Pumpkin Growing Challenge 2012

Hope you've got some spares. I planted mine at about 33 degrees to the ground to keep them as low profile as possible, supported them with canes & string and placed deep car tyres around them to protect them from the wind and they've survived so far. Put a couple of spares in the polytunnel overnight to keep the safe incase I needed to replace any planted out and one got savaged by a slug in the tunnel up on the staging!

 

The weather is not doing me any flavors either - I'm down too 1 1/2 plants after all the wind & rain (and cats and gastropods) - the one that is mostly unharmed has flower buds, but its been on strike since the Sun went away a week ago & its not looking good for the rest of the month. Ive started another three off "just in case".

 

I have my two 'Giants' ready to go out; well one will be planted out and the other kept spare for a few weeks. But although the temperatures here have been ok and on the rise, the wind won't do them any favours so I waiting for a settled spell before it goes out. I have been hardening them off in a sheltered spot by the greenhouse so they're ready to go as soon as the wind goes away...

 

Yep, I'll move the one from the bed behind it, into the broken pumpkin's place, and protect it. And I have a spare in the tunnel.

I hate losing a plant that way, it's like it's done directly under your nose.

Steve...

 

Oh no Steve....sow a couple more now...then at least i might stand a chance:WINK1:

 

Planted mine out a couple of days ago and keeping one back spare just in case anything happens to it....

 

I've moved mine around now due to the one that snapped, and planted another...I now have two planted.

Steve...

 

Mine is still a tiddler so i'm hanging on to it for another couple of days untill this latest deluge of rain passes.....I've got a couple of spares ...just incase....

 

Well.....We're off.......came home from work today and first job...get these prize winning babies in the dumpy bag on the drive....Mr L...(got a face like a slapped bottom because i've now extended the garden onto the drive) is none too pleased....I've planted 2 in the bag.....for insurance purposes only:WINK1:....he'll do his nut when they get that big he won't be able to get into the garage....i'm loving this Pumpkin challenge....hey and believe me it's been a challenge thus far.....

 

here goes, couldnt connect to gardeners corner for weeks, its open pollinated

 

Blimey. Well done !

 

My "giant" is now growing at an astonishing rate of knots, just hope its delayed start doesn't stop me getting a decent pumpkin in what's left of this miserable summer. It does have flower buds so that's a good sign..

 

Update.......it's growth rate is continuing at a phenomenal rate, the length of the plant is now over 6ft and there individual leaves 2ft across...

And to think 3 weeks ago it was a little 10" seedling in a 1 litre pot!!!