An Update from Laguna Hills Nursery and Orange County Farm Supply

Good morning, Growers!

These images of the vines and pumpkins growing at Laguna Hills Nursery on Jeronimo in Lake Forest, and Orange County Farm Supply on Chapman in Orange (both are sponsors of Pumpkinmania and giant pumpkin growing workshops), were taken on the afternoon of July 11th. As you can see, both vines and pumpkins are doing very well. Chris Roy and his staff at Orange County Farm Supply just put a pallet underneath their biggest fruit.

It's shaping up into a great season!

Keep those images and input coming!

Stuart

Farmer Boys, Inc. fastaurant chain is added to our list of Pumpkinmania sponsors!

Good morning, Growers!

I am very pleased to announce that Santa Ana location of Farmer Boys, Inc., Southern California fastaurants, will be participating as a Hospitality Sponsor for this year's Pumpkinmania Giant Pumpkin & Weigh-off! I very excited to have them aboard, and I look forward to working with them in the future. So, when you have a chance, please visit www.farmerboys.com, and if you happen to dine at their Santa Ana location, please mention that you're a giant pumpkin grower!

Have a great day!

Stuart

The Rockwells' Rosie in Mission Viejo

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

This just in from the Rockwells in Mission Viejo. Thank you very much for your images, the link to the weight estimator, and your update on 'Rosie'. She looks great! I am glad to see you already placed her on a pallett, looks like you're going to need it!


Sincerely,
Stuart

"Hi, It's the Rockwells from Mission Viejo again. We just wanted to show you Rosie's progress so far. These pictures were taken Sunday, July 9th. Her measurements were taken today, July 11th.

Here is the website we are using to see how big she is getting. http://www.geocities.com/sogpg/Estimator-Final.html

Circumference: 51"
Over the Top: 36"
Side to Side: 36"
Estimated weight: 46.61 pounds

The Beginning

Good afternoon, Growers!

I had some requests for some images of the biggest fruit on my vine that show scale/relative size. This is an image from yesterday morning, July 8th.

So far, so good!

Now the fun REALLY begins.

I am looking forward to seeing and reading about how your efforts are coming along this season! Please e-mail me your pictures, comments, input, triumphs and tragedies at: sbs33@cornell.edu

Have a great week!

Stuart

The Dog Days of Summer: Gardening Tip

(USDA Historical Photo Archive)

Hello, Growers!

The 2006 Old Farmer's Almanac says that the Dog Days of summer last from July 3rd to August 11th this year. These are normally the hottest and least healthy days of the year. They are called the Dog Days because of the Dog Star, Sirius and its movements this time of year.

So, keep hydrated when you're out in your patch, and try to accomplish heavy, physical activity in the cool of the morning or early evening.

Aloha,

Stuart

At The Ranch, Orange County Fairgrounds

(Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, WPA Poster Collection)

Good morning, Growers!

I thought you might be interested in a small vegetable garden that I'm working on together with Janis Parkinson and Charles Arnold at The Ranch, at the Orange County Fairgrounds. If you happen to visit the Orange County Fair this year, please stop by. We're growing tomatoes, eggplant, bush beans, bell peppers, and cantaloupe through an arrangement with the Fair, on two 12' x 12', adjacent plots.

Of course, in the Demonstration Gardens at The Ranch, near the green painted chuckwagon, there are two giant pumpkin vines! One of them already has a volleyball-size fruit on it, which should be a basketball-size fruit by the time the Fair opens this Friday!

Aloha,
Stuart

Photgraphed and Hand-Pollinated by Bill D in Solana Beach!

Greetings, Growers!

I received this great close-up image of Bill D's. giant pumpkin, in Solana Beach, with the following message:

"Hi Stuart,
I am not impressed with many things, but I had to "Consider the beauty of the female pumpkin flower" after enlarging the photo (hand pollinated on July 1).
Regards.....Bill"

Thank you very much!

Stuart

Update from Huntington Beach

Good afternoon, Growers!

Here are a couple views of my pumpkin vine that's growing in Huntington Beach. Top to bottom, I've got some male flowers, some female flowers, and I think a very promising fruit. Note the afternoon stress in the tips of some of the vines. I'm doing some supplementary watering, just to keep the soil moist.

Aloha,
Stuart

Fertilizing Continues

(Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA-OWI Collection, LC-USF35-580)

Good afternoon, Growers!

This is a critical time for giant growers to continue their fertilizing schedules. I use Neptune's Harvest Organic Fish and Seaweed Blend fertilizer in a soil drench, 1 ounce per gallon, usually 4 gallons of applied, every 5-7 days. In addition, I incorporated Dr. Earth's Fruit and Vegetable fertilizer into my mound for a longer-term, time-released effect. That said, the best fertilizer is the gardener's shadow.

It looks like we're having a slight cooling trend over the next few days, so monitor your watering. The hot weather of the past few weeks seems to have also kept the powdery mildew at bay so far this season in Huntington Beach.

Have a great afternoon!

Stuart

The La Mirada Pumpkins

Good morning, Growers!

Remember the effort in La Mirada by the Martin Family? Here's a photo update. There's been a lot of change. Healthy looking vines, leaves and flowers!

Have a safe and relaxing Fourth of July!
Stuart

Setting Fruit: Giant Pumpkin Vine Life Cycles

(USDA Historical Photo)

Good morning, Growers!

I have been receiving reports from all over Southern California that many growers' giant pumpkin vines are setting fruit! This means that they have already seen male flowers on their vines, and after 4-7 days, the emergence of female flowers. The female flowers are the ones that look like there's a small marble underneath the blossom. This also brings up the fact that all pumpkins are female. They have the seeds, they have the ability to reproduce, they are female. So, since many of you will soon have pumpkins of your own, you may want to start thinking about a suitable name for them. From a botanical standpoint, that would be a female name. This is only a suggestion, you certainly can name your pumpkin anything you would like.

This season's hot weather has certainly encouraged a lot of vine and leaf growth for most growers. This growth, in turn, has encouraged more pumpkins to start setting fruit, and earlier than in the past couple of seasons. I expect some serious contenders in October!

When you have a chance, please stop by Laguna Hills Nursery and Orange County Farm Supply to look at the their vines. I visited Laguna Hills Nursery last week-end, and Gary Matsuoka's vines are doing outstanding. I counted 5 baby giant pumpkins on the vine near the flagpole in the front of the parking lot. I received a call from Chris Roy of Orange County Farm Supply yesterday, and he told me that he's very excited by how well his vine is doing so far. Thank you very much to Gary and Chris for their participation, as always!

It looks like the hot weather is continuing so monitor your soil conditions!

Have a great week-end!

Stuart

Sean in Costa Mesa's Vine and Flowers!

Good morning, Growers!

Sean in Costa Mesa, a second-year grower sent in these images of his vine and flowers. They're a little tough to see, but Sean has some healthy male flowers already blooming! Sean also reports that during his daily inspections, he's been noticing rapid leaf and vine growth (6"-10", depending on weather).

Well done, Sean, and thank you very much for sending in your pictures!
Stuart

Growing Giant Pumpkins in Containers:A Report from Bill in Solana Beach

Good morning, Growers!

Bill D. in Solana Beach was very kind to send me the following message and images of the giant pumpkin he's growing at work!

Hi Stuart,

Remember me with the 35 year old Dill pumpkin seeds? (San Diego, Solano Beach workshop)
I didn't have the space in my yard for planting a giant pumpkin, so at work, I made a mix of 2 bags of steer manure and the balance with potting soil. Drilled some holes in the bottom of the plastic 55 gal drum, installed a ¼ inch water drip, and planted 3 seeds. VOILA! They popped right up. I gave 2 away to friends, and kept this one. It's one month old.
Plans are (if I'm lucky) to grow a good sized pumpkin on the table with wheels next to the drum. For the Halloween season, roll it to the lunch room for the girls to carve a jack-o-lantern.
Wish me luck!
Bill

Truly, necessity is the mother of invention. Thank you very much for sending in your pictures, Bill!

Sincerely,

Stuart

More Hot Weather This Week-end!

(USDA Historical Photo)

Good morning, Growers!

It looks like we're in for another hot week-end...in the low 90s inland, and 80s near the beach. So, keep an eye your vines, and make sure that they don't get too stressed over the next few days.

Aloha,

Stuart

First Day of Summer: The Research, Work and Play Continues

(USDA Photo)

Good morning, Growers!

Yes, the summer of 2006 begins today. The weather's really been very cooperative so far this season. If you'll recall, the last couple of Junes were very gloomy, so it's a welcome change. If anything, the challenge this season is keeping the pumpkins well-watered.

This Saturday and Sunday is The 10th Annual International Gourd Art Festival in Fallbrook, CA. The website address is: www.gourdfestival.com for directions, hours, and other details. The festival takes place under a sun-dappled grove of oak trees. There are many workshops, hula and Polynesian dance performances, and even open-air wine tastings. You'll be amazed at what people create from gourds!

Aloha,

Stuart

Garden Event Calendars



(A.D. Perry and Company, 1887, Syracuse, NY)






Good morning, Growers!

In my ongoing effort to help raise awareness of Pumpkinmania, I have been busy listing our October 22nd event on various garden event calendars. The biggest so far is the National Gardening Association's webite: http://nationalgardenmonth.org/eventCalendar/, and iVillage's Garden Web: http://www.gardencalendar.com. If you have any input on other websites that might also work, please e-mail me. Thank you! Stuart

The Ides of June


(USDA Historical Photo Archives, President Hoover and Pumpkin)

Good afternoon, Growers!

The warm days of June have arrived. My vine's roughly 7 feet long, and putting on 8"-12" per day, once the sun arrives in the early afternoon. My only dilemma is I believe I have a 'double' vine. Normally, I would simply plant a new seedling, but I'm committed at this point, plus, I don't have any back-up seedlings.

I'll keep you informed.

Have a great afternoon, and watch those water levels!
Stuart

John Gerdes: Midway City, 2004

Good morning, Growers!

I came across this image of John Gerdes' mound in 2004, and thought it was very educational. One of the issues facing giant pumpkin growers is soil compaction. Please note the pieces of plywood to help prevent compacting of the soil around the mound and plant.

Have a great week-end!

Stuart

Watering Tips!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

The great weather continues.

I've noticed my vine has been getting droopy leaves in the early afternoon, say 2:00 p.m. or so. This is not good for June. I'd be more understanding if it was late August or early September, and the temperature was 100 degrees in the shade.

So, I've increased my watering to 30 minutes of soaker hose time, at about 6:00 a.m., daily. I'll let you know how it goes.

Have a great afternoon!
Stuart

Sunny Weather!

(NOAA/National Oceanic Atomospheric Administration, Half Moon Bay, CA, October 2003)


Finally, a few days of sunshine to counteract The Gloom of late! I'm getting good reports from growers throughout Southern California and Hawaii. So far, no tragedies, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Aloha,
Stuart

The New Pioneers of Giant Pumpkin Cultivation: Largest Giant Pumpkin Growing Site in Southern California Established in Lake Elsinore

(Chicago Daily News Negative Collection, DN-0000523, Courtesy of The Chicago Historical Society, published 1902)

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

I am very happy to announce that my long-time and very good friend, Stanley Szymczyk has just started 6 mounds of giant pumpkins in Lake Elsinore. These 6, in addition to the 3 mounds he has already, bring his total number of mounds, to 9! Because of his excellent weather conditions and previous growing experience, we can expect some very big pumpkins. Stanley's given me permission to publish his growing site address so you can stop by if you're in the area: 27297 Lindell Road, Lake Elsinore, CA.

Good luck to Stanley!

Aloha,
Stuart

The 2006 Pumpkinmania International Haiku Prize for Poetry

Contest Rules & Details

The 2006 Pumpkinmania International Haiku Prize for Poetry is open to any and all members of the giant pumpkin growing public, anywhere in the world.
Poems are judged based on originality, creativity, and artistic quality.
Poem guidelines: Although different syllable patterns are valid forms of haiku, to be eligible for the prize, your haiku must consist of three (3) lines of five (5), seven (7), and five (5) syllables.
For example:

Spring starts the season
The pumpkin vine grows quickly
Bees dance in sunlight

Entries for The 2006 Pumpkinmania International Haiku Prize for Poetry are open until 12:00 midnight PST, Friday, October 20th, 2006.
E-mail your submission to: sbs33@cornell.edu
Judges regret that they cannot return poems or offer comments on individual entries.
All decisions made by the judges are final.
Entries must be authored by only one (1) poet.
Each poet may submit one (1) entry only.
Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third places.
Winners will be notified via e-mail or telephone, and will be announced on the Pumpkinmania web log: http://www.pumpkinmania.blogspot.com/ , and at The 2006 Pumpkinmania! Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest, October 22, 2006. Winning poems will be published on the Pumpkinmania web log.
Winners retain full copyright of their work after publication.
Additions or subtractions of these rules may be made at the full discretion of The 2006 Pumpkinmania International Haiku Prize for Poetry at any time.
The 2006 Pumpkinmania International Haiku Prize for Poetry, its agencies, affiliates, sponsors or representatives absolve themselves of any liability, financial or otherwise, resulting from this contest. Entrants must agree to these rules and terms to be eligible to win.
There are no entry fees for the contest. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. All rights reserved.

The Objective

While we wait for sunny weather, I thought a picture of Ron Sallinger's 2005, 413 pounder, 'Chuck', on the forks of Brian Smith's Crainco Crane Service's, Gradall, driven, coincidentally by Chuck, might be amusing. Please note the use of a wooden pallet to facilitate transport, loading, and unloading. 'Chuck' also won for Best Color.

Have a great week-end, Stuart

Photo Essay: The La Mirada Pumpkins!

The Martin Family of La Mirada shared these images of their recent mound preparation and seedling transplanting. I wish my mound looked as good as theirs! Note the placement of the mound in a corner. The walls will reflect heat and light on to their mound and growing area. I also think the walls may even keep the soil warmer by acting as heat sinks.

You can also see that they're also growing mammoth sunflowers. The Martins' garden theme for 2006 is "GIANT".

Thank you very much, and please keep your updates and pictures coming!

Stuart

The Weather...

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

The weather for the balance of the week should be in the 80s-90s depending on where you grow in Southern California, with a slight cooling trend.

Keep an eye on those seedlings/vines, they're probably going to need less water than last week, but more than last year or the year before.

I am happy to report that my seedling is just beginning to vine. Specifically, that means it's about 20" long, still not touching the ground.

Have a great week!
Stuart

Another Giant Pumpkin Exhibition Site in Hawaii!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Is it just me, or are your seedlings doubling in size every 36-48 hours because of the great weather we've been having? In fact, I've lengthened the watering time in Huntington Beach from 15 minutes a day to 30 minutes a day, starting at 5:00 a.m., in order to address some of the early to late afternoon heat stress I've noticed with my plant.

My father, Casey, is growing a giant pumpkin seedling/vine in Kula on the island of Maui. The giant pumpkin cultivation is just part of a 6-acre farm that also grows coffee, proteas, and even some koa trees. During the coffee season, he also runs farm tours for local and tourist groups.

Here's the web address for Shim Farm Tours:

http://www.shimfarmtour.com/

I don't know if the giant pumpkin seedling and soon to be vine will be featured on the farm tour so you may have to ask about it! Then, perhaps it will.

Please stop by if you're going to Maui this summer or early fall!

Aloha,
Stuart

Another Mound, Another Grower: San Juan Capistrano

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Saturday afternoon, I helped an old friend of mine, Michael Altstatt plant some giant pumpkin seedlings in his backyard in San Juan Capistrano. Because of gophers, we lined the sides and bottom of the hole we dug with chicken wire, and then put up a 3' high chicken wire fence around his finished mound. This is Michael and his family's first time to grow giant pumpkins. So, perhaps we overdid the gopher security a bit. We'll see. They can be very challenging.

The Old Farmer's Almanac indicated that Saturday, May 27th, was the beginning of a new lunar cycle so Michael's timing was impeccable.

The warming weather this week is nearly ideal for encouraging that initial growth spurt from seedling to vine. The Old Farmer's Almanac also mentioned that the time to begin fertilizing is once your vine is 1 foot tall. So, it should be getting close to begin your fertilizing programs!

Have a great week!
Stuart

Powdery Mildew Treatments


Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

A number of workshop attendees inquired about what to do about the scourge of the Pacific Coast, powdery mildew.

I did a little research in the archives, and found this gem for you:

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnpowderymildewvegetables.pdf

Have a great morning!,
Stuart

New Giant Pumpkin Exhibition Patch in Hawaii!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

I have received word from my cousin Michelle in Honolulu, that her giant pumpkin seeds have sprouted. So, there will be another giant pumpkin exhibition patch this season!

Please stop by if you happen to visit Honolulu during the next few months, (maybe longer since the great weather should extend Michelle's vine's life.) I suggest calling first, just in case.

Ishiharaya
94-101 Waipahu Depot Road
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-3175

Ishiharaya, famous for its signature line of Plantation Tea Cookies (senbei), was originally founded in 1920, making it one of the oldest businesses still in operation in Honolulu. Michelle is the official spokesperson and her boyfriend Ira is responsible for making their cookies and is also the grandson of the founders of Ishiharaya. (I know that whenever I see Michelle, she always has something very delicious and creative to eat with her from the store.)

The warm weather is having an almost magical effect on the growth of my seedlings, I hope it's having the same effect on yours!

Aloha,
Stuart

Many seedlings, many workshops!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

I am extremely happy to report that the 2006 giant pumpkin growing workshop season ended on a great high note, last Saturday! Thank you very much to all the enthusiastic and interested giant pumpkin growers that attended this year's workshops!

The workshops at Orange County Farm Supply and The Los Angeles County Arboretum went very well, with approximately 25+ seedlings given away in total. Plus, two giant pumpkin seedlings were planted in the Organic Garden, located right outside of the gift shop, under the careful eye and care of Marciela Liniero, Horticulturalist at the LA County Arboretum.

Speaking of which, here are the locations for this season's public giant pumpkin sites:

1) The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

2) Descanso Gardens

3) Fullerton Arboretum

4) Laguna Hills Nursery

5) Orange County Farm Supply

So, if you're in the area, or happen to be visiting, please stop by and see how the seedlings/vines are doing.

The warming weather is ideal for those growers who planted their seedlings last week because the cool weather then allowed their seedlings to adapt to their new environments with little temperature stress.

Well, I am looking forward to the next 4-5 months with very great anticipation! Please keep me abreast of your progress, triumphs, and discoveries! My e-mail address is: sbs33@cornell.edu

Let the growing begin!

Aloha,
Stuart

Thank you to Gary Jones of Armstrong Garden Centers!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

As part of this Saturday afternoon's workshop at The Los Angeles County Arboretum, in addition to complimentary giant pumpkin seeds, attendees will also receive a peat pot to germinate (some of) them in through the kind generosity and support of Gary Jones, of Armstrong Garden Centers www.armstronggarden.com Gary and Armstrong Garden Centers are big supporters of Pumpkinmania! and the giant pumpkin workshops too!

So, if you happen to visit an Armstrong Garden Center retailer over the next few months, please be sure to mention Gary's involvement and participation with the Southern California giant pumpkin growing community.

Have a great morning!
Stuart

Team Verizon: Will 2006 Be The Season?

The Team Verizon growers received their seeds May 13th.

Last season, Linda Hales dominated this group with a 110 pound effort named Pammy. Given the high quality of seeds I received from Danny Dill, at Howard Dill Enterprises, www.howarddill.com, this year, there's a chance someone at Verizon with the will and discipline, can unseat Linda.

Have a great morning!
Stuart

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Workshop & University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, Orange County

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

The first giant pumpkin growing workshop ever to be presented at The Huntington Library in San Marino www.huntington.org went well! There were about 25 attendees, and everyone who wanted a giant pumpkin seedling received one. The questions and insights from some veteran pumpkin growers in attendance were particularly helpful. It looks like we'll build on this year's momentum and have another one next season. Ms. Hannah Palmer, the Director of Family Programs, will be trying to grow a very healthy, Rivard, from a 936 pound parent, with the input and advice of her father.

Also, on the morning of May 13th, roughly one dozen 'special' giant pumpkin seedlings were distributed to various UCCE Certified Master Gardeners at the Orange County monthly meeting, with the gracious help of Phil Concan, a fellow master gardener and the owner of Roadkyll Graphics and Screen Printing, and long-time supporter of Pumpkinmania!. I delivered the seedlings last Friday afternoon, and Phil got them safely to the master gardener meeting Saturday morning. They are a very crafty and resourceful group, so I expect some serious entries from them in October.

The last two workshops of the 2006 season will be held this Saturday, May 20th. At 11:00 a.m., I'll be at Orange County Farm Supply, 1826 W. Chapman Avenue, Orange, (714) 978-6500, then, at 2:00 p.m., at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, www.arboretum.org, 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, (626) 821-4623. Again, there will be many more, limited-edition, super premium, pedigreed giant pumpkin seedlings given away than ever before. Plus, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, we'll be planting some seedlings! So, Los Angeles area giant pumpkin aficionados will be able to study, observe, and monitor a vine other than their own through the fall.

Aloha,
Stuart

P.S. I'll be planting my seedling(s) this Tuesday or Wednesday evening, depending on the moon, replete with the Hawaiian planting chant!

Workshop Update/Germinating Your Seeds

Good morning, Pumpkinistas,

Last night, I spoke at the Orange County Organic Gardening Club's May meeting. I was very pleasantly surprised that about 35 members attended. I gave away 12 "pedigreed" giant seedlings to interested and anxious members, and seeds from Paul Rys that are part of his giant orange pumpkin genetics research.

If you're interested in participating, Paul can be reached at:

Mr. Paul Rys (Pronounced ‘Rees’)
P.O. Box 1502
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
(805) 235-1302 (The best time to reach Paul is in the evening.)

(Mr. Rys is conducting a 6-year project to produce giant brilliant orange pumpkins. The pumpkin seeds you’ve received have a 75% chance of producing a giant brilliant orange pumpkin. For pictures of some of Paul’s award-winning pumpkins, please visit: www.flickr.com and search for “beautiful pumpkins” or “Paul Rys”.

In order to keep the seed pure, please plant and keep one final vine, and please keep one half of the seeds from any pumpkin(s) grown for Paul to continue his project in the fall of 2006/winter 2007. Please make sure that no other “Cinderella” pumpkin vines or other “Atlantic Giant” pumpkin vines are within 500’ of your vine. All other cultivation methods for growing giant pumpkins will apply.)

This Saturday I'll be presenting at The Huntington Library, in San Marino, at 10:30 a.m.. If you're in the area, please stop by. Again, I should more giant pumpkin seedlings than ever before to give away.

Finally, if you've been waiting to sprout your giant pumpkin seeds, NOW would be a good time to start. The best lunar seedling transplanting time will be May 16th and 17th. I placed my pre-soaked giant pumpkin seeds for my 2006 growing efforts into their respective peat pots last night at around 9:30 p.m..

Have a great afternoon!
Stuart

Pumpkin Seedling Hawaiian Planting Chants!/Brilliant Orange Giant Pumpkins!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Well, the workshop season is in full swing! Attendance has been outstanding this season. Most recently, which means last Tuesday evening at Laguna Hills Nursery, there were 26 returning and new growers! As I've mentioned before, I have the liberty of having more giant pumpkin seedlings to give away as workshop prizes this season. So, Tuesday evening, 12 seedlings were given away to good homes and gardens.

Over the next few weeks, giant pumpkin growers all over Southern California will be germinating seeds, and then planting seedlings. There is a chant that you may consider using as part of your transplanting ceremony:

He ipu nui!

O hiki ku mauna,

O hiki kua,

Nui maoli keia ipu!

English translation:

A huge pumpkin (gourd)!

Growing like a mountain

To be carried back

Really huge is this pumpkin!

This chant is from a great book titled, Hawaiian and other Polynesian Gourds, by Ernest S. Dodge, Ku Pa'a Publishing, 1995.

I've been approached to participate in a giant pumpkin research project being conducted by Paul Rys, of San Luis Obispo. Paul has been working on creating beautiful orange giant pumpkins for the last 6 years. Paul has shipped me some seeds that will produce bright, beautiful orange pumpkins 75% of the time and is looking for growers that would like to try them. We are looking for between 15-20 growers who are willing to grow one vine this season, and then return the resulting seeds back to Paul. If you go to www.flickr.com and search for beautiful pumpkins, you'll see what I mean. Paul has grown award-winning giant pumpkins for their appearances in the past, and I am happy and excited to be part of this research. Please e-mail me at: sbs33@cornell.edu for details on how you can participate too!

Have a great week-end!
Stuart