Maryland update

Well all, I'm glad to see that some of us are coping with the weather
extremes this year.

  PNW has had too little heat and too much rain when here in the
Mid-Atlantic we've been hit with the second driest year this century.  This
coupled with the hottest  month (July) recorded this century have really
put me to the test.  

I've been watering about 600 gals a week on each of 3 plants-Hicks
745/Burke 1092 and Greer 727 and all of the plants and pumpkins appeared to
be quite healthy until last week.  Pumpkin shade covers went up in mid
July.

  1092 had a 20 day old pumpkin set 12 feet out on the main that measured
72" circ when it went down due to rot-initial diagnosis is that the
styrofoam, though poked with drainage holes, may have held enough water
next to the skin to doom it.  (Going back to sand and taking my chances
with the mice/moles)  All others have aborted with the exception of one
recent set that I've been keeping chilled on our recent 100 degree days. 
Leaves look old and are still green but are quite brittle.

745 is still fairly healthy with some leafs standing 42/44" tall.  Leaves
starting to yellow on some vines-but not wilting.  Unfortunately, fruit set
on this one have stopped growing at about 60" circ.  No more female flowers
or sets.

727 is the best looking of the 3, possibly because it is 10 days younger,
and this one still has quite a few "young" sets, as well as a 230" OTT
about 15 feet out on the main.  However, the 230" has basically stopped
growing and it appears a surface rot has started. (whitish depressions
showing  on the top left quadrant were sprayed with clorox dilution
tonight)  This plant appears to be my best bet for a  replacement in case
the  230" does what I expect it will do.

I have been doing some overhead watering to cool the plants in the heat of
the day, but I fear it hasn't been enough.  Oh well, this year I spent the
big bucks putting in the water collection and irrigation system, next year
I guess I need to set up a true mister as well as follow through with my
plans to erect shade cloth over the plants.

Wishing you all the best of luck-just about 2 months to go!!        Bill
Susa, Jefferson, MD

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