Pumpkin Growers BlogAugust 1 - 2, 2008
I didn't get the chance to write in my blog yesterday. But I did get the chance to see my third female (actually fourth cause the first one died) blossom and open in the monring. I was headed out to handle the pollenation personally when I saw a single bee buzzing from a male to the female two times. I don't think I have to worry about pollenation. The bees have that well in control.
This morning, I noted that the two pumpkins are definately growing. They are too heavy for the vine to lift and they are sitting on the ground. The vine going into the pumpkin has changed! It is no longer the round vine of the stem on a flower... it is now a five cornered pumpkin stem. Very green though, and still small, about the size of an ripe apple. I've named the longer one Jessica and the fatter one Nancy. I'm just doing this to reference them for the blog... as I get more of them it will get confusing if I don't.
Today, I added about 80 lb worth of fresh top soil along the vines where I could reach. I accidentially stepped on one of the vines with a female bud on it... OOPS! I gotta watch where I'm working. The vines are everywhere and my big feet can cause a lot of damage. I did cover that vine with more soil and we'll see if it recovers.
I also used a higher Phosphorus fertizer... 3-10-3 rating. So I hope this will promote more blooms as Pumpkinnook.com has recommended it will. Unlike Miracle-Gro I can use this fertilizer everyday.
The Leader is healthy and blooming and vining. He's made it. I still don't see any female buds on him, but he got a fresh dose of fertilizer and top soil, so maybe it is what he's needs to get started.
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