Phillipe The Original Restaurant is Latest Sponsor of 

The Pumpkinmania! Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

I am very pleased and proud to announce that the Los Angeles institution, Philippe The Original restaurant, at 1001 Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 628-3781, www.philippes.com,  is the latest sponsor of The Pumpkinmania! Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest! 

Yes, the restaurant credited with creating the French Dip Sandwich in 1903 is joining our sponsors!

If you haven't had one of their French Dip sandwiches, you are missing out on one of the hallmarks of Southern California (and beyond) dining. When you do, please let them know that you found out about them from their support of Pumpkinmania!

 Gary Matusoka of Laguna Hills Nursery, one of the longest supporters of Pumpkinmania!, 

among his usual assortment of unique and very high quality plants and trees

The 2014 World Tour's First Stop!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

The first workshop of the 2014 season at the Orange Farmers and Artisans Market went very well Saturday morning. In spite of technical audio difficulties, attendees were very patient and asked some great questions.

Next on the tour will be Plant World in Escondido, on April 12th!

Giant Pumpkin Observatory

On the look-out!

Giant Pumpkin Observatory is Finished!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

As you are all very aware, giant pumpkin cultivation sometimes requires very specialized knowledge and equipment. In preparation of the 2014 season, I wanted to share some images of the giant pumpkin observatory that I put up this week-end. 

One never knows what's happening out in the garden after dark until now. This is an eight-foot tipi, based on original Native American designs. Surprisingly, it only took about an hour to set it up. It's very sturdy and comfortable inside. Other than a weird insect bite to the eye, there have been no other mishaps sleeping inside of it...

2014 Full Moon Planting Dates

Full Moon, Lick Observatory, August 27, 2009, NASA: C-1968-1314

2014 Season Full Moon Planting Dates

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Happy spring to all! As giant pumpkin growers prepare all over the world for their 2014 season, I thought today would be a good day to inform you of the full moon dates for April, May, June, and July:

• April 15, 2014-Tuesday
• May 14, 2014-Wednesday 
• June 13, 2014-Friday
• July 12, 2014-Saturday (Probably the very latest planting date for 2014.)

Good luck!

The 2014 Pumpkinmania! Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest

Orange County Register Event Listing Has Been Posted!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

After months and several weeks of tense negotiations with Kellogg Garden Products, I am very happy to announce that The 2014 Pumpkinmania! Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off & Contest will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA, USA!

Here's the link for The Orange County Register announcement.

(Please note the extremely positive review someone's already posted.)

With the official start of spring less than 24 hours away, and the first workshop in 11 days, it's time to reflect on your 2013 season and strategize your 2014 season.

Best of luck to you all and may the heaviest pumpkin win!