Re: 4-H garden update
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: 4-H garden update
- From: T* H* <t*@columbia.edu>
- Date: Fri, 01 May 1998 20:24:20 -0700
- References: <51415b59.353d10b3@aol.com>
Hi, I'm growing for the 2nd year NY north west part of the state
the municipal compost sounds like an economical plan How can I find
out about it? in my area (Windsor, near Binghamton NY) Are you not
afraid that it could be contaminated??
Is there a seed source listing still available? I belong to
the ottawa club but I did not get any vintage seeds, which are proven
combinations. Is there a list of successful combos (just so I would
know which seeds to pick if they were available.
I got a late start last year my pumpkin was only 165.4
drop a line
Teri from NY Southern Tier
oI hope it is steril eleopipoaand effectlwe the eas
COMPUTRESE wrote:
>
> Hi, everybody!
>
> Just a note to tell you that the 27 AGs in our garden are thriving! Many have
> minimum 3-4 ft vines, but most are vining out 6-8 ft. I am especially proud of
> the way these plants look, large dark green leaves and green vines.
>
> I am bringing loads of black gold compost in from a municipal source (yard
> waste, not sewage) and the plants love it. I credit George Brooks with his
> convincing article "Compost Feeding Your Pumpkin" found on the World Class
> Giant Pumpkin web page, and Chris Andersen, for encouraging me to use
> municipal compost as well.
>
> Speaking of Chris, he would be proud to know his 977 seedling recovered nicely
> from the earlier termite invasion, and is one of the healthiest, niest plants
> in the garden. This plant has huge leaves and is vining at 4 ft.
>
> Chris' 634s were looking great, but one was lost for unknown reasons, probably
> someone's careless steps. The other 634 is growing great.
>
> We have Hester's 676s, Brock's 599s, Renault 588s, Castellucci's 425's and
> 430's, Rooke's 486s, all of which are impressive. I might mention that the
> Renault seed was very unusual looking, not smooth and hard seed-coated like
> the average AG seed, but looking more like a Jurassic squash seed! This made
> no difference, and the plants are lovely in appearance.
>
> Tim Canniff's 459 is an especially slow growing plant, but has huge leaves and
> is strong and sturdy looking. We are looking forward to crossing this
> carefully, in hopes of surpassing Tim's FL record with his own plant! Speaking
> of Tim, I spent last Sunday with him at both of his patches. He has an
> impressive basketball sized pumpkin on his Baird 614. We did a bit of
> pollinating and hope to see some more good looking fruit.
>
> We have a few gargantuan plants to report. The largest in the field right now
> is the Eaton 739. This is a most unusual plant, fast to grow (more than 6
> inches daily), but the main vine is quite twisted and gnarly. The vine shape
> concerns me, as it is oblong, not round like the others. The diameter of the
> main vine on this plant is 3 inches, very respectable since planting 3/11. The
> vines are about 8 ft out. I sure hope this plant does not go to a flat vine.
> Anyone out there who can give me tips on the flat vine phenomenon? Do flat
> vines produce?
>
> The Baird 762 is another big plant for it's age, likewise the Castellucci
> 743.2 and the 682.4. Growth is fantastic on these plants. They are right
> behind the Eaton 739 in vine length, at about 7 ft.
>
> The Rouge Vif D'Etampes Cinderella pumpkins are growing well, too. They were
> also slow to start, but have taken off lately and have 4 ft. vines. Tim Clark
> from Redlands, CA sent me these seeds, and I am happy to report their success
> to date.
>
> We also have a few long rows of Gold Strike Hybrids, being grown for Pumpkin
> Masters, Inc. of Denver, CO. I have to mention the seed I purchased from
> Seedway is some of the finest seed I have seen. It came 2 days after ordering,
> in a safe package of plastic lined foil. I experienced 100% germination...who
> could ask for more? BTW, is anyone out there familiar with the Gold Strike
> Hybrid? What was your growing experience like? Size of fruit and yield info
> would be greatly appreciated.
>
> The seed Joe Mills sent me by surface mail made it and germinated fine. He
> sent a few Aspens and Baby Pams, which are looking great. Thanks, Joe.
>
> The vegetable garden is also looking good. I put in 40 tomato plants and they
> have taken off in the compost. They are about 18 inches high, and blooming
> profusely. Some plants have set fruit already. We have Better Boy, Big Boy and
> 4 Sweet 100s.
>
> In addition to the tomato plants, we have 13 rows of sweet corn, beets,
> canteloupe, summer squash, green and wax beans, cukes and carrots. The corn is
> about 12 inches high, and the green beans have bloomed and set fruit.
>
> To all the growers who are represented in this field, I tip my hat. You are
> responsible through your careful breeding and seed sharing to our success and
> I want to say thanks.
>
> I am documenting the growth by taking photos. If anyone is interested in a
> photo of any of these plants, please let me know. I always get doubles and
> would be happy to share.
>
> To all of you Northern growers, I know you are getting things ready to plant.
> Some of you are having bad weather and your soil conditions are less than
> perfect. Take time and don't push it.
>
> I wanted to plant three weeks earlier, but we couldn't get the ground turned
> over in time. This was a blessing in disguise, as we had a series of killer
> tornadoes come through and had we been planted, we would have lost it all.
>
> Good luck to all and I'm interested in hearing how everyone's doing!
>
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