Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Southern California Pumpkin Patch



 'Thai Kang Kob' squash

 'Marina di Chioggia' squash


Cucumber beetle attack!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

At a Still Undisclosed Location Somewhere in Southern California-The general growth of the giant pumpkin plants has been reasonable in spite of a fairly aggressive attack by cucumber beetles. Spraying will occur soon. I also transplanted two varieties of squash this morning: 'Marina di Chioggia' and 'Thai Kang Kob'. We'll see how they do. 


 The pumpkin patch now has 4 different varieties, planted in 5 mounds, July 5, 2012

 The 'Atlantic Giant' giant pumpkins have recovered!

 The 'Marina di Chioggia' vines of June 18, 2012 are doing well.

 'Musquee de Provence' seedlings are in.



 The 'Rouge Vif D'estampes' (Cinderella) pumpkins are in.










Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!


I am very happy to report that the cucumber beetle attack has been quelled! All the new leaf and vine growth on all of the giant pumpkins look healthy. This early morning, I transplanted 'Musquee de Provence' and 'Rouge Vif D'estampes' seedlings. Unfortunately, the 'Thai Kang Kob' seedling that I planted June 18th, did not survive, so it was removed. I am grateful that the weather was cooperating splendidly at 6:45 a.m.. It was very cool and overcast, probably in the mid-60s. Fortunately, it's stayed that way so the new transplants will have an extra day to adjust to their very different surroundings. I am hoping that tomorrow will be cool too.


Overall, I am pleased that the giant pumpkin vines are showing some real growth. I also fertilized everything in the patch too. The sandy soil doesn't hold very many nutrients, so I'll be trying to fertilize more often.


I am really looking forward to seeing how some of the new pumpkin varieties do this season. 


July 25, 2012


Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!


I visited the pumpkin patch this afternoon. The good news is that I have a couple of fruit, about the size of a tennis ball on steroids. The unfortunate news is that the heat and lack of water have definitely taken their toll on the varieties that I most recently planted. That is, they are dead. So, back to giant pumpkins!

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Taylors are Back!


The Taylors are Back!

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!


Here's a first. This is the first video update in the history of the Pumpkinmania! blog, a great 6 1/2 minute YouTube video from Stacey and Wendy Taylor!


http://youtu.be/rWmiBh76ieQ


Happy viewing!
Stuart

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The 2012 Pumpkinmania Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest to be held at Tanaka Farms, Irvine, CA



The 2012 Pumpkinmania Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest to be held at Tanaka Farms, Irvine, CA, Sunday, October 28, 2012, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

I am very excited and pleased to announce that The 2012 Pumpkinmania Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest will be held at Tanaka Farms, www.tanakafarms.com, 5380 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, Sunday, October 28, 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.!


The schedule will be:
8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.-Registration of entries
11:30 a.m.-Final weigh-off
12:00-12:30 p.m.-Awards ceremony and thanks!


Because of the anticipated crowds the weigh-off has been moved up half an hour to 11:30 a.m..


Glenn Tanaka and his staff have graciously accepted the honor of hosting this year's event and they are looking forward to bringing Pumpkinmania back to Orange County.