Ray Rausch 2013 Season

February 20, 2013, transplanted April 7, 2013

Vine has fruited, June 4, 2013

Pumpkin estimated weight 49 pounds, June 11, 2013

Pumpkin estimated weight 100 pounds, June 16, 2013

Ray Rausch's 2013 Season

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

I received these great images from Ethel and Ray Rausch a couple of days ago. I am glad that someone is having a great season! Please note the first picture, which shows how Ray initially protected his seedling. Now, of course, I am sure that any small rodents are probably quite intimidated by the size of the vine (and pumpkin!).

I think we have a contender...

Burying giant pumpkin vines

Update from the Grays: How to Bury Your Vines

Good afternoon, Pumpkinistas!

Well, the Grays' plant is running, and they are being very diligent about burying their vines in an easy and daily (or perhaps every other day) garden task! I particularly like the the last picture, with all of the various supports guiding the end of the vine into its trench!

New garden boots!

Michelle colored the letters and the square and circular shapes

Back row, (l. to r.) Patio Princess tomato, Chiriman Japanese squash, 

Parisienne carrots in the foreground

(Clockwise) Japanes eggplants, Siam Queen Thai basil, Summerlong basil

Cucumber and Tomato Row

Michelle's Garden: New sign, new boots!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Here are recent pictures of Michelle's garden, complete with a new sign that we made over the week-end. We have just planted some Giant Syrian tomato seedlings, and are harvesting a lot of various cucumbers every day!

The Dark Prince Emerges...sort of.

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

Here is the latest communique' from His Inkiness:

"Remus and Romulus enjoying a sunny afternoon in their new dual-hydroponic growth chambers. A thin layer of topsoil covers their life-giving aquatic world and provides security from those who would attempt to unmask the growing technology of The Dark Prince."

The reference to Romulus and Remus, is intriguing. Perhaps The Dark Prince grew up in Italy? Again, I'm surprised that he ventured into the sunlight in order to take this picture before scurrying back into his lair. 

The latest from the Dark Prince: He obviously has a penchant for expensive foreign beers.

The Self Professed Giant Pumpkin Kahuna Really Does Exist!

I had the pleasure of attending the final workshop of the 2013 World Tour: ‘Upper division Giant Pumpkin Workshop/Boot Camp.’  The blog is inundated with pumpkin plants and attendees yet, the ‘Self professed Giant Pumpkin Kahuna,’ Stuart Shim is rarely caught on film imparting his plethora of knowledge.  I wanted to take a moment and thank Stuart for his gracious efforts in making these events so successful.  Good luck everyone & thank you Stuart!

 

Michelle kicks things off!

 Some giant pumpkin seedling winners were more thrilled than others!

Michelle wraps it up!

Final Workshop of the 2013 World Tour a Giant Success!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

The final workshop of the 2013 World Tour was presented yesterday afternoon at Tanaka Farms. Over 75 attendees took advantage of near perfect weather to learn how to grow giant pumpkins, and to win some giant and specialty (Galeuse d'Eysines, pint-warted) pumpkin and giant tomato seedling(s), GreenCure organic fungicide, and giant pumpkin gardening caps from the Gardner & Bloome division of Kellogg Garden Products. 

As a very special bonus, attendees were given a special password that will allow them to receive the "maximum" discount (up to 20% on certain items) at Orange County Farm Supply on their giant pumpkin supplies until Saturday, June 29th! But remember, you have to say the  magic word at the register before your purchases are rung up!

A big thank you to Glenn and Jolene, and the rest of the staff at Tanaka Farms for all of their hard work!

The Grays' Watering System in Action!

Good morning, Pumpkinistas!

I received these images and comment from Mike and Susan Gray's plant and watering system. You'll recall that the Grays are veteran giant pumpkin growers and placed at last year's weigh-off. Necessity is the mother of invention, and you can see the results for yourself here. At this stage, the water is being directed exactly where it's needed. Plus, the visual effect alone is stunning. It's like a miniature version of the Bellagio, but for giant pumpkins.

Their comment: 

"Hi Stuart: Looking good so far, 5 true leaves. Can't wait for the vine to take off and run. Mike and Susan"

Me, too!