Normally I would be pollinating in about one week. July the 4th is normally "peak" time for me. This year I'm about two weeks behind.
The longest vine I have right now is a little over 9 feet on the 1505 Holland. Best case scenario, this one is at least two weeks away from setting a fruit. The 1211.5 Toftness and 1725 Harp are also in the running. The other three are good healthy plants, but probably three weeks out. I hope we have a good September.
If you are in my area, please make a comment on how you're doing! Thanks!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Two weeks behind
Judging by previous years I think I'm about two weeks behind at this point. I will not, under any circumstances, set fruit at less than 10 feet out. This means that I might not be pollinating this year until mid-July.
Of course, one never knows. Once we finally heat up the plants could catch up in a hurry. We're heading for 85 today. Finally! My longest vine is on the 1505 at about 7 or 8 feet now. I certainly can't pollinate what doesn't exist yet. But I'm just going to wait on it... let it come if it ever does, and hope that we have a warm September. I just don't know what will happen for the fair.
It's been said, to not pollinate until there are 100 leaves on the plant. Right now I'd say that most plants are averaging 35 leaves. But, The number of new leaves is now probably eight per day.
Of course, one never knows. Once we finally heat up the plants could catch up in a hurry. We're heading for 85 today. Finally! My longest vine is on the 1505 at about 7 or 8 feet now. I certainly can't pollinate what doesn't exist yet. But I'm just going to wait on it... let it come if it ever does, and hope that we have a warm September. I just don't know what will happen for the fair.
It's been said, to not pollinate until there are 100 leaves on the plant. Right now I'd say that most plants are averaging 35 leaves. But, The number of new leaves is now probably eight per day.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Close call
They were saying 42 as we went to bed last night. It ended up getting down to 32! That's right, 32 here on June 18th. We survived, but barely. I could sure use some global warming right now.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 5th Roundup
No, not that Roundup, just a roundup.
For diehards, here are pictures from today. After working all day on various things, I didn't have the energy to weed these good before taking pictures.
Here is the 1505 Holland, which has the longest vine to this point. (Remember, I've had record lows and the coldest May on record.)
Next is the 720 Warren. This one had a double-vine for one node, then split in two. I pruned one. Based on last year's experience, that worries me a lot. Other than that, great leaves as always.
The 1211.5 Toftness is the biggest plant in the patch:
The 1467 Perham is looking good. I'll need to do a little main vine re-direction, but it's not bad.
Here's the world record 1725. It was the second to touch down. There is a little damage on some of the early leaves. That was from a 25 degree night, when the plant was covered only by a sheet.
Finally, the 1240 Bogie is the smallest plant so far, but that is a good indication that it will produce the largest pumpkin. It's heading in exactly the right direction.
For diehards, here are pictures from today. After working all day on various things, I didn't have the energy to weed these good before taking pictures.
Here is the 1505 Holland, which has the longest vine to this point. (Remember, I've had record lows and the coldest May on record.)
Next is the 720 Warren. This one had a double-vine for one node, then split in two. I pruned one. Based on last year's experience, that worries me a lot. Other than that, great leaves as always.
The 1211.5 Toftness is the biggest plant in the patch:
The 1467 Perham is looking good. I'll need to do a little main vine re-direction, but it's not bad.
Here's the world record 1725. It was the second to touch down. There is a little damage on some of the early leaves. That was from a 25 degree night, when the plant was covered only by a sheet.
Finally, the 1240 Bogie is the smallest plant so far, but that is a good indication that it will produce the largest pumpkin. It's heading in exactly the right direction.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Six healthy plants
Well, we still haven't hit the 70's. Most of this week has been cloudy and rainy, although a little bit warmer.
The good news is that I have six healthy plants. The only anomaly (normality?) is the 720 Warren. It was a double-vine for one node, then split in two. I took one off, and maybe it will be OK if it doesn't split again. Other than that, the plant is gorgeous (as all 720s are). Every plant is small, healthy and pointed in the right direction!
The 1505 Holland is crawling and will be to three feet long tomorrow. The others haven't even touched down yet.
The good news is that I have six healthy plants. The only anomaly (normality?) is the 720 Warren. It was a double-vine for one node, then split in two. I took one off, and maybe it will be OK if it doesn't split again. Other than that, the plant is gorgeous (as all 720s are). Every plant is small, healthy and pointed in the right direction!
The 1505 Holland is crawling and will be to three feet long tomorrow. The others haven't even touched down yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)