1999 Growers Log - June
The plants are all doing well. The plant from the Cramer 652 (above) is now vining and about 2 feet long. The biggest leaves are 12 inches across.
The Kournikakis 508 (above) is a little bigger than the Cramer at about 3 feet long. Biggest leaves are also about 12 inches.
The Sproule 968 (above) has now reached the 10 foot mark (40 days after being transplanted) and is growing beyond the protection of the A-frame (propped up for this photo). Secondary vines are forming at the base. The biggest leaves on this plant are about 14 inches across (photo below). I will leave the frame in place for a while longer until the secondaries pass beyond the sides of the frame.
Since its been 27 days since my last update you might guess its been a busy month, and you're right!
The space pictured above used to be my kid's sandy play area. The swings and slides have been moved to a shady spot by the house. A bobcat came in and moved all the sand. I also had to remove the fence next to the alley. Next to the blue tarp you can just see the Cramer 652 plant peeking out awaiting what comes next.
Instant Garden!!! (sort of). I had the local composting place deliver 10 yards of 65% topsoil 35% compost. Then I had to put the fence back up and start leveling. I'm still working at it, keeping ahead of the Cramer 652 rapidly expanding into the new garden area.
From this shot (taken June 22 from the alley side) you can see the Cramer 652 growing into the new garden area. My regular pumpkin patch is next door in my neighbours yard. The new patch is my insurance policy in case I ever lose access to the yard next door.
Speaking of the yard next door, the Sproule 968 growing there is doing very well. I pollinated a female flower there 2 weeks ago today at the 11 foot mark on the main vine. That pumpkin is growing nicely and is now 25 inches in circumference (photo below). The main vine on the Sproule is now 18 feet long and I pollinated a second flower at the 15 foot mark on the 28th.
