Jack LaRue in Yelm, WA: Here's how!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Do you recall that the legendary grower, Jack LaRue was the celebrity guest speaker at the giant pumpkin workshop at Gordon's Garden Center, in Yelm, WA May 24th? I received these very interesting photos and Jack's comments late last night:

"Hi, Stuart,

Here are a few pictures of our pumpkin plants and ducks. The cups you see in one picture are covering the male flowers before we pollinate. The cups are put on the night before the males open.

Jack"

If you're wondering what role the ducks play in the giant pumpkin growing season, you're not alone. I've asked Jack if they are there to guard the vines, provide fertilizer, or perhaps both. I'll keep you informed!

Here's Jack's response:

"I use the ducks in the off season to de-bug and clear vegetation. So I guess you might call them employees, you may have noticed that child (duckling) labor is permitted in our patch The fertlizer is a bonus."