Hope at 330 pounds

Good afternoon, Growers!

Well, I followed my own instructions. Yes, I put up a small shelter over Hope. This year, fruit set in a relatively shady area of the patch, so until now, shade hasn't been necessary. The only time the sun is shining directly on the pumpkin is noon.

A few growers have remarked that it looks like my leaves are still green and untainted with powdery mildew. Nothing could be further from the truth. (The key is normally taking pictures in the late afternoon or early evening.) The dreaded fungus is aggressively attacking all leaf surfaces.