Friday, January 1
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Happy 2021 to all of you! Let’s make this a good year!
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Wednesday, January 13
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A few weeks ago I started some test plants of my 1184.5 pounder! I am very happy on how they look. Looking forward to growing it this year as one of my plants!
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Wednesday, January 13
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I’ve packaged up many seeds from my 1184.5 pounder! If anyone wants any just email me
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Sunday, January 17
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Couldn’t be any happier with how my test plants of my 1184.5 pounder are looking. Started the plants 22 days ago and they are already starting to vine out. Pretty thick stalks. I chose the strongest one to put to the real test and planted it in my 55 GAL barrel that I used for feeding the plants last year. Let’s see what she can do! Very excited to grow my own seed of my PB this year! Crossed her with the 1989 Daletas. 2051 Marshall x 1989 Daletas
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Sunday, January 17
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55 gallon one
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Sunday, January 17
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A thick stalk.
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Sunday, January 17
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Can’t wait to grow her! I’m very excited to see what my own seed can do
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Tuesday, February 23
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This is unbelievable! In July of 2019 I sent Wykus Lamprecht seeds in Africa. He never received them and TODAY I just got the package back! I can’t believe it! Almost 2 years! I think it made it over seas then got sent back. It says on the package “incoming international parcel” Wow.
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Saturday, March 6
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Indoor pumpkin update! I certainly didn’t expect her to get this big with only 1 light. She’s over 15 feet long now and there’s a pumpkin at the tip lol. Secondary’s are a foot plus long but not growing much anymore with lack of light. I’m impressed!
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Saturday, March 6
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Male flowers opening soon!
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Saturday, March 6
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There’s the pumpkin!
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Monday, March 15
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2021 GIANT PUMPKIN LINEUP!
I’m excited to be growing my own seed this year! I’ve never grown my own before but I was impressed with it and the indoor plant is very aggressive.
VERY excited to be growing an orange one again! It’s been years but I need that orange beauty again lol. I’ll be starting 1 seed of the 1215 young and 2 seeds of the 1552 young and choose the best plant. Can’t go wrong either way. Starting the seeds around April 10th this year. Excited!
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Monday, March 15
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Can’t get over how aggressive my seed from last year is indoors! Over 20 feet long now with secondary’s bulging out. What’s it going to do outdoors?
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Monday, March 15
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Hello there! Opening by the end of the week but will I have a male to pollinate it with?
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Monday, March 15
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I like the timing... Fingers crossed. Put a few in the refrigerator and freezer so I’ll try those if this one doesn’t open on time
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Monday, March 15
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That’s one thick stem
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Monday, March 15
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Stump
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Monday, March 15
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Lowered vine off pipe for a better position for the pumpkin
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Monday, March 15
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Hey there
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Monday, March 15
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Tuesday, March 23
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10 yards of compost got delivered today! Let’s do this. It’s a hike to the patch but a good workout!
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Wednesday, March 24
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This is good stuff. My uncle is coming over to help. Big big help!
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Wednesday, March 24
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Wow what a day! Thanks for my uncle and my friend I was able to get 10 yards of compost in the patch, spread it and completely till it in, in less than a day! The soil looks better than ever and I’m ready to add the amendments in next weekend! Game on.
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Wednesday, March 24
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Gold!
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Wednesday, March 24
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Much needed help!
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Wednesday, March 24
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Wednesday, March 24
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The patch from 400 ft up
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Friday, April 2
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Happy April! I can’t wait to start the seeds in just 6 days. I’ll be growing my 1184.5 from last year and the 1215 young OR the 1552 young. I can’t decide. I may just plant both and choose the best looking plant.
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Tuesday, April 6
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The hoop house is up! It’s go time!!
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Tuesday, April 6
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Plants will have plenty of room this year!
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Tuesday, April 6
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Saturday, April 10
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Let it begin! Soaking 6 of my 1184.5s I’ll choose the best 2 to compete and the 1215 young and the 1552 young and they will compete. Couldn’t decide. Let’s go!
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Saturday, April 10
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Seeds are in the pots! Soaked em for 5 hours.
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Saturday, April 10
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Now we wait! I’m ready for my 6th year of growing giant pumpkins. Let’s do this!
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Sunday, April 18
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Had an unbelievable day on Friday snowboarding a foot plus of Powder at Mount Snow in Southern VT! The best conditions I’ve ever snowboarded in! Never thought it would be in April
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Sunday, April 18
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EPIC!
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Sunday, April 18
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Sunday, April 18
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It was gorgeous!
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Sunday, April 18
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It was just dumping all day long!
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Sunday, April 18
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Sunday, April 18
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It was just insane! I’ll never forget it
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Wednesday, April 21
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Well damn! Just checked the roots on the two most aggressive 1184.5s and they are going crazy! I was planning on planting next week but I think they only got another few days! They have only been in the 2 gal pots for 7 days. Wow. I’m impressed
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Wednesday, April 21
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Wow
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Wednesday, April 21
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Bursting
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Wednesday, April 21
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We will plant mine on Saturday! The young’s can definitely wait as the roots aren’t nearly established as the 1184s
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Friday, April 23
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The plants are in! Here’s to a successful 6th year! My two 1184.5s i chose in front and the 1215 young and 1552 young in back. They will be growing back to back and each have 800 SF to grow in. This is the earliest I’ve ever planted by 8 days. Let’s get 1500! Let the strongest plants win!
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Monday, April 26
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3 days of growth on one of my 1184.5s. She’s the most aggressive so far and taking a big lead right out of the gate
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Thursday, April 29
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Pouring all day today with 1-2” of rain but the plants are nice and happy inside of the hoop! Starting to pick up the speed now
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Thursday, May 6
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The plants are looking amazing. I’d say this is the best start I’ve ever had.
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Sunday, May 9
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The 1215 young and 1552 young are now down and running! A week or so ahead of last year. Feeling good. 1184.5s will be down by tomorrow! I have to make some decisions soon. 1215 on left and 1552 on right
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Sunday, May 9
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My own 1184.5s! Very happy with them and they are the most aggressive. That one on the right is pushing hard!
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Sunday, May 9
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I can’t believe the vine thickness on her.. she grew out of a double and is flexing her muscles! I’ll choose her over the other right now. I’ve never had a plant like this out of the gate
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Sunday, May 9
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Keep it up 1184.5 :)
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Friday, May 14
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We’re all in it now! I made the decisions today! I chose the 1215 over the 1552 pounder and I chose the better looking 1184.5 pounder as the other was a double. Let’s go! No going back. Shown here is my 1184.5!
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Friday, May 14
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Shown here is the 1215 young!
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Saturday, May 15
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The secondary’s are starting to take off on my 1184.5. Something the plants have lacked previous years. Best start I’ve ever had. She’s 5+ feet
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Saturday, May 15
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Last year on May 15th compared to this year! A week plus ahead. I’m feeling good about this year.
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Sunday, May 16
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Grow baby grow! 1184.5
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Sunday, May 16
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Gorgeous leaves
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Sunday, May 16
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This secondary is getting long. I’m starting to bury the main vine now
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Sunday, May 16
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Sunday, May 16
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1215 young is joining the party!
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Sunday, May 16
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The secondary’s are starting to move on the 1215
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Sunday, May 16
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No complaints on the leaves
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Tuesday, May 18
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The plants are free! It’s off to the races now! I’m ahead from last year by over a week and I couldn’t be any happier on how the plants are looking! It won’t be long now
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Tuesday, May 25
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Came home from a 3 day vacation and wow! The plants took off especially my 1184.5. Those secondary’s grew a few feet at least! I’m impressed
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Tuesday, May 25
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She’s a beauty. Grow baby grow!
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Tuesday, May 25
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1215 young looking good! Secondary’s a bit slower. She’s around 9-10 ft now
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Thursday, May 27
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My 1184.5 is looking amazing. The secondary’s are now taking off with some rain
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Friday, June 4
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Pumpkin update! My 1184.5 is just cruising. We’re about 2 weeks ahead from last year!
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Friday, June 4
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A perfect plant so far. Aiming to pollinate June 15-20th. I want a big plant behind the pumpkin
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Friday, June 4
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This secondary is really impressing me on my 1184.5. I buried her 2 days ago and she has grown 2 feet since. A foot a day!
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Friday, June 4
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1215 young looking good! Slower than the 1184.5 but she’s going to fill in nicely
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Monday, June 7
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My 1184.5 is blowing me away. What a gorgeous plant
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Monday, June 7
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1 week ago on my 1184.5
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Monday, June 7
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Today! Wow.. she really took off. 90+ degrees last 3 days but the key is misting them every 15 min!
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Wednesday, June 9
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First pollination of the season on the way tomorrow, June 10th on my 1184.5! Exactly 2 months since I started the seeds! 18 feet out or so with 19 secondary’s behind her. I continue to be amazed with this plant. If lobes are good she may have to be my keeper! Perfect vine positioning. Stay tuned!
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Wednesday, June 9
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Huge thanks to Ron Wallace! This evening I went down to his patch to get some 2183 Mendi males for my pollination on my 1184.5 tomorrow! I can’t thank Ron enough for having some for me! Definitely means a lot as I want to get some heavy, solid genetics in my 1184.5! Ron has some amazing looking plants for this time of year. Keep it up Ron! Very excited to pollinate tomorrow!
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Thursday, June 10
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First pollination this morning on my 1184.5 and I couldn’t be happier! 18 feet out with 19 strong secondary’s behind. I perfect 5 lober. Pollinated with 3 males off the 2183 Mendi! Earliest I’ve pollinated and I plan to keep her if she takes! Thanks again to Ron Wallace for the males! Let’s hope she takes.
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Thursday, June 10
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Thursday, June 10
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Plenty of 2183 Mendi pollen for her!
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Sunday, June 13
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And it begins on the 1184.5! Sticking with her! Not backing down. She’s in it for the long run now. 3 days old today and she’s looking good.
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Thursday, June 17
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We have touchdown this evening on my 1184.5! 7 days old. Won’t be long until she starts to take off! Let’s do this.
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Wednesday, June 30
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My sergery went well I am just recovering now but still in some pain. Will hopefully be all better soon
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Tuesday, July 6
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I am out of the hospital and feeling better! Still a long road to full recovery but we will get there. Thank you all for your support over the past week. It was a very hard week. Thank you to all the healthcare workers that helped me. They deserve a ton of credit and honestly don’t get enough
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Sunday, July 11
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A sad day. Today I got home from recovering from surgery being away in Maine for a week. I’ve only been in my patch 2 times in nearly two weeks and came home to a soaked patch with disease! It’s disappointing and sad but I found several secondary’s with wilted leaves on the 1215 young with lots of rot. The weather is the culprit as it hasn’t stopped raining for weeks now with barely any sun. I believe phytophera could’ve been the disease as I recognized the wilting and thought back to 2017 and 2018 when I had phytophera. The pumpkin on the 1215 hadn’t grown at all so I’d figure it’s best to pull the plant and not risk it spreading to my 1184. My 1184.5 is my last hope! No wilted leaves so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. The pumpkin has some significant rot on the stem so I will try my best to dry it out but it’s not looking so good. You just can’t dry things out with no sun and rain. Another inch or two tonight! She has an estimated weight of 215 pounds at 31 days old. The worst numbers I’ve ever had but I will not give up!! If I can dry her out we have a chance at getting something to the scales! Certainly disappointed though. I had a fantastic start to the season but the weather prevented the great start from continuing. I had hope..
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Sunday, July 11
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Staying hopeful
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Friday, July 16
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It’s over! There was just too much rot to save my 1184.5. I went into the season with the best start that I’ve ever had. With the weather turning and surgery it didn’t make things easy and unfortunately brought my best start to an end. This unfortunately looks to be my last year as I don’t have anywhere to grow next year. I didn’t want to end like this.
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Wednesday, July 21
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Never give up! Hmmm
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Friday, July 23
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Here we go! I pollinated the 1184.5 this morning and I couldn’t be any happier having a second chance. A perfect 3 lober. Just a week ago I thought my season was over but a week later today we are back in it and I am not giving up!! 70 days until the Topsfield fair. Let’s freakin do this
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Friday, July 23
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Saturday, July 24
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A perfect example of how luck is not on my side this year. I go to pollinate my second chance pumpkin yesterday and I get hail damage a few hours later. Never have I seen hail before. This year is not meant to be. Several leaves worse than this
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Wednesday, July 28
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Pollinated a 3rd chance this morning and another on Friday! But hmmm… I have 3 going on tertiarys that are growing pretty good at 5 days and the lobes are much better than this 3 lober. I’m not being picky and i will go with anything at this point but I’d like to not have a wacky 3 lober when I have some perfect ones. (All on tertiarys) Fridays looks iffy too. Hmm. I have decisions to make soon. I didn’t think I’d get all these to pop up
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Wednesday, July 28
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One of the 5 day old ones! All in Middle of plant
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Wednesday, July 28
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Another
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Wednesday, July 28
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Another
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Thursday, July 29
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We got one! Wow. I couldn’t be any more happier right now. I made the decision this morning to go with a pumpkin in the middle of the plant. They were all on tertiarys and for 6 days old I had to go for one of them! It’s pretty nuts. About A week after I lost my 1st one I had a bunch of tertiarys pop with pumpkins. Went with this one as it had a nice long vine and nice shape and is growing good! Going to be interesting with tons of energy surrounding it. Plenty of plant behind this baby!! Never give up. I could’ve thrown in the towel weeks ago and planted mustard but no. I didn’t want to give up. Today marks change in the patch! 63 days until the Topsfield fair. Let’s get her on a scale!
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Thursday, July 29
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Big surgery done on the main vine a few days ago. I found lots of rot but scraped the crap out of it. So far it’s looking good! Just keep the sun coming and we’ll be good
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Thursday, July 29
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Plenty of plant behind this baby!
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Saturday, July 31
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World Record butternut squash plant is looking amazing. I’m coming for your WR Chris
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Saturday, July 31
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2 day old butternut
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Saturday, July 31
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This will be my keeper with 18 secondary’s behind her and a few tertiarys to fill in the spaces
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Monday, August 2
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Happy August! Some big decisions today in the patch! I couldn’t be any happier that I’ve gotten these multiple chances after what has been an awful year for me. I think things are finally starting to turn around. A few days ago I set up a pumpkin in the middle of the plant. I left another on just to see what it would do and it’s impressing me. Both of them are. I had to make the decision to cull one and go with the pumpkin I set up a few days ago but no! I’m going to grow two pumpkins on this 800 SF plant! Why not? My goal this year is to just get one on a scale so growing two gives me better odds. This is going to be fun to watch and I’m interested to see the potential of these two! Both are currently the biggest day 9s I have ever had. I’m getting excited. Big turnaround. Stay tuned!
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Sunday, August 8
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What a shame! I lost one of my pumpkins tonight due to rot I found and it was just too deep. Would’ve never made it! There’s a reason I chose to grow two though! I still have one and it’s looking amazing at 16 days old! It’s been a really tough season and I’m thankful I’ve gotten all these chances but it would be devastating to lose all these chances. I need to get this pumpkin I still have left on a scale! Let’s do this
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Sunday, August 8
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Ugh!
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Sunday, August 8
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I’m not done!!! Keep on trucking! 1 more chance! I’ve had to many chances I can’t lose this one
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Thursday, August 12
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My 1184.5 has reached dap 20 and she has an estimated weight of 60 pounds! Very happy on how she’s growing and am absolutely loving the color! 49 days until the Weigh off. Let’s squeeze in all we can in the next 49 days!
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Thursday, August 12
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Thursday, August 12
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Friday, August 13
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Giant butternut squash is 14 days old today! I’m doing something that I believe is a first for a butternut squash! I’m going to grow her on a scale! With no chart to estimate them I want to see how much these things can grow a day! 14 days old and weighs approximately 19 pounds! Gained 5” in circumference in the last 24 hours. The plant is nearing 400 SF and all secondary’s will be terminated in less than a week. I’m coming for your WR Chris Brown
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Friday, August 13
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She’s getting long!!
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Friday, August 13
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Butternut plant. Plenty of energy behind her!
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Friday, August 13
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My 1184.5 was 20 days old yesterday and estimated at 60 pounds! Very happy
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Friday, August 13
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She’s gonna be tall!
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Friday, August 13
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Giant sunflowers looking good! This one is the tallest at 14-15+ feet and still going. I’m 6 feet
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Monday, August 16
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Grow em big! Giant butternut squash is 18 days old and half way to breaking some records. Stay tuned!
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Wednesday, August 18
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55.5 Brown giant butternut squash is 20 days old and getting huge. 44 days until she gets weighed!
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Sunday, August 29
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The shoulders on my butternut continue to thicken up! She’s not slowing down. 33 days left!
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Sunday, August 29
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Sunday, August 29
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Sunday, August 29
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Monday, August 30
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PUMPKIN UPDATE- It’s been awhile since I’ve updated on the 1184.5. She’s hanging in there! It’s been a very challenging season this year for me. First the weather in July and then a sudden surgery at the end of July which took weeks to recover and still recovering from it. Nothing has seemed to go right. After I lost the 1215 young from Phytophera I was convinced I’d lose my 1184.5. I believe this is my 3rd shot at a pumpkin on this plant. I didn’t want to give up and it’s definitely starting to pay off. She’s estimated at 220 pounds at 38 days old on a tertiary. Averaging 7-10 pounds a day. Way below of where I’d normally be but I don’t care one bit. Getting her to the scales would be a huge win in my books. I somehow was able to save the main vine and it’s all dried up but I will continue to have fans blowing on it until the day of harvest. I don’t want to take any chances and with 4-6+ inches of rain on Thursday it could get ugly fast. The plant has taken a beating this year and I don’t expect much plant to be left after Thursday but I’m going to keep pushing her! Definitely a very tough plant that wants to keep fighting. 32 days left until she hits the scales.
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Sunday, September 5
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Butternut squash comparison. This thing continues to really thicken up by the shoulders! 26 days until the she gets weighed!
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Sunday, September 5
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Really thickening up!
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Friday, September 10
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With just 20 days to go until the Topsfield Fair Weigh off I’m not wasting any time to try to break the World Record. Pushing her hard for the final 20 days!! 44 days old today and still pretty green. Let’s do this.
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Friday, September 10
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Monday, September 13
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Hoop house collapsed last night during a thunderstorm. Decent amount of damage. I’m just about done with this year and will try again next year. What a terrible year. Butternut still intact but not much growth left in it and honestly don’t think it will have enough in it for the WR.
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Monday, September 13
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It was a tough morning but with bamboo sticks I was able to prop the leaves that got crushed by the hoop house and it’s looking better than ever. Was very lucky there wasn’t more damage and the butternut was a few inches away from getting hit hard with the PVC. Butternut is 47 days old and still green. Not giving up! Let’s do this
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Monday, September 13
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Very close call on the butternut
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Monday, September 13
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Not giving up! 18 days until the Topsfield Fair and I’m going for the World Record. Butternut in my hand for comparison
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Thursday, September 16
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I took down my giant sunflower today and it came in at 17 feet 7”! My old personal best and state record was 17 feet 5”! Just barely beat it by 2”. Couldn’t be any happier by breaking my previous state record and setting a new Massachusetts State Record!
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Saturday, September 25
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Just 5 days until harvest on my 1184.5! This year has been my biggest success in the 6 years I’ve been growing and it may seem odd that I’m saying that with how the season has gone. This pumpkin is a real special one. Back in May I had my best start I’ve ever had and thought that would lead to my best year yet. Instead Major Surgery in Late June/early July forced me out of the patch for several weeks. While I was in the hospital the weather turned real bad and July was a mess with over 15” of rain. I lost the 1215 young due to disease and was convinced I’d lose my 1184.5. I lost a few leaves due to the disease but then it stopped.. I do not know how. The pumpkin then rotted due to rot through the stem. I then pollinated another but then I accidentally dropped a board on it. I then try to find any 3rd chances and after I week of losing the first one there were 3 that popped up on tertiarys in the middle of the plant. I went with 2 and then I lost 1 out of the two making that 3 that I lost! This pumpkin right here was the only one that survived and with major issues with the main vine and disease pressure I somehow was able to keep this one alive. I call it a miracle. Never give up!!! My 1184.5 has been through it all this year and showed it didn’t want to give up. The biggest success I’ve had. I’m absolutely pumped to have a pumpkin for the Topsfield Fair! She’s estimated at 305 pounds. Let’s get her on the scale!
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Saturday, September 25
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Beauty
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Saturday, September 25
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Saturday, September 25
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Giant butternut is 58 Days old today and still green and putting on the pounds! The ribs continue to really thicken up and I am just amazed by it. She doesn’t want to turn brown and I believe the reason why is because the plant health. She’s got a ways to go!
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Saturday, September 25
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Saturday, September 25
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Insane
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Saturday, September 25
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Saturday, September 25
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Grow baby grow!
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Thursday, September 30
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This is how I transport my giant sunflowers! On the weather mobile. She’s headed to the Topsfield Fair in just a few hours at over 17 feet! Wooooo
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Thursday, September 30
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Thursday, September 30
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I have done it! I can’t believe it. This season was the toughest I have ever faced. Major surgery in late June on top of 15” of rain in July with splitting vines all over the place. I don’t know how I did it but I somehow managed to get this beauty to the end on my 4th attempt. This thing was grown on a tertiary and is estimated at over 300 pounds. I easily could’ve given up but nope! I knew I had to get something to the finish line and here we are. It’s not my biggest but it’s my biggest accomplishment yet in the 6 years I’ve been growing. I’m headed to the Topsfield Fair tomorrow for the 3rd consecutive year! Thank you all for your support this season! It helped drive me to the end. I’m absolutely pumped.
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Thursday, September 30
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Thursday, September 30
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Friday, October 1
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Friday, October 1
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My pumpkin has made it into the Arena at the Topsfield Fair! She will get weighed in a few hours. Absolutely pumped to have a pumpkin
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Friday, October 1
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I did it! This was such a tough year but I didn’t give up and got a pumpkin to the scales at 325.5 pounds! I’m incredibly happy! Thank you all for your support this season!
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Friday, October 1
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So happy. My brother next to me
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Friday, October 1
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Friday, October 1
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Friday, October 1
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Friday, October 1
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Alex Noel with the winning pumpkin at 2092 pounds!
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Thursday, October 7
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2 days away.. I will attempt to break the World Record for largest butternut squash ever grown! Current record is 82 pounds and I think I have a serious shot. This thing is a beast. 70 days old today and STILL growing! I’m loading it with potassium every day and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. The second to last image shows parts of the shoulders just bulging out in spots! You’ll know what I mean. Just insane. She doesn’t want to stop. Stay tuned!
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Thursday, October 7
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That potassium really helping!
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Friday, October 8
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Tomorrow’s the day. Harvest in the morning. Headed to Frerichs Farm in RI. Let’s break this damn world record. (82 pounds) STAY TUNED!
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Saturday, October 9
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Butternut squash loaded up and ready to head to Frerichs Farm in RI! Whatever happens, happens. I’ll be happy with anything. Stay tuned!
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Saturday, October 9
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What a disappointment. My giant butternut squash came in at 65.5 pounds. MUCH lighter than what it seemed like in the patch. I’m disappointed but will try again next year! It was a tough year with surgery etc. I will get the WR next year!
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Saturday, October 9
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I am proud. My first attempt and it was such a tough year with surgery etc and the weather. Very happy!
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Saturday, October 9
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:)
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Saturday, October 9
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Saturday, October 9
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Sunday, October 10
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What a year. Thank you all so much for your support this season. This was my 6th year of growing giants and it was by far the toughest season I’ve ever faced. Everything took a turn for the worst in Late June/July starting with my surgery but I didn’t let that stop me and I did not give up! I knew I needed to get to the end with something and here I am. A 325.5 pound pumpkin on a tertiary and the 6th biggest butternut squash ever grown in the world at 65.5 pounds. I seriously couldn’t of done this without all of your support this season. I will tell you this. Never give up even if you think there is no chance at getting to the end. YOU make the decision on if you will get something to the end. It’s all about staying positive as much as you can and perseverance. I don’t plan to stop and I will be back at it in the spring growing these beasts and I already have BIG plans. Thank you all so much for your support in a tough season.
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Friday, December 31
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Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! It’s been a long time since I last posted. Over Christmas Eve I cut open my butternut squash and cooked her up!
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Friday, December 31
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The oven was packed!
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Friday, December 31
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Dressing with my own maple syrup!
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Friday, December 31
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Tasted absolutely amazing! Freezing over 10 gallons
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Friday, December 31
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Friday, December 31
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I got hundreds of seeds! Free for everyone! Just send me a bubble and their yours! Email me if interested
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Friday, December 31
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Every year I put on a huge Christmas display! I started this years display at the end of October and flipped the switch November 27th! I blew last year out of the water with 20,000 lights and won the community’s light contest! I also made the National and local news with the lights
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Friday, December 31
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Friday, December 31
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Friday, December 31
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Friday, December 31
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Drone shot!
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Friday, December 31
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Friday, December 31
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A display to remember
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Friday, December 31
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I invited the entire town of Topsfield to come see the lighting reveal! Over 75 people showed up!
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