RE: Probable disaster in Armada
Note to self (and others) ...start plenty of back-ups, even later into the
season.
If just a few of us do this, these people who have their patch ruined at the
end of June might not be completely devastated. I am not suggesting we all
plant Bobier 723 seeds at the beginning of June, just some seed with decent
genetics that we would probably not grow anyway.
My suggestions to Paul...
First, check your patch. There may be some plants worth saving as long as
they aren't torn off at the stump. Even if they look trashed, give them a
chance to recover. You can't do much with your patch for a couple of weeks
anyway if you plant new.
Second, if the plants do not look salvageable, see if anyone in your area
does have a back-up plant or two to spare. Even if they are already in the
ground, perhaps they might be willing to transplant. Just take as much soil
around them as possible to minimize the shock. I have a few plants that
were damaged by frost and are just now recovering, but they might be better
than starting new. If I lived closer I would give them to you. If you are
interested, let me know. I don't know if this it is better than starting
from seed, since the plant may be stunted permanently.
Lastly, go ahead and plant new. If you can pollinate by August 5th, you
still have 60 days of growth before the big day. What traits do you prefer
in an AG anyway and where can we send seeds? Place your address here on the
list and you may find yourself inundated with seeds. (This is a good
thing.)
-Gus Smithhisler
4281 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43224
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul S. Thompson [p*@aiis.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 7:45 PM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: Probable disaster in Armada
Hi.
Well, I got home this evening to a nasty thunderstorm. The high winds, rain
and hail kept me in my pickup out in the driveway for 10 minutes or more.
As I sat there, I watched the truck's hood get pock-marked by the hail.
From the porches, I can see that everything that was in the back yard is
now in the front yard. The neighbor's trampoline is resting on some pine
trees between our houses. We have sustained major tree damage, with large
limbs down. It looks like the barn lost some shingles.
From the back porch, the patch looks flat. I can't go outside yet, as
there is still lightning all around. But, if the hail and wind hit the
patch like it hit the driveway, my patch is a goner.
Funny thing, the first warning of the storm was just flashed on the TV.
It's about 20 minutes late.
So, how late can I restart my patch and how big can I expect the pumpkins
to grow? I think the Michigan record is safe (from me, anyway) for another
year.
Paul Thompson
Armada, Michigan
BTW, if you keep my email address in your address book, please note the
change.
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