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Homestead Farm Giant Pumpkins - July 23, 2006 - page 3

1-July 15, 2006 1 - On Saturday, July 22, it was in the high 90s in this field (Homestead Farm, Montgomery County, Maryland). But since weekends are the only time I'm out at the farm, I do what I can whatever the weather. (I am Farmer Ben's sister, Anne, and I do our website)

In this photo I'm trying to determine the locations of the Atlantic Giant Pumpkin plants, and how much area each has to grow.

Giant pumpkin plant - July 15 2 - This photo is the same as the one just above, but I've marked in colors what I've determined:

Yellow area to the left are at least 2 rows of gourds. They will vine out - possibly toward the Giant Pumpkins.

The Giant Pumpkins are outlined in red.

The blue seem to be regular size pumpkins at the end of the row of Giants.

And the orange color is WEEDS. To the right are the first couple rows (of about 25) rows of tomatoes.
Giant pumpkin plant - July 15 3 - I've spent about a hour (in this 90 degree weather) hoeing weeds around a few of the Giant Pumpkins. I can use this hoe in the big areas, but need to hand weed close in to the pumpkin plants. Unfortunately, I"m running out of water (and steam).
Giant pumpkin plant - July 15 4 - I've freed about 5 plants from the sea of weeds. The bind-weed is especially awful. It's broken several pumpkin vines.
Ben and Maureen Allnutt
15600 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837 • Recorded Message 301-977-3761