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Sydney, Australia

Things have changed a lot for me recently with the birth of my first child! Alexander Charles Boyton was born on the 2nd of June 2005, 8lb 8.5oz in perfect health, the most awesome event of my life! My wife Jo and I are enjoying being new parents very much, just incredible!

Time and money is lacking to pursue growing AG's to my fullest capabilities. NO prep has been done, and if I do put a few plants in they will get very little care. Should I grow a few anyway? That is the question! My wife says I should have the year off, concentrate on my work. I agree on that point.
The trouble is I enjoying this hobby so much I am driven to go ahead and plant a few. Even if I grow a nice 400 pounder for little Alex to pose on I feel it would be worth it! Anyway I ponder the question, time is now to plant and the temps are already at 85F.
I even woke the other night at 4AM and mentally went over which seeds I might like to plant, lol. The hobby is haunting my dreams, I swear I sat bolt upright in bed at 12:60.4AM last night, then awoke at 8:45AM. Is that a sign? LOL Maybe the key to growing this year is being very efficient, turn obsession into a detached frame of mind, letting nature take its course and be happy with whatever results. ......Ben

9/10/2005 9:42:06 AM

Whidbey Island

Throw one or two seeds in the ground, prune a bit, fertilize a bit and grow yourself and the new one a nice 2-300 pounder. Not much work and a great photo-op with a one year old!

9/10/2005 9:58:59 AM

Elk Grove,Ca USA

Ben Put a couple in trust me you will need some moments to yourself as I have and the year that our oldest was diagnosed with Leukemia, Its theropy to work in the patch if the time doesn't take to much from other areas of life. Things are going well now, congrats on the new little guy, enjoy the gifts and life you have and take nothing for granted.
Ken

9/10/2005 10:06:35 AM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

Ben,

If I were you I'd definitely plant two or three plants in your home patch. If you don't you will miss something for sure, at the latest when you read about other down under growers having pumpkins while you don't. You will also enjoy the time in the patch to get some recreation and to enjoy some time for yourself.
Give them the best care possible without overwhelming you. All this should be fun and not pressure. I cut back on plant numbers this year, did a little less patch work as usual and just enjoyed the season. In the past I was driving me crazy about these things, not so this year. It was pure pleasure.
Just plant your home patch, give it the best care possible but don't do the test patch again.
And on another note, I (and I am sure almost all other northern hemisphere growers) don't want to miss the great off season entertainment that your diary is giving us.

Martin

9/10/2005 10:22:42 AM

Indiana

you can get the job done with an average of 15 minutes a day on the 2 plants. The plant may not be perfect, butI would argue it dont need to be to have the same results.

The worse thing that can happen is that you dont have enough time to do them once they are in, and you have to pull them. Then your out 2 plants and right where you started. Sounds to me like planting them is the best option.

Dont be afraid to pull them if you feel that its taking to much time. Seems to me like you have everything figured out.

As for seeds.....I say plant your own stuff. I think I remember you having a seed that has done alright...LOL

Tom

9/10/2005 10:28:08 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Bring the little tyke with you into the patch....I would leave mine right in the car carrier and plop her down with me.In the years to come..they will grow with you and will encourage you more. Then as they get older will want their own garden space, get them started young. Make sure his 1st word is "PUMPKIN".
Shannon

9/10/2005 11:03:34 AM

Antigonish,Nova Scotia,Canada

Definitely plant a couple...it's just not the same,keeping up on BP news,diaries and events when you're not "playing"!Consider this coming year as your sabbatical "experimental" year and enjoy yourself!....besides we need more growers on your side of the pond to help us get through our terrible long cold winters!...all the best,Bill

9/10/2005 11:28:41 AM

Taber, Alberta

This is how I was able to get into AG's. I told my wife I would take over the garden with the one plant, and it would leave me more time for the baby because I wouldn't have to spend so much time weeding the carrots and other veggies. I don't think she realized what this would turn into.
The biggest thing I've figured out with kids and growing these things is: do things when you can, not when you want to. It is so much fun having the kids with you when they get old enough to walk... and step on vines, and pull female flowers.......yes, it still is great, especially when they think a 200 pound pumpkin is huge and Daddy is the greatest grower in the world.
Plant a few and have fun.
Alan

9/10/2005 11:58:44 AM

San Diego

Ben,

We have known each other awhile now and I am always amazed at how many plants you did before, it was insane and headed for burnout. Just grow in your backyard with one plant, you will be amazed how easy and enjoyable it will be after growing so many lol:) Balance is they key to life, and family always comes first. Taking a year off can be great as well and needed at times for refreshment. God's blessings to you and your new family. Jimmy

9/10/2005 12:04:16 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Ben, I hope you plant a couple at home to grow for Alex in his first year. I can just see those great pictures now!!

Your home garden just would not look the same without a couple plants taking up the space.

Plant a couple of your own seeds and just let 'em grow.

9/10/2005 12:58:08 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Ben, the diary during the year of your 950 was a classic memory for many here at BP.com. It helped to really get me hooked.

Cut back a bit as Tom suggests, you'll do right fine mate.

9/10/2005 2:46:19 PM

Ljubljana, Slovenia

A rhetoric question... or not if you just LET them grow.

And congratulations for the child!

9/10/2005 3:56:51 PM

Rexburg, Idaho ([email protected] )

I've asked myself that same question. Does this hobby take too much from my family? It's a question you have to answer yourself. Personally I'm still growing pumpkins but in the long run a big pumpkin ain't that important, but your family is everything. Good luck with the decision.

9/10/2005 5:52:24 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Sunday, February 23, 2003 Boily (Alexsdad2) Sydney, Australia

Entry 102 of 265
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Final result: NEW AUSTRALIAN RECORD!!!!!! Weight was 431.1 KG, or 950.4 pounds!!! Disapointed not to make 4 digits......but it will give me something to work for next year!!!!! All in all its been a great season! Hope you have all enjoyed the diary.

There are a lot of people I must thank for their help along the way. Here goes.........

Firstly Ken and John from Bigpumpkins.com! Without the website I would never have done so well. I have logged in almost everyday for the last 12 months!!! Thanks for the great website!!!

Eric Gerry from La Fayette New York. Eric has helped me every step of the way over the last 12 months.....basically he has been my pumpkin growing teacher!!! Thanks!!!
Casey Neuville......has helped me out all growing season with advice and tips. Thanks!!!
David Garrell......has helped me out with advice all year and generously gave me an 845 Bobier seed! Thanks!!!
Tom Beachy.....have given me advice all year by email and in the chat room! Thanks!!!
Also the following have given me helpful advice during the season: Kevin Smith, Drew Papez, Nic Welty, Glenn Andrews, Clarence Koch, Glenn Needham, Geneva Emmons, Andy Wolf, Danny Carlson, Len Stellpflug, Carlos Perez, Eric Sundin, Wendy Stayner and many others. Thanks a lot!!!

Would also like to thank my friends Jarrad and Brad for helping out with patch prep and some of the work. Also to Jarrad's parents Steve and Lyn for letting me plant on their property....it was fun even though the cows ate my plants.

Lastly to my wife Jo!!!!!!!! Thanks for putting up with my obsession the last 12 months. Couldn't have done it with out you! :)))))

9/10/2005 6:03:26 PM

Grow a few for Alex to pose on. :-)

9/10/2005 7:13:17 PM

Puyallup, WA

When you've had a great year like you had last year, there is a temptation to "take a year off". Then....the closer you get to planting time....the urge returns as strong as ever. Yes....it would be nice to receive your reports during our dismal wintertime, but we are not "in your shoes". Congratulations on your new son!

9/11/2005 1:37:03 AM

Hobbiton New Zealand

hay Ben congrats on the son they dont move alot at that age so take him out in the patch with ya my little girl loved it out there.
By the way what would you plant if you are going to I still have one spot to fill and cant decide.

9/11/2005 3:59:46 AM

Key West, FL

I neglected the 2 plants at my house a bit this year, and they ended up being my best pumpkins, both should break my pb...

9/11/2005 12:47:07 PM

Butler, Ohio

Ben, buddy, you gotta plant somethin' this year. Your diary entries really helped me get through a tough winter last year. Just knowing that halfway around the world there was a biggun growing helped brighten many a cold winter nights here. I know firsthand, it's tough with a new baby and getting out into the patch...you should try it with 2...lol. Anyway, plant a couple, and take some pictures with the little guy in them, trust me, you'll be glad you did. Mike

9/11/2005 4:18:32 PM

Sydney, Australia

Thanks for the replies & congrats everyone! Mind made up, will grow a few plants, do what I can and put in some diary entries along the journey. Spring is in the air, can't wait to get started! Will plant a couple of proven seeds and a few of my own seeds as backup. The decision clincher was mental picture of Alex sitting atop a massive pumpkin boulder, with a smile! OK, let the season begin!!! Ben

9/13/2005 8:11:19 AM

Knopp, Germany

Cool Beans! Best of luck Ben!

9/13/2005 8:54:42 AM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

Sounds great!

9/13/2005 9:21:01 AM

Midwest

Best wishes with your new baby, wife and new season!

9/13/2005 1:56:34 PM

[email protected]

That's the spirit Ben! Congrat's on the boy!

9/13/2005 3:53:46 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Grow Ben Grow!!! Peace Wayne

9/14/2005 6:40:45 AM