Pumpkin Planting!

[barrybro]

I would really like to take credit but all of this was my wifes idea. We lived in the city two years ago and she had a vision to do this. Ultimately she would like to be open 5-6 days a week but until our kids get a little older we are just doing Saturdays.

She has done a lot of research, even visiting a farm in St. Louis which she really admires.

The slingshot is currently dissasmbles so I will take a few pictures of it in that state and you can see it is very basic construction. It then just uses a water balloon launcher.

[barrybro]

I agree with you on the chemicals. I am going to try planting rye and then killing back and planting the pumpkins into the residue. It is suppose to help with weed pressure greatly.

Barry

[DMF]

I was wondering what you used for a launcher...thanks! How far away did you set up your "targets"? I always wanted to build a Trebuchet to launch pumpkins...maybe some day, but for now your slingshot looks like fun!

I plant winter rye after we harvest and turn it over in the spring as a green manure, but I've read about doing what you suggest as using it for weed control...

[barrybro]

I didn't measure them out. I just had my kids start shooting the mini pumpkins and gourds until I had a feel what was short medium and long. Not too scientific. The kids didn't seem to care!

Barry

[DMF]

Originally Posted by barrybro

The kids didn't seem to care!

Barry

As long as they're having fun, that's all that matters!

[Luremaker]

Originally Posted by barrybro

I agree with you on the chemicals. I am going to try planting rye and then killing back and planting the pumpkins into the residue. It is suppose to help with weed pressure greatly.

Barry

I also read about doing the same thing. I already plant rye every fall as a cover crop. From what I read, you spray roundup then roll the rye flat then plant. Last spring I tried rolling a section (no roundup) of the garden but found it hard to plant in my none tilled soil. Later I thought if only I ran my cultivator first to break up a row for the seed it might work better. If you give it a try I'd like to hear how it works out. Weeding has got to be the worst part of any garden.

I'd also like to see a closeup of your pumpkin sling shot.

[barrybro]

I will try to take some detailed pictures tonite and post them.

I have added a few more shots that may give some persepctive.

[barrybro]

Guys;

I didn't get a picture last night. I am going on vacation on Saturday and I am scrambling to get everything done in time to go. I will get you the pictures. If I don't have pictures posted by one week from Sunday please leave me a private message.

I am installing drip irrigation on the pumpkins and I have another 275 mums coming today that I need to plant. Oh and I need to go to my real job too.

Thanks

Barry

[DMF]

Hey Barry - The pictures you have up now are fine! Don't get yourself in a bind for me.

[DMF]

Just got back from vacation and my pumpkin plants are not nearly as far along as I had hoped...everything is behind in the gardens this year...

Anyone else seeing this as well? How big are the plants in your area?