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WORLD-RECORD PUMPKIN TIPS SCALES AT 1,093 POUNDS
A new world-record pumpkin grown by Gary Burke of Simcoe, Ontario tipped the scales at 1,093 pounds! The prize-winning behemoth bested the previous world record by 32 pounds. Burke said the pumpkin packed on as much as 40 pounds of weight during the peak growing days in July.
Closer to home, the largest pumpkins raised locally were weighed Saturday at Bob's Country Garden Center. Leon Luce of Shakopee delivered the largest pumpkin (151 pounds), Tony and Evan Benarek of New Prague displayed an 81.5-pound watermelon, and Wendy and Cory Bower of Belle Plaine produced the largest sunflower head. The "ugliest vegetable" prize went to Mary Hardell for her "cucumber with spikes."
My pumpkin crop didn't produce an entry for the contest. The plants were located in a remote area beyond the reach of any hose, and the dry days of late summer failed to produce enough moisture to sustain excellent early growth.
I had not checked in on my pumpkins for several weeks but I knew I had some good-sized ones that would at least make impressive jack-o-lanterns for my granddaughter. A couple of weeks ago, I hiked back to the pumpkin patch - it had come to resemble a forest of wild sunflowers and 8-foot weeds - and discovered that the pumpkins had already been harvested.
No, the pumpkins weren't stolen, but they had been partially consumed. Each pumpkin was covered with hundreds of tiny scallops or gouges. At first glance, the cause was a mystery, but as I stood there quietly, I detected motion in the surrounding weeds. Then I began to see the colorful shapes of pheasants that had been raised by a neighbor. Apparently the thick yellow pumpkin meat agreed with the appetites of the young birds.
On Sunday, just back from a weekend of pheasant hunting, I returned to the pumpkin patch for another look and to see if I could spot some of the birds that had proven so elusive over the weekend. This time, I discovered larger holes chiseled into the pumpkins, presumably by deer. Given my results, I won't be offering advice anytime soon on how to grow contest-winning pumpkins!
I can, however, pass along some advice that I read in a farm magazine for keeping deer out of a pumpkin patch. Erect electric fence around the patch and smear the hot wire with peanut butter. Apparently the deer are attracted to the peanut butter and when they stick out their tongues to lick the peanut butter, they get the surprise of their life!
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An article in the latest issue of Minnesota Horticulturist offers some helpful instructions for drying gourds and creating attractive fall crafts.
After harvest, wash gourds in warm, soapy water, then rinse in water and a household disinfectant such as ammonia or a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach, 1 gallon of water). Gently dry the gourds with a soft rag.
Space gourds 6 to 12 inches apart on boards, a rack or several layers of newspaper in a warm (70 to 75 degrees), airy place. If gourds are placed in an area that is too cool or damp, they will not dry well. The vibrant colors of gourds may fade if placed in direct sunlight.
Gourds need to be turned daily or at least once a week while they are drying or they will rot. The further along the drying process, the less they need to be turned. Newspapers can be placed underneath if gourds are damp. The author advises drilling small holes in the top and bottom of each gourd to help the insides of gourds to dry faster.
Wipe off large lagenaria-type gourds weekly with a sponge soaked in a bleach solution or spray the solution on each gourd.
When gourds are dry enough to hear the seeds rattle, they need to be cleaned. Wear a dust mask and rubber gloves and clean gourds outdoors in a breeze because gourd dust is noxious. Soak the cured gourds in a pan of water and dishwashing soap for 20 minutes. Use a plastic pot scrubber to remove mildew.
If you are making a bowl, birdhouse or similar decorative object, saw the gourds using a fine-tooth saw. The shells can crack if you wait too long to make the cuts.
Before painting gourds, lightly sand them to help the paint stick better. Sand the cut edge and the inside, too, if the inside will be visible in your finished product.
Either latex or acrylic paint can be used for painting, or you can use leather dyes, clear shellac, varnish or wax to coat gourds. A water-based wax is fast and inexpensive, produces a slight gloss, and enhances color. Apply a few coats of polyurethane spray after the paint dries for added protection.
If you want to display gourds this fall and can't wait to dry them properly, set out a loosely woven basket full of small gourds that have been washed, disinfected and cured for about a week. Place the basket so the gourds get as much circulation as possible and turn them every day or two. Add dried wheat, oats, flower pods, autumn leaves and Indian corn to increase air circulation and add interest. Other plants that can be mixed in a gourd display include bittersweet, miniature pumpkins, Chinese lanterns and dried flowers.
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PUTTING DOWN ROOTS:
A Delightful Blend of
Gardening Wisdom, Wit
and Whimsy
$10 + $2 for shipping
by Cliff Johnson |
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