AGs in Spokane WA

I think the list ate this posting last time I sent it.  I get
the list at a different address than the one I am subscribed from
and it looks like if you send mail from an unsubscribed address
the list processor just eats it without telling you.  Pretty lame.
So, here it is again, with an update at the bottom.

Subject: AGs in Spokane, WA
To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
Date: Thu, 11 Jun 1998 22:10:31 -0700 (PDT)
 
I finally made time to plant some of the AG seeds that a couple of folks
on this list were kind enough to send me.  The weather here in Spokane, WA
has been warming up slowly but steadily and we now have nighttime temps in
the 50s.
 
I have room for two atlantic giants.  I started the following
seeds a couple of days ago:
 
Two Boor 609s
One Fornof 708.5
Two Eaton 739s
One unnamed 613.

I didn't have any of the super seeds from the pumpkin and squash database
that were listed here recently, but some of the seeds above have parents
that were on the list, so I chose some of those and just gave a couple of
others a chance.  I have a coworker with extremely limited space who wants
an extra.  He figures he'll just stick it in the ground and it will make a
huge pumpkin right where he wants it next to his driveway that he can
carve into a jack-o-lantern.  I tried to explain to him that it didn't
quite work that way, and the pumpkin would take up more space than his
house and would set fruit wherever it felt like it but I don't think he
believed me.  Some of you who have been growing for a long time may have
forgotten how unbelievable a plant the Atlantic Giant is.  Hats off to
Howard Dill!

I sanded the edge of the seeds until I just got a color change, soaked
them in shot glasses (of water) for about an hour and a half, and then put
them in milk cartons full of potting soil which went into the bathroom
where the young chickens are and the temperature varies from 78 to 80 or
82 degrees.  I grow organically so I skipped the fungicides.
 
I have two huge piles of compost in what used to be a horse pasture
waiting to be levelled and planted with AGs.  I am going to try the soaker
hose approach because I work full time and don't have time to water AGs
AND provide all their other hand care as well.  We get some decent wind so
at the very least I am going to have to weed and stake+bury vines.
 
I have enjoyed growing pumpkins since I was a boy.  I have wanted to
grow a real monster for several years now.  This is the first time I have
had the space and the sun to grow Atlantic Giants and I am really looking
forward to growing a big one.  I want to grow something big enough to get
some oohs and ahs at the county fair, but to really be happy I need to
shatter some local or regional records.  I am already working on lining up
sources of manure for next season so you all better look out.
 
My thanks to the folks who sent me the seed.  Before I got it I sent a
packet of off-the-shelf AG seeds to a friend in California and challenged
her to a monster pumpkin contest again this year.  Last year she grew
"Prizewinner" and kicked my butt.  But now, with the good seeds I am sure
I have the edge!  She doesn't stand a chance.  Mua ha ha!
 
Shaun

***

Update:

The two Eaton 609s and the 613 are up and growing strong.  The Fornof 708.5
came up with damaged miniscule seed leaves that are about a quarter inch long
each.  The Boor 609s never germinated.

More later as events unfold.

Shaun

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