We now have several running vines...
Earlier in the season when we found out we had the bug problem and the bacterial wilt, we seriously almost gave up hope. We fully expected to have a very low yield. And even though we know better than to count our
We spend time in our pumpkin patch daily. We pick bugs off and we pull weeds....
Chloe even helps pull weeds...
At one time, we had decided to give up on several hills that honestly looked like there was no hope. We gave our time and energy, instead, to the ones that we thought we could save. But lately, even the seemingly hopeless plants have started to grow new leaves. So, we have been pulling the weeds in the hills, and then piling new fresh dirt around the fragile plants to make new hills.
If you look closely, you can can see evidence of repair...
You can see the small curled leaves that were damaged, but new plants are growing. New healthy leaves are popping out every day.
Steve is certain this wouldn't have happened if we hadn't been diligent in picking off the squash bug eggs, pulling off the cucumber beetles, and repairing the fragile root systems by making new hills.
It's a family affair. Chloe is a great helper, and she never pulls pumpkin plants; only weeds!
What did you say, Chloe? You found a bug?
A cucumber beetle....
Since this is a family blog, I did not photograph the gruesome execution.
The sunset over the Bolte Farm pumpkin patch...
A hard days work, some pumpkin patch TLC, and all is well.
Wow! That Chloe is some dog! Wish mine would help out around here! I hope you pay yours well! Looks like you are going to have a lot of pumpkins to me!
ReplyDeleteYou are the care takers of Autumn joy. There will be many happy children (and big kids like myself) come fall, because you grew that happiness up from the earth.
ReplyDeleteThe vines know you are helping them. I am of the believe that there is some sort of energy, perhaps quantum physics, or something spiritual that plants can access freely. Amazing how they healed and turned the corner. No just surviving, but growing full force!
Each of your pumpkins will have a little extra love infused within it.
That is a pretty special pup you have. Would you consider loaning her out? ;-)
I've come over from It's a Small Town Life, curious to visit someone who WANTS a clothes line! They're standard issue here in Scotland, and I wouldn't swap mine for a dryer.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to see your huge pumpkin patch. I have two carefully nurtured squash plants that I'm going to risk planting out this weekend now that frosts should be past. To see all your pumpkin plants in rows is quite dizzying!
Wow!!! Thanks so much for this post... I am dealing with my first encounter with bacterial wilt... makes me so sad!!! I am not giving up now!!! The disease seems to be spreading but I still have beautiful vines and new leaves grow daily... it's not over till it's over... I'll fight for my pumpkin! Thanks for the inspiration. Andrea, from Puerto Rico
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Thanks so much for this post... I am dealing with my first encounter with bacterial wilt... makes me so sad!!! I am not giving up now!!! The disease seems to be spreading but I still have beautiful vines and new leaves grow daily... it's not over till it's over... I'll fight for my pumpkin! Thanks for the inspiration. Andrea, from Puerto Rico
ReplyDelete