Note the boards in place to reduce soil compaction...
The Grays are back!
Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!
I always know that the season has begun when I receive the first update from Mike and Susan Gray, veteran competitors and winners of Pumpkinmania:
"Morning Stuart:
We are off and running not in the dirt yet but forthcoming. Until next time 'HAPPY GROWING SEASON TO ALL!' Mike and Susan"
So, the season has begun!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
An update from the Grays:
"Hi Stuart,
Good news, we are in the dirt. Glad to here you are doing well also with your plants.
Until next week, Mike and Susan"
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
Here's the latest from the Grays:
"Good morning Stuart,
This week's update: They are off and growing. How are yours doing? We are loving this weather, how about you? Hope you had a fantastic Father's day.
Until next week, Mike and Susan"
Note the bench for convenient viewing and monitoring of the vine!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
The latest from Mike and Susan Gray:
"Afternoon, Stuart: This weeks' update is the vine is just starting take off. It's about 2 feet in length now... Hope yours is doing well also. I hope everyone makes it through the upcoming heat wave. Until next time. Mike And Susan"
Taking off!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
Here's the latest from the Grays:
"Hi Stuart: As you can tell, we have finally taken off. Looking good. How is your plant doing, especially in this heat? We are pruning the plant and can't wait for a bloom. Until next time, Mike and Susan"
To answer the question, "How is your plant doing?", I'll post some pictures of current progress soon. The heat has taken its toll, and I must admit that daily care has been lacking this season.
New growth!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
Here's the Grays' report from July 30th! I have been remiss in posting their updates!
"Hi Stuart,
Sorry it has been so long since the last update. As you can tell a lot has been happening. We have been pruning, and deadheading the plant. We now have a pumpkin hopefully we won't lose it in this heat wave. How is yours holding out in all of this weather? Hope everyone else is doing great also. Mike and Susan"
Impressive growth!
Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!
From the Grays:
"Hi Stuart: As you can tell, we have finally taken off. Pumpkin is getting bigger, and the plant still looks great. Hope yours and everyone else is still doing great. Until next time, Mike and Susan"
Ah well, it would be so nice if my season was progressing as nicely as the Grays! Unfortunately, my schedule has prevented me from taking care of the two vines planted near my home. Vine 2 is my only possible hope and it's not doing too well in the recent heat and humidity.
In the hunt!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
The latest update from the Grays is very positive:
"Hi Stuart, This weather is brutal. Our pumpkins are still growing. How is your's doing? Hope everyone else is still doing well also. Until next time, Mike and Susan"
My second plant has succumbed to vine abuse and the heat in Westminster. Remarkably, it has fruited a small pumpkin, roughly the size of a softball with a gland problem. If it makes to the basketball-size stage, I intend to sacrifice it to the giant pumpkin gods for next year's season.
Hanging in there!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
The Grays' pumpkins managed to survive the heat wave(s):
"Hi Stuart: Plants are looking real bad from the heat but pumpkins are still hanging on some how. They are still growing slowly."
Amazingly, still growing!
Good morning, Pumpkinistas!
The Grays contenders continue to grow, even in the heat!
