Snip snip

Trimmed the dead main vine, and another has eagerly taken its place

Actually, several are vying for position, so we'll just have to see where the fruit is... still maybe 5-6 days until pollination of a few.  About 100 leaves now, solid vine growth each day.

Oh no's

12' into the main vine, right about where I was going to set the fruit, the vine wilted. Really no idea or theory on this- even if it were stepped on, it wouldn't look like this... Assuming the vine will die here, I'm training two secondary vines to take its place, and will set the fruit off of one of those instead.  Should I cut the main vine at a healthy spot and bury it?

Off to the races!

Got back from the UK, and Mark stopped in while we were gone to make sure it 1-survived the 95 degree heat, and 2- laid down.  Successful on both fronts, so I owe you that shot of The Balvenie.

First flower

These leaves are the biggest I've ever had

After rounding the corner, noticed some bugs under a few leaves... quick research suggested that I terminate potential squash beetles at all cost, lest I lose my pumpkin, and then my tomatoes.  Used soap/water mix, and a little plant insect spray just to be sure

There is a little rust in spots, and some browning where some leaves were burned, but otherwise healthy with about 65 leaves so far

Buried about a dozen taps, and went the extra mile tonight to also dig under a couple in the lawn- those branches got really dry last year, so hoping I can keep them going further out.

Few first female buds, one of these two may be where I set it, about 11-12' from the start.  Just need to pick up a little more 3-way mix and a bucket of sand this week...

Go Play Outside!

I wish I could've played outside more, but with my hand in a cast, making the bed just barely up to oar with last year was a struggle... but since it worked in 2012, I'll try it again- under the cloche, whilst it poured rain for a week, and the sun did not shine at all...

Couple weeks later, runway set (good dirt with grass clippings and leaves on top, the 3-way blend dirt on top of that)...and sunflowers to keep it company

Tried to gently move the vine to the ground this year so it didn't crack again.  Good luck little guy- we're off to Scotland for 10 days.

2013 Pumpkin Starts

Grow operation started a little late (about 1 week behind mark), but they sprouted right away.  Surprisingly, the big seed (1286 Hester) that was cracked sprouted, as did several of my own 165's.  The 400's came up way too late to use...

New warming mat I got for Xmas- did sunflowers from last year, pumpkins, flowers, and some basil.

Getting big and a little leggy... I found that I should've had less 24 light on them after they were up, and maybe put a fan on them.

Time to go outside, bed waiting