The Plot of the Pumpkin

I'm quite certain this pumpkin vine is plotting to take over the yard, and just because there is a fence between ours and the neighbors' yards doesn't mean the neighbors should be too comfortable in their security either - pumpkin vines can climb fences. Oh yes. The entire neighborhood is at risk with this vine. Our only hope is an early killing frost, the pumpkin's one enemy. Well, that and a pair of pruning shears!



I planted pumpkins last year, and one fruit formed, but it rotted before it matured. I was a little peeved with my pumpkin production, since they are supposed to be easy to grow, so I tried again this year. I planted eight vines this year, but this one plant is the only one doing anything interesting.

We have two baby pumpkins!

Baby 1.



Baby 2.



My, what a unique naming convention I have employed here! I'm keeping a close eye on them for any signs of rotting. I'm not sure what to do when I notice signs of rotting, but NOT noticing rotting will make me feel good. So really, I'm keeping an eye out for NO signs of rotting. I hope to harvest a couple of pumpkins by Halloween!

Pumpkin Let-Down

Here is a photo of my first little pumpkin developing on the vine back in September. I was so excited to be able to harvest my own pumpkins for decorating! Sadly, this was the only fruit to form on the 6 vines that grew from seed! What a bummer!



An even bigger bummer was discovered last week when I hiked up to the garden to pick my one pumpkin only to find that it was rotten and harboring gross little bugs! I did not photograph the infested pumpkin, because some people may not appreciate such a disgusting view!

I'm so sad. I had planned to have an over-abundance of pumpkins that I would share with the neighbor kids, but instead I have nothing but one rotten pumpkin. Stupid pumpkins!