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Holding Out!

OK Gang,

Yes, I have been holding out on everyone. The weather here in Northern
California has been exquisite for spring. As we say, in Like a Lion out
like a Lamb or in Like a Lamb out Like a Lion.

It will be one or the other!

It has been Lamb weather!

Last November I built a Pumpkin Cloche, ALA Joel Holland style! It is
approx. 2,333 sq. ft. Constructed out of 12.0 mil visq, it holds the heat
amazingly well. 

I installed a solar pumpkin water heating system and underground pipe
beneath my pumpkin patch to warm the root zone. Large fans, with smokers
outside will raise the temps to 90F very easily! Too Hot!!!!

 I had to measure carefully as to make sure my roto-tiler could not
penetrate the pipe with it's sharp tines! A hundred feet of pipe later I
figured out the proper pipe depth!

Ever try to get dirt out of your eye that has 90lbs. of water pressure
behind it?

The average temp inside the cloche is a fair 79.8F @ 24.9F outside. I have
a number of pumpkins roaring along. I have also lost a number of pumpkins
to Giant Sand worms. They have become a real problem. I have tried every
inorganic means to control them. Currently I have 4 harpoon guns mounted at
each inside corner of the cloche, they are manned 24 hrs. a day, but I
think the sand worms know we are waiting for them!

My largest, "Jolly Roger" is almost ready to harvest, at  412 inches over
the top and 186 inches circumference, per  L. Stellplug chart, I am very
exuberant.

The current problem I am faced with is what to do for a weigh off? 

Does anyone know of a Early Bloomers weigh off for a pumpkin in excess of
1200 lbs. in Spring!

Happy April 1 st!

Chris Andersen
Moraga, Calif.
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