Meanwhile, back at the rancho, Russ and Christy

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

This update and pictures were received from Russ and Christy, part of Team 6 at the patch complex of Rancho Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano:

"Hi Stuart,

Well July was an exciting month for team 6 "Calabaza Vaqueros". We had to show you all of the crazy products that are "growing" in our shed. The white pumpkin is on plant #1 (1157 K. Companion) it was pollinated 6-27 the circumference is 84" for a weight gain of 171 pounds in July. The orange pumpkin is plant #3 pollinated 6-16 the circumference is 110" (over 9' around) for a weight of 337 pounds. This pumpkin gained 296 pounds in July. This pumpkin is slowing down to about 6 pounds per day. Powdery Mildew appeared this week on the plants. We are trying Green Cure applied with a garden sprayer to combat this plant killer. All growers should be ready to spray at first sight of Powdery Mildew.

Congratulations on the nice pumpkin, Stuart!

Calabaza Vaqueros,

Russ"

Thank you very much for your update! (What's in the JD bottle?) Well done on a great season!

Stuart