Well it is getting close to the 2018 season so I thought that I would run a full diary from start to finish. My season started at the beginning of February with the planting of carrots which were followed by Parsnips and then Kohlrabies and finally fodder beets.
Parsnips are the feature vegetable for the Royal Winter Fair this year so I am going to give them a try. They all start out so slow unlike AG's which are ready to go in just a few weeks after germination. I start three or four plants in each pot and then remove the lesser plants and keep the most aggressive plant.
Three weeks later and so far everything is still doing well in the solarium. It starts to get very hot in there on sunny days so the plants have to be watered almost every day and I am feeding them with microbial tea and a balanced organic fertilizer.
Kohlrabi and fodder beet plants were transplanted to larger pots. The less aggressive plants did not make it. They all seem to be good afterwards and I am giving them more room this year.
The carrot and parsnip plants are doing well. The two pots on the right were made from large Aloe Vera juice bottles. They were very easy to make with just scissors and a sharp knife.
Roots are already at the bottom of the pot. Really hope we have an early spring because they will be ready to go in the ground sooner than I thought.
Just a few of the seeds that will be available for raffle at the GVGO seminar on April 21st.
There will be other hard to get seeds as well. All money raised from the raffle is used to help offset the cost of the seminar including the awesome lunch being served.
This past weekend and Monday as well was one to forget. Even the plants did not like what they saw. I did start some heavy Bell pepper seeds and it's hard to believe that I will be starting the AG's soon. Should be getting a shipment of Beneficial Nematodes by the end of the week.
The forecast is slowly starting to look better. It's a good thing that the seminar is this Saturday the 21st. rather than last Saturday. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
Started the germination of four AG's today. The 2624 Willemijns , 2363 Holland, 2118 Jutras* and 1810 Werner. I'll see how they do before I try to start any other back-ups.
Made a trip up to the patch to see how all the ice and snow is melting and I was surprised by how quickly things are clearing up. Might be able to do some work by next weekend.
April has not been good for growing giant vegetables and this past Sunday was no exception. I was only able to turn up the planting sites with the broad fork as the rest of the garden is still wet. The 50 km/hr winds made it too hard to add any amendments and all that I could do was cover the sites with plastic and keep the rain off this week until the weather gets better.
I was finally able to get something going in the patch this weekend. Prepared two AG sites and the root vegetable site as well. All needed amendments were tilled in and the heater cables were installed. The pot in the middle is just to leave a space for the pumpkin plant to go. The cables are buried at about 6 to 8" and once the soil is back filled the sticks are pulled out.
The heat is controlled by a variable thermostat that keeps the soil at a constant set temperature. I was not able to test it because there is no electricity and there will not be any for some time due to the wind storm on Friday. I was lucky because my patch damage was somewhat minor.
Two pumpkin hoop houses ready to go. Have to get the other two ready in another week.
Was able to get the root vegetables in the ground including carrots, parsnips, kohlrabi and fodder beets. I built a frame over them and covered them with row cover to protect them from possible frost and keep them from getting fried by the sun. None of my plants have been exposed to the sun until now so I use a lot of shade protection for the first few weeks.
It's hard to believe that just three weeks ago the snow was still melting in the garden but now everything is looking up. Unfortunately it has made it difficult for me to keep on top of the tight schedule to get my giant pumpkins in the ground since the best weather seems to occur during weekdays when I am not around.
I have been able to get all four sites ready with heater cables and three covered. Because of that I planted a 2363 Holland, 2269 Paton and a 2118*Jutras. The last two plants will be side by side in the remaining hoop house. Should have some more time soon to repair the wind fence that was destroyed by the wind storm.
The 2363 Holland may be a double viner but I will decide what to do with it in another week if I can't fix it. The mini frame inside the hoop house is there so a piece of row cover can be put over the plant in case of frost. So far things are looking Ok but frost can be a problem until the end of May.
It appears that most of my root veggies that went in last week are doing well. This is a fodder beet and unlike last year I have a few that are much more aggressive and might produce a good sized one. Watered in about 5 million beneficial nematodes as well. I used them last year to control root maggots and cutworms with good results. Another application will be done in June.
Finally got all my giant pumpkin plants in the ground including the 2624 Willemijns and the 1810 Werner.
I was able to get the wind fence repaired as well but 3/4" of rain on Saturday kept me from getting the patch tilled for now.
The plants that went in last week are doing well. The 2363 Holland showed no signs of transplant shock despite some very cool nights. There was a frost advisory for Sunday night so all plants at risk had to be covered . No frost but I could not take a chance with so much at stake.
The root veggies are all doing well now and appear to be over their change of address. The kohlrabi plants look great as well. looking to grow another good one this season.
What a difference a few days make. Near freezing last week to excessive heat this week. I walk a fine line trying to keep the plants protected while I am away and not having them get fried in the heat.
Despite reaching 38 C or 100 Degrees F in the hoop houses during mid-day the plants appeared to be doing well. This is the 2363 Holland which is starting to pick up the pace. I have been keeping them well watered when I can and well fed as well.
Finally got the patch tilled this week for the first time this season. The average soil temperature is now 75 F so the soil heater cables have been turned off. Earliest date for that, this is probably the biggest turn around for a growing season in a long time. Hopefully I can use this to my advantage.
Another week of whacky weather really has kept me on my toes. The high temperatures forced me to water all the plants more than I ever have before although a few timely rainfalls really helped the outdoor plants. Most of the watering I did was with watering cans until I finally got my pump up and running and had enough water in my tank to actually use it.
This was the average mid day temperature in my shaded and wide open hoop houses. It was not much better outside while working in the garden. I was amazed that none of the plants really showed any signs of wilting so the heavy watering while I was there really helped.
The 2269 Paton is heading out the back door. The side vines have been slow to get going so it will be staying under plastic until they are established and pinned down.
On the other hand, the 2363 Holland has gone side vine crazy. I decided to remove the plastic and put up some wind protection today. The plant is showing great vigor but is a bit of a problem plant as well requiring lots of maintenance. At least it can enjoy some natural rainfall now.
The drip lines are in for the other veggies now and are running on a timer. All of the root veggies look great and I have found that drip watering works really good for the carrots and parsnips for slowly getting moisture down deep where it is needed. I hope to have the pumpkins on the automated watering system soon.
The past few weeks have provided a few challenges for me with a few weather problems like severe storms and wind and a return to excessive heat. There was even a few very cool nights with lows in the lower single digits.There is no middle ground when it comes to the weather.
The 2269 Paton took the worst of this past week's storm and wind. Actually it was the only plant damaged and I don't think that it will have any effect on the final outcome. The plants are not further ahead or behind other years by much which is great in my books.
Lots of little ones showing now. I will probably wait for the next ones which will have me pollinating around the end of June. It's possible that I will be tempted for an early pollination on one plant and in all situations like that my results were very good.
The water delivery system is at this time working flawlessly and all of my plants are on auto water now. With the hot weather back again it is crucial to have a full tank of water and a reliable delivery system.
The parsnips are starting to look a lot better now. The sites for the deep root vegetables was dug out deeper this year and they are slowly but steadily growing new foliage after their transplant to the garden. The feature vegetable at the Royal this year is the parsnip so I am hoping for some good results on my first attempt.
The past several days although very dry have been great for all my plants as they are making great progress now. The amount of vine burying that I had to do over the past few days is evidence of that. Since I am on holidays now I can take the time to do a better job and not make any hasty decisions that will have an effect further along during the season.
The impending heat wave that will be around for the weekend will probably have a larger effect on the grower than the plants. I have tried to get as much of the heavy work done before the weekend so I can give myself a bit of a break.
The 2269 Paton plant has made a great recovery and is what I would describe as a low maintenance plant with no issues.
The 2624 Willemijns plant also looks great but it is putting out very few pumpkins. I won't have a chance for a main vine fruit for another 10 days or so due to issues with the first one which was only at 9 feet. The next one will be around 16' and there are only two showing on side vines as well.
The 2269 x 2363 at day three. If it has taken I will be going with it. I like the shape and the stem which is much longer than what I had going last year. For the past few weeks I have been using less nitrogen and have been feeding the plants more calcium and boron. along with my regular feeding program.
The kohlrabi plants are really doing well this year. They are far ahead of last year's plants and the shape is squattier which I am hoping equals heavier. I introduced another 5 million beneficial nematodes to my root veggies, cucumber and tomato plants to hopefully prevent root maggots again this year.
After a second rainless week and now much too hot and humid conditions all of my plants and my irrigation system are being put to the test. So far everything seems OK but it will be next weekend before there is a reprieve.
Pollinated a second pumpkin on the 2269 Paton at about 15' after the first one showed a disappointing day 9 measurement. I don't know if this one will take due to the heat.
On the other hand, the 2363 Holland at day 8 is doing very well. It is a perfectly round shape at this time. The 2363 plant started out with a few problems including a double main vine and them a split main vine that caused it to grow upside down for a while until I was able to correct it.
So far all of the giant pumpkin plants and the squash plant are in excellent condition without any real issues except for a little leaf burn on some of the new leaves. This is the 2624 Willemijns and it looks like there will finally be a chance to set a pumpkin by July 7 on the main vine. The 2118* Jutras should be ready by then as well. Looks like it will be green. A bit late but the plants will be big by then and it won't be as hot for a better chance for a successful pollination.
All is well in carrot town. The carrots and parsnips appear to be unaffected at all by the heat and I can see them getting larger every week. Like everything else in the garden they are being watered daily and it seems be keeping the soil adequately moist.
The ridiculously hot weather was replaced by seasonal for the past weekend and it was a reprieve that both the plants and myself really appreciated. Unfortunately there has been barely any rain for the past three weeks and it does not look like there is any coming any time soon.
Even in the shade last week there was no reprieve from the heat and the humidity was almost impossible to deal with. Hopefully there will not be any more days like that for the rest of the year.
The 2118* Jutras squash plant is remarkable. Not one burnt leaf after all that heat and UV. All of the other plants had some damage and the 2624 Willemijns had the most damage
The 2118* Jutras at day 3 looks like a greenie. If it has taken and does not lower itself down on it's own I will loosen the vine and tilt it down to the ground before it gets too heavy and breaks the stem.
The 2363 on day 15. It's growing at 5" per day now and could be on of my best day 20 measurements that I have had in a while. I am still trying to establish which fruits on my other plants will be the chosen ones.
The GVGO veggie of the year cucumber plant is just starting to take off. This one is the 17.41 lb. Holewa Polish record which is going to trained up my long gourd trellis this year.
The continuing dry and hot weather has been an ongoing challenge for any one trying to grow anything. A good rain is badly needed but it does not look like that is going to happen in the near future so I am trying to keep the plants adequately watered which is a bit of a challenge when you don't have any water. It looks like I will be pumping out about 3000 gallons a week to keep up with the garden's water needs and I don't know if that is enough.
The 2363 at day 25 has really taken off. It is more than twice the estimated weight that my 2145 was at last year on day 25 and is now growing at over 30 lbs. per day. The plant is my smallest in the patch and when it took off the remaining un-terminated vines have slowed up considerably. I will be feeding and watering this one as much as possible.
Finally I have a pumpkin set on the 2624 Willemijns at day 16 or at least I hope this one stays. It looks OK and is doing well but it is on a rear side vine. It was heavy as a cannon ball when I had to lift it to get the plywood and fabric under it which might be a good thing. All of the main vine fruits aborted
The 2118* Jutras at day 14 seems to be still greenish and is growing ay a reasonable rate. The stem experienced cracks from the vine to the fruit while it was lowering itself down but I don't think that they will be a problem. the two backup fruits also had the same condition. despite that there was no aborts on the plant and despite the heat the plant is immaculate.
The big green machine. The 2269 Paton. The plant is big and as healthy as possible but no pumpkins to speak of. There are five more that were pollinated by Phil Hunt and myself this past week but if they don't get past day 10 the plant will be pulled. I hate putting in so much time on a losing cause but if it's not going to work then it's time to move on. I should mention that all of my plants are in the best shape that I have seen in many years despite the high heat and humidity.
Yes, all very nice plants Chris...
The wacky weather roller coaster has been a challenge as we went from excessive heat and drought to outright soaking wet in the span of a few days. Even the brown and dormant grass came back to life in a few days.
The rain gauge has not had this much water in it in a long time for a week's worth of rain. The soil moisture level in the patch was sitting at 45-50% on the weekend so it needs to be dried out a little before I resume regular watering.
The 2363 Holland celebrated it's day 35 birthday on Saturday. So far I really like it's shape and it was a little over 300" OTT. It has been growing at about 35 lbs. per day for the past 10 days and although I was hoping to get a faster weight gain it is easily my best day 35 estimate.
The 2624 Willemijns at day 25. It has become a nose down pumpkin but it will be orange. I should know in a week how it's going to turn out. There is a back-up near the front of the plant just in case. The leaves in the foreground were burnt during the heat wave.
Finally there is a chosen pumpkin and even a backup on the 2269 Paton at day 14. It will have to do some serious growing to become a decent pumpkin. It is on a side vine near the front of the plant and has a good shape and large stem.
The "Cull de sac" from the 2269 plant from the past week. Dozens of pumpkins pollinated over a five week period. Not sure what the problem was besides the heat but Phil Hunt and myself are glad this phase is over.
The 2118* Jutras at day 23. It appears to be getting greener but I think that it will end up as a blossom down fruit as the top is growing faster than the bottom.
The giant kohlrabi. It is almost twice the size of it's neighbor and is also about twice the size that my 33.6 was at this time last year. Hoping for a personal best here.
The return of hot and humid weather for the weekend along with no new rain has been keeping me challenged again. The heat slows me down a little and gives me no choice but to use more water which has to be trucked in. The plants don't seem to mind and for the most part are doing well.
The 2363 Holland at day 42 on Saturday. Still running at a little over 30 lbs. per day and is estimating about 850 lbs. Should be over 1000 by next weekend if it holds together. It's shape has not changed much since it was around day 20. It just gets bigger.
On the other hand the 2118* Jutras is getting greener and it's shape is becoming hideous. It's at day 30 and it's growth has been Ok but nothing special. I'm not holding my breath on this one. If it survives until the fall I will be surprised.
The 2269 Paton at day 20. Better late than never and growing at 6" a day circ. The pumpkin was set on a large and completely terminated plant and one back up on the other side already blew open. I am slowly removing the pumpkin behind it so I hopefully don't blow up this one.
The 2624 Willemijns back up at day 20. It is also growing at 6" per day circ. The original pumpkin on a rear side vine was not showing good numbers on day 32 so this is the chosen one now. Would have been nice to have one like this about 3 weeks ago but we will see what happens.
The past week was not too bad for growing with good daytime temps although there were a few cool nights mixed in. Mid August usually starts to bring on the signs that the fall is not really that far away and changes are in the air. So far it appears that good conditions will hang on for a while yet.
The 2363 Holland at day 49. It has started to slow down a little to 27 lbs. a day and is measuring out at 1043 lbs. Still no issues with the plant or the fruit.
After hours of weeding this is what it looks like underneath the 2363 canopy. I really want to maintain all of my plant's health late into the season and since the rest of my pumpkins are Young it is important to start here. It will be a huge challenge to get the rest of the patch to look like this.
The 2624 Willemijns at day 39. This is the original fruit and since it kicked in and started growing at 30 lbs. a day for the past week it will be the one I am going with.
The 2269 Paton at day 27. It has taken off and is already averaging 32 lbs. per day for the past week.
The 2118* Jutras squash ay day 37. It is now averaging over 33 lbs. per day over the past week. The photo does not do it justice to show what a bad shaped fruit it is. Love the colour and I am really keeping my fingers crossed that it holds together.
One of my Domingo variety tomatoes. This one is on the 5.68 Porkchop plant and is about 20" CC.
It's cucumber season. I need to get a grip on them and start thinning them down to two per plant. So far the largest I have weighed was about 6.5 lbs.
Another week of almost perfect conditions has allowed almost everything in the garden to grow at there best possible potential. A little more rain would be nice as I am using more water than I ever have before. I have been able to keep my soil at or above 40% throughout the summer which seems to be the ideal level for the soil conditions and hot and humid weather.
The 2363 Holland at day 56. It is growing around 22 lbs. a day for the past week and is estimating around 1200 lbs. now. Nothing to complain about the plant or the pumpkin.