As we reported before the Payson Pumpkin People (PPP) are back in the patch at Joanne's Master Garden in Flowing Springs. They are again trying to grow the largest pumpkin in Arizona. The contest will be decided by a weigh off this fall.
On the 27th of May, Steve posted this update:
With temps in the 90s starting today, the shade cloths are up now, and more frequent “cooling” watering in place.
The pumpkins have doubled in size since transplanting a week ago, and all looks good.
Including the local wildlife.
Still looking for the wabbits, and we do have repellent out around all the plants.
Steve
And we still have the cow population. Fortunately Joanne's Master Garden is well fenced, usually:)
On the 31st:
Happy birthday, guys.
These seeds went into the pots 30 days ago, and into the ground two weeks ago.
They are one month old yesterday, putting out new leaves, and starting the vining process.
All is good in the patch. 
But now we have TROUBLE!!!!!!
Why do we plant three or four pumpkin plants? Typically to keep the strongest after they have all pollinated and vined out, but also, to cover for “natural” disasters that might befall the patch.
Such as this:
What would cause this? How about these tracks, found near the scene of the crime?
Marauding wiener dogs? Nope, these tracks were found outside the patch gate. No tracks inside the patch. The wiener dog is off the hook.
So what was it, that killed the poor new pumpkin plant, just deader than the horse buried in the upper garden?
Nature.
Wind.
This plant was on the West side of the patch, nearest the prevailing winds, and it has been quite windy the last several days. The shade cloth over this plant ran broadside to the wind, while the structures over the other two plants are running parallel. However, trees giving the patch afternoon shade and also act as a windbreak, are on the West side. Lessons to be learned? Sure.
Go to our Facebook page to see a video of the wind in this windmill (huh, WINDmill, how about that!).
THAT’S WHY WE PLANTED THREE PUMPKINS THIS YEAR. THE TWO SURVIVING ARE LOOKING QUITE GOOD. Thanks for the update, Steve.
Here's some other people's takes on how to grow a giant pumpkin.
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