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Western PA

My son Derrik (9 years old),asked me last June if he could grow a melon. I said sure. I had two extra back up plants still in big pots.
I wanted him to grow them in the vege garden so that he would have to water them by hand and actually do some work, rather than in the main patch with drip tape. He had to hand water nearly every day in June and July.

Their was many days that he forgot to water, and he was very slow to keep after the weeds on the edge of the fabric, but he worked pretty hard for a nine year old, and it paid off for him.
He surpassed my personal best by 2 pounds !
And let me say that he was rubbing it in HARD ! LOL

I was very happy to see him top my best. I think he is now hooked on growing giant stuff, and wants to be more serious
next year. Here is a pic before harvest.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=191807

10/17/2012 8:45:31 AM

Muddy Waters

Great Story!

10/17/2012 9:02:06 PM

Lexington, Ky

Alot of folks will snub a kids effort at a weigh off but I'm a believer. My sons (7 & 10) grow their own gardens to include weeding and watering, the only thing I give them is advice. Under very careful supervision, my 10 year old tills his own plot, drives the lawn tractor/wagon...loads and unloads his own manure from a nearby feed lot. They own the results which keeps them motivated. I'm not sure that either one would let me help in their respective plot.

And yes, my 7 year old grew a larger Marrow and my 10 year old grew a larger tomatoe and watermelon than me this year. It's a good feeling to get smoked by your own kids!

Thanks for sharing Zappa, I'm with ya.

10/18/2012 7:48:56 AM