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Georgia

Tom I just read your diary that sucks that the storm ruined your season. The elements have been rough this year. You have always helped me out. But on the bright side you can just send any extra products you have left to me. Ive only got one left I wonder how many other growers have lost it all this year. Well best of luck next season.

9/2/2011 12:25:46 PM

Ohio

worst year I have ever had pumpkin growing, most every pumpkin on 5 plants aborted on me after day 30, and I had next to ZERO on secondary growth on every plant. That rain did a huge number on me in the beginning of the season around pollination time.

All i have left is a few small ones that started to grow late this season that I did some genetic cross's on. HUGE disappointment for sure, makes you just want to throw your hands in the air and just say the hell with growing these pumpkins, especially after all the hard work you put into them year in and year out only to be disappointed once again,,lol

9/2/2011 1:09:52 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

I no the feeling boy's.I haven't had a season in 5yrs where my patch wasn't pounded to death by wind. I couldn't imagine picking up my 1723lb pride and joy only to notice a hole into the cavity after all that work:( It is a brutal hobby for sure.

9/2/2011 1:33:48 PM

Thanks guys, with the amount of water that Irene dumped on us, it was almost inevitable.
Jason, I've emailed all of the extra products to you ;)
Brooks, I really can relate to throwing your hands in the air, this is one of those years where you can really consider taking a season off.
Dokin, I am sure that Dale must be feeling a bit broken hearted, not many can claim to have grown a monster fruit that big. My hat is off to Dale regardless of the soft spot.

9/2/2011 7:32:02 PM

opps, dammit...lol...I am using my wifes laptop and forgot to change the log in....lol

9/2/2011 7:53:20 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Tom, as broken hearted as Dale, must be feeling, I hope he is also feeling very PROUD of his Pkn this year...what a Monster from Alaska!!! 1.7K is amazing!!! dq or not!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...Kudo's also to JD!!! New Alaska record!!!

9/3/2011 4:21:51 AM

Muddy Waters

My 1000 lb Kin is turning to Mush as we speak!will never see a weigh-off.Will never cruise down the road & see the gaukers faces, the flash off the cameras,The snot nosed little kid climbing him at the weigh-off,while I give his Mom a dirty look!It just aint right!Poor KIN!!!I knew when I started folks they would most likely not make it 75% dont!!But I love growing anyway,its in my Blood Gen. 2:8 & 2:15.Ive had years Ive lost it all by July dead Virus!!Thats what fishing poles are for, plan B!Its all Good Folks!Part of learning!Tom will get his year!as will all that put in a honest effort!

9/3/2011 5:36:30 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

My patch was destroyed with early wind as well as an early season stump split. The stems where really tall and leaves really big. This did add some early season stress on the plant that led to the cracking of the stump. Also the rains slowed me up early on. But the early wind is to blame. Right after taking the greenhouses down and laying the silt fence the wind beat up on the plants almost killing them. All attempts where made to help them along. I have a pumpkin about 500 lbs. Not what I was hoping for. The tropical storm nailed my patch taking out my squash.....this season was rough but in my third year of growing I did learn much more then in my first two years. Things could have been better and things could have been worst.....i'm not the only R.I. Grower that suffered from the elements. This hasn't detered me a bit. Other growers like, pap, ROn, Joe, Steven, Mike, Peter and Norm have all had troubles in the past that led to less then favorable seasons. ITS HOW YOU DEAL with the set backs that make you a good grower as well as a fighter. All the luck in the world isn't gonna make you a champ if you don't work at it and grow as a pumpkin grower. Thi year I have growing pains, just another level in pumpkin that growing that will make me a better grower. Much luck to all out there.

9/4/2011 8:46:05 PM

ipswich, ma usa

Nice rack tom! :)

9/4/2011 10:01:31 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

lol John!
Kenny, thanks for the pep talk...lol...I've been doing this long enough to know its part of the game, it doesnt mean that it doesnt suck any less!

9/4/2011 11:24:57 PM

Cedar City, Ut

weather.... it can be so out of control.....lol 'such is life' I was told by a wise old friend. I guess we all need to enjoy what we have while we have it. (me included)

9/6/2011 1:25:13 PM