Two Candidates Emerge

It's always difficult to lose a giant after so many hours have been invested in it's growth. If we gain knowledge from the experience then it is not a total loss. The tap root on this particular plant seems to have succumbed to a fungal problem at and beneath the soil level. Perhaps the stress after the hail storm weakened this plant.

Most visitors are surprised when we tell them that six vines will cover a quarter of an acre field. The lush canopy provides a beautiful scene as well as the nutrients that are vital to the success of the Big Ones.

Large dark green foliage also creates several problems such as, camouflage for other melons that would compete for the coveted spot. Walking through foliage this thick becomes increasingly difficult and has caused me to fall on several occasions to the laughter of my beloved wife Tina.

At this point we have two rather large candidates for a possible world record. Tina has chosen one we nicknamed "Catchup" as her favorite and gives it extra special care. This was the last melon we pollinated; hence the name "Catchup". It is exciting to see this giant gaining ground on "Zeppelin" which we guess to be close to 200 pounds.

Here's another tomato that is becoming quite large. One slice sandwiches are again within our grasp!