Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 22 Entries. Monday, March 23 View Page first timer   Monday, March 23 View Page first timer   Tuesday, March 24 View Page This is my first soil test at my new house. I know it comes with suggestions, but any advice would be much appreciated. I am not sure why it says to add zinc, because it's already high. I also added 2 to 3 inches of leaf/coffee compost after I took my sample. Thanks for any help, Olin Z   Tuesday, March 24 View Page soil test, any help would be great   Tuesday, March 24 View Page 2nd page   Thursday, April 30 View Page I am terrible a documenting things, but It should be done. better late than never I guess. Started seeds on April 2nd, 2(1969 Haist) 1(1734 Steil) 2(1224 Steil) 1(220 DeBacco) and 1(1103 Martin squash). All popped their shell in 36 hours, except for the 220(waited 10 days then dug it up to find it rotten). I added pumpkin pro to the mix, then watered with Azos and voodoo juice once they were up I waited to long in 1 gal pots, so they were all a little root bound, woops. I have room for 3 plants, 2 kins and 1 squash, if it works out. I planted the Haists together, the 1734 with a 1224, and the 1103 squash with the other 1224 (only had 1 squash seed). I will pick the better of each pair once the time comes. They are in mini hoop houses at night,50% aluminet during the day. Harsh winds, and evil sun to battle in the high desert.   Thursday, April 30 View Page Giant tomatoes also up and doing well. In 1 and 2 gal pots, waiting to plant next week. 4.57 MacCoy with a try cot looks mean.   Thursday, April 30 View Page forgot about patch prep. 2200sq ft virgin patch. I bought a house with a big yard for the city. worked all winter to cut down trees, dig up roots and weeds. I moved most of the patch with a shovel to level out the massive slope. I got every leaf set out in the city, must have been a world record. I bought a piece of crap shredder and got to work, it took months to shred 1/3 of what I got. Collected about 1500 lbs of coffee grounds to add to the mix. It cooked fast, but I tossed it down to early. I planted a cover crop before the freeze, then broad forked the whole patch, and planted another cover with mycos in spring. I set up 2 50% aluminet shade cloths (500sqft each) over the 2 pumpkin spots. I still need to get irrigation going. soil test showed some bad mineral ratios, so I added what the lab recommended, but can only do so much this first year. Made plenty of mistakes already, but I'm always learning how little I know.   Thursday, June 18 View Page pollinated 1969 Haist, 12 foot out, 107 degrees , next few days are supposed to be even hotter.   Sunday, June 21 View Page 2nd pollination today. 1969 Haist / self 15 foot out, 5 lobes. 112 degrees today, hope it takes.   Monday, June 29 View Page both pollinations took, it must be a record 112 degrees.   Monday, July 6 View Page 15 dap on the 1969 43" circumference Plant is massive. I think this will go. I have never had anything like this.   Monday, July 6 View Page filling in, about 400 sq/ft of plant before the fruit   Monday, July 6 View Page shade cloth down, getting some air and sun after some nice rain.   Monday, July 6 View Page triple blossom, I think.   Monday, July 6 View Page double this is a definite personal best for me. not sure if NM has a state record?   Monday, July 27 View Page My first Giant of the year. I am very happy to finally get a nice tomato. 3.02 pounds I think it is a state record. I have a couple more growing that could be larger.   Monday, July 27 View Page My 1969 was looking great doing 23lbs on day24, then it just stopped. I think I may have over watered, and possibly a virus. My heart has been broken once again.   Monday, July 27 View Page beast of a trunk, for my neck of the woods. bummer it didn't work out   Monday, July 27 View Page my first real garden, in a house I own, with light and space. some day I will figure out what I am doing.   Monday, July 27 View Page my flying saucer   Monday, July 27 View Page it was set up well, with a nice long shape, and lots of plant to back it up. Best growing plant I have ever had. next year I know I can grow 1000 pounds, I just know it