAKE 50 DAY MEASUREMENT ON SATURDAY. Friday, August 29 View Page THIS IS A SHOT OF THE 1248 PLANT FROM THE OTHER SIDE. THINGS ARE STARTING TO LOOK SCARY WITH THE PUMPKIN. IT HAS A COUPLE OF DEEP RIBS. IF IT GETS A DILL RING IT WILL BE GAME OVER FOR SURE. I HAVE BEEN BANKING UP A LOT OF SAND AROUND IT TO HELP SUPPORT THE SHOULDERS. IF IT MAKES IT TO THE END IT WILL BE A GOOD ONE. Saturday, August 30 View Page 8/30/08 50 DAYS ON THE 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE TODAY. !^@-(^-(*=#%^=($^ AVERAGED 23.6 LBS PER DAY OVER A TEN DAY PERIOD. IT HAS A VERY SCARY LOOKING DEEP RIB. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO MAKE IT TO THE END.IT IS CURRENTLY THE LARGEST 50 DAY MEASUREMENT I HAVE EVER HAD. I WILL MEASURE THE REST OF MY PUMPKINS ON SUNDAY. I HOPE TO POST SOME PICTURES NEXT WEEK. Tuesday, September 2 View Page 8/31/08 MY 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE PUMPKIN SPLIT IN THE RIB. I CAULKED IT AND WILL LET IT GROW FOR A WHILE LONGER. IT WAS AT 356 OTT AT 50 DAYS 946 LBS. I HAD A FEELING THAT THE DEEP RIB WOULD BE A PROBLEM. IT MEASURED 970 LBS. ON 9/1/08 SO IT IS STILL GROWING WELL. HER'S A PICTURE OF THE RIB WITH CAULK IN IT. IT ONLY HAD A REAL SMALL HOLE IN IT. Tuesday, September 2 View Page THIS IS A SHOT OF THE 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE. DAY 52. Tuesday, September 2 View Page THIS IS THE 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 140-86-87=131=647 LBS. IT ONLY GAINED 47 LBS IN A WEEK. I THINK IT IS PRETTY CLOSE TO BEING MATURED. I REALLY LIKE THE SHAPE AND COLOR OF IT. Tuesday, September 2 View Page THIS IS THE 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 114-75-78=267=407 LBS. IT IS A NICE YOUNG LOOKING PUMPKIN. IT IS DOING PRETTY GOOD FOR HAVING THREE PUMPKINS ON THE PLANT. IT IS ON A SIDE VINE. Tuesday, September 2 View Page THIS IS THE 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 110-65-68=243=310 LBS. THIS IS THE SECOND PUMPKIN ON A SIDE VINE. Tuesday, September 2 View Page HERE'S THE 1385 JUTRAS X 1248 FORD 65-48-45=158=94 LBS. THIS WAS A LAST DITCH EFFORT TO GET ONE ON THE MAIN. I HOPE TO GET SOME MATURE SEEDS FROM IT. Tuesday, September 2 View Page THIS IS THE 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 124-80-83=287=502 LBS. THIS IS A REAL NICE LOOKING PUMPKIN. Tuesday, September 2 View Page 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS 110-77-80=267=407 LBS. Tuesday, September 2 View Page 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 116-78-79=273=434 LBS. Tuesday, September 2 View Page 956 ZUHLKE X 1385 JUTRAS 96-71-77=244=314 LBS. Tuesday, September 2 View Page 500 NORTHRUP X 772 POIRIER NOT MEASURING THIS ONE. I HAVE A 500 NORTHRUP X 802 KURILICH ON THIS PLANT ALSO. PLUS 3 MORE PUMPKINS. Tuesday, September 2 View Page THIS IS THE 730 DILL X OPEN. GROWING THIS ONE TO SELL. Monday, September 8 View Page 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE 169-99-101=369=1052 LBS. STILL GROWING WITH THE SPLIT IN THE RIB. Monday, September 8 View Page 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 123-82-83=288=507 LBS. Monday, September 8 View Page 956 ZUHLKE X 1385 JUTRAS 103-78-85=266=403 LBS. THIS ONE IS DONE. STEM SPLIT INTO THE CAVITY. Monday, September 8 View Page 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS 118-80-87=285=492 LBS. Monday, September 8 View Page 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 127-81-86=294=539 LBS. THIS ONE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. I WILL GROW THIS SEED NEXT YEAR. Monday, September 8 View Page 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 118-79-81=278=458 LBS. Monday, September 8 View Page 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 143-88-88=319=684 LBS. Monday, September 8 View Page ANOTHER SHOT OF THE 1348 HESTER. Monday, September 8 View Page 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 114-66-70=250=337 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1248 FORD 74-50-53=171=116 LBS. I DIDN'T TAKE PICTURES OF THESE. Tuesday, September 16 View Page I DIDN'T GET TO MEASURE MY PUMPKINS THIS LAST WEEKEND. WE RECIEVED 3.5 INCHES OF RAIN AND MY PATCH IS UNDER 6 INCHES OF WATER. IT WILL BE A WHILE BEFORE I CAN GET ANY PUMPKINS OUT OF THE PATCH. Thursday, September 18 View Page 9/17/08 I MANAGED TO GET MEASUREMENTS ON MY PUMPKINS LAST NIGHT. 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE 173-101-104=378=1130 LBS. 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 132-85-83=300=672 LBS. 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS 127-83-87=297=555 LBS. 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS 133-83-87=303=588 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 125-81-83=289=512 LBS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1248 FORD 86-55-59=200=179 LBS. 1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE 145-89-89=323=710 LBS. I HOPE TO GET THE 1248 LOADED THIS WEEKEND AND GET IT WEIGHED. I'M NOT SURE IF IT WILL BE DRY ENOUGH TO DO IT. Monday, September 22 View Page I CUT MY 1248 FORD X 1041 MCKIE PUMPKIN AND TOOK IT TO THE CLARE WIEGH OFF TO GET A WEIGHT ON IT. FINAL MEASUREMENT TAKEN AT THE WEIGH OFF WAS 376 OTT. 1112 LBS. FINAL WEIHGT WAS 1042 ZUHLKE 2008 DMG. IT WENT IT LITTLE LIGHT, MUCH TO EVERYONES SURPRIZE. THIS THING IS SOLID AS A ROCK. IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON INSIDE WHEN I CUT IT OPEN. THIS IS A SHOT OF THE RIGHT SIDE. Monday, September 22 View Page THIS IS THE LEFT SIDE OF THE 1042 ZUHLKE 2008 DMG. Monday, September 22 View Page 1042 ZUHLKE 2008 DMG. Monday, September 22 View Page 1042 ZUHLKE 2008 DMG. THIS IS MY MOM AND DAD AND THE REST OF MY FAMILY. WE ARE CARING FOR MY MOM AND DAD AT MY HOME. THEY WANTED TO COME OUTSIDE TO WATCH US PICK ALL OF OUR OTHER PUMPKINS AND GOURDS FOR SELLING. Monday, September 22 View Page MOM AND DAD WITH THE 1042. Monday, September 22 View Page THIS IS THE 1042 WITH ME IN THE PATCH JUST BEFORE LOADING. Monday, September 22 View Page HERE'S SOME OF MY PUMPKINS TO SELL. Monday, September 22 View Page HERE'S SOME OF THE GOURDS TO SELL. I HAVE A LOT MORE TO PICK. Monday, September 22 View Page HERE'S SOME OF THE PUMPKINS LINED UP AT THE CLARE WEIGH OFF. THANKS GOES OUT TO THE SWART'S FOR PUTTING ON A VERY NICE EVENT. I HOPE TO BRING A PUMPKIN TO COMPETE WITH NEXT YEAR. Monday, September 22 View Page ANOTHER SHOT OF PUMPKINS AT CLARE. Monday, September 22 View Page THIS IS A GREAT LOOKING SQUASH THAT CHAD SWARTS GREW. IT WEIGHED SOMEWHERE AROUND 830 LBS. GREAT COLOR. Friday, October 3 View Page HERE'S MY 674 ZUHLKE 2008 (1348 HESTER X 1041 MCKIE). IT WAS A 3 LOBE PUMPKIN 7 FT OUT ON THE MAIN. I WOULD HAVE CULLED IT IF I HAD MANAGED TO GET ONE SET BEYOND IT. IT DID PRETTY WELL CONSIDERING THE DISTANCE OUT FROM THE STUMP. Saturday, October 4 View Page THIS IS MY 646 ZUHLKE 2008 ( 1420 LARUE X 998 PUKOS )WEIGHED AT HARNICA FARMS WEIGH OFF. IT WAS GROWN ON A VERY SMALL PLANT THAT BARELY SURVIVED MY EARLY ATTEMPT TO KILL MY PLANTS. IT WENT A LITTLE HEAVY TO THE CHART. Thursday, October 9 View Page HERE'S A PHOTO OF THE 267 EDWARDS FOR YOU WATERMELON BUFFS. Sunday, October 12 View Page I TOOK THE REMAINDER OF MY PUMPKINS TO BERVILLE WEIGH OFF TODAY. HERE'S THE FINAL WEIGHTS ON MY PUMPKINS. 1385 JUTRAS X 1248 FORD 94-58-63=215=219 LBS. EST 1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER 129-85-87=301=577 EST 624 ACTUAL 1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE 124-73-75=269=416 EST 479 ACTUAL 1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS 128-88-93=309=623 EST 665 ACTUAL 772 POIRIER X 500 NORTHRUP 137-88-87=312=641 EST 711 ACTUAL 500 NORTHRUP X 772 POITIER 102-65-64=231=269 LBS EST 500 NORTHRUP X 802 KURILICH 112-67-65=244=314 LBS EST 802 KURILICH X 772 POIRIER 95-63-58=216=222 LBS EST I WILL POST SOME PICTURES LATER. Monday, October 13 View Page THIS IS A PICTURE OF MY FINAL PUMPKINS WEIGHED AT BERVILLE.FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. 479 ZUHLKE 2008 (1385 JUTRAS X 1420 LARUE) 624 ZUHLKE 2008 (1385 JUTRAS X 1348 HESTER) 665 ZUHLKE 2008 (1407 HEMPHILL X 998 PUKOS) 711 ZUHLKE 2008 (772 POITIER X 500 NORTHRUP) Friday, October 17 View Page THIS IS MY 711 ZUHLKE 2008 (772 POITIER X 500 NORTHRUP) Friday, October 17 View Page THIS IS MY FRIEND DENNIS FETTY WITH HIS 1ST PUMPKIN OVER 1000 LBS. WEIGHED AT HARNICA FARMS IN DUNDEE. GROWN ON THE 1689 JUTRAS. Friday, October 24 View Page I MANAGED TO GET MY PATCH READY AND SEEDED WITH RYE LAST WEEK. THIS IS A SHOT OF IT BEFORE I REMOVED THE LAST PUMPKINS. Friday, October 24 View Page HERE'S ANOTHER SHOT OF THE PATCH. I ADDED LEAF COMPOST AND HAY TO IT BEFORE I TILLED IT . Friday, October 24 View Page WHAT TO DO WITH A 700 LB PUMPKIN WHEN THE SEASON IS OVER. PUMPKIN SLEDDING. I PULLED MY SON AROUND THE YARD A FEW TIMES FOR FUN. Friday, October 24 View Page MY SON GETTING READY TO DROP THE 624 ZUHLKE FOR FUN. IT BUSTED UP REAL WELL DROPPING FROM THE TOP OF THE TRIPOD. Friday, October 24 View Page ALMOST READY TO DROP. Friday, October 24 View Page IT'S HISTORY NOW. LOL Friday, October 24 View Page THIS IS A SHOT OF MY FRONT YARD DISPLAY. Friday, October 24 View Page ANOTHER YARD SHOT. Friday, October 31 View Page I HAVE A HEAVY HEART TODAY. MY DAD PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY. HE WAS A GREAT FATHER AND I HAVE GREAT MEMORIES WITH HIM. I WAS BLESSED FOR SURE TO HAVE SUCH A GOOD FATHER. I AM GLAD THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THREE WEIGH OFFS WITH ME THIS YEAR. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BY THE WHOLE FAMILY. THIS IS MY DAD AND MOM EARLIER IN THE YEAR. Friday, October 31 View Page HERE'S MY WIFE AND I HAVING A LITTLE FUN WITH DAD LAST 4TH OF JULY. REST IN PEACE DAD.