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Farrell, PA

I'm curious to what type of measuring formulations yinz use and why. I was looking over a few of 2009 diaries and noticed a CC and OTT measurment. Which of these are used most and how is this done? I've read Dons first book which mentions this as well. It's older though so I was wondering if these calculations are still used. I'm measuring my fruits with a fabric tape for now, going the whole way around... (CC measurment??) I'm at 16" as of now and it's been 11 days from pollenation. Is this normal? Thanks in advance fr any help or info. Good luck in 2010!!

5/23/2010 10:08:29 AM

Rapid City, SD

measuring young fruit is not a good idea.......one tiny little mark the on the soft fruit skin will turn into a permanet scar...

5/23/2010 11:25:12 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

While the fruit is still 'yellow' the skin is very soft and it's incredibly easy to mark it up and scar it forever.

Yes the CC and OTT are still in use. Tradition is to carefully take a single 10 day CC measurement, then another every five to ten days after. The other measurements to get OTT start happening when the fruit is too big to fit under a lawn chair, on the same schedule... (or about 40" cc.. don't leave it under a lawn chair for shade, that is a good way to permanently scar your fruit)

The 2008 Stellflug chart is used as a comparison to estimate the fruit's weight and be able to keep track of weight gain through the season.

http://greatpumpkincommonwealth.com/PDF/2008_chart.pdf is the link.

5/23/2010 11:40:22 AM

[email protected]

At the GPC we've been shooting instructional video for a while now. Start by viewing this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd1S8gUC-Ew

My You-Tube account has all of the How-To videos plus the year-end stuff that we show at Niagara. Cruise that assortment here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/tremor6614

5/23/2010 2:43:12 PM

Farrell, PA

THANKS EVERYONE!! I'll be sure to watch for scars in the near future. I plan on covering it with a sheet for the shade, is this ok? There's a grower in my area that uses this method I believe and has great results. Thanks for the links Tremor. I've been looking for some kind of videos but with no luck other than to buy them, which I'm getting ready to do just for more info. Thanks again everyone!!!

5/23/2010 2:50:20 PM