2000 Growers Log - July
Its been almost a month since my last update (June 25th). I was away for a while on vacation and I spent many hours yesterday clearing weeds and still have more to do today. The first pollination on the Lloyd 935 did not take, but a second one on June 30th did. That pumpkin is doing well and now measures 64 inches circumference on Day 23. It didn't quite make the 60 inches in 20 days rule for an 800+ pounder, but it is the second best start I've ever had.
Here is a close up view of the pumpkin on the Lloyd 935 with a pop can for a size comparison. I do not have any shade on it yet but will set something up later today.
The Mombert plant is growing well but I have not had much luck settin pumpkins on it so far. If you look closely just above the stump near the bottom of the photo you can see one starting but its in a bad position near the stump. If I can get one going a little further down the main vine I might cull this one. Otherwise I may have to build a platform to avoid pumpkin versus stump problems.
Its been a hot sunny week this week in Medicine Hat. Too hot for me but great pumpkin growing weather. The pumpkin on the Lloyd 935 has grown 20 inches in circumference in 6 days, (now 84 inches at Day 29) which works out to an estimated weight gain of 83 pounds to 163 pounds (Estimated weights based on the table in Don Langevins second book) Lots more hot sunny weather is in the forecast so I hope it'll keep up this steady growth. The photo above shows the pumpkin from the blossom side (pop can for size reference) and the photo below shows a view from the top. Additional styrofoam has been added below the pumpkin to tip it up at the blossom end to remove stem stress.
