Now that the kids are back in school and vacation time is over, I finally had an opportunity to take a long look at the garden and see what is going on back there. A little over a week ago we had our first pumpkin detach from the plant so Julie moved it to the front of the house. I’m not sure how much longer a lot of the big ones are going to last. Note for next year: plant pumpkins a month later than we did this year if we want them for Oct.
By far, the most bountiful of the vegetables were the cucumbers. They were the first to show signs of life and are still producing. We’ve had so many that I have made several trips to work with a bag full of them to give away to co-workers. Dobson’s Organic Produce has done well and I had several requests for more.
We have had several meals with the green beans but the carrots and potatoes have yet to make an appearance. I think they are more of a Fall item, so we will keep waiting on them. The cantaloupe have done alright, but don’t get to nearly the size of a grocery store melon. Julie calls them ‘snack size’ or ‘single serving’ cantaloupe.
From the look of the backyard, we will have a half-dozen, basketball-sized pumpkins and then another half-dozen smaller ones. It’s too many! Besides decoration, what are we going to do with these things?? Maybe I can convince Julie to try her hand at a homemade pumpkin pie or some other wonderful pumpkin delight… that reminds me, pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks, Fall is officially here.
One more thing, Google Maps updated the satellite shot of our house, and guess what you can see now?? That’s right, the garden!! Woot woot!
(I put my hand in there to give a size reference. These puppies are BIG.)
Great first year garden and experience for the girls. The season – rain/sun has been very kind for pumpkins.
Several things to do with pumpkins – dry out the seeds for next year, various ways to smash them or use for target practice (guns and bats), family of decorated faces (your scariest face picture will be e-mailed this am) four pumpkins for your family or 21 for the extended family. With Maddie and Brooke I believe the last idea is the best and will make a great picture for the ages.
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What fun to have a pumpkin patch in your own backyard! I’m sure the girls are beyond excited. Julie, hang strong against the pumpkin pie pressure.
Way too much work for too little return!!! I’ve tried it and it didn’t even taste as good as the Jewel $3 pie. Rates right up there with making your own tomato soup! Love, Mom
Well, I have to respectfully disagree about the pie. I make homemade pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake every year and it’s much better than what you buy at a store. I won’t even mention the fact that you know exactly what’s in it! Oops, I just did. I don’t use the big pumpkins, though, so maybe that wouldn’t work out with carvers.
We had to go to the middle school yesterday for cross country and I saw some pumpkins on the front step of your house. CC actually commented on how HUGE they were! So funny, I didn’t even think about the fact that you grew them yourself. Great job team Dobson!
My recommendation for the extras is to give them to the kids as their treat on Halloween. Could you imagine their faces when you dump a big ol’ 15 lb pumpkin in their treat bag? Priceless.