- Dill's Atlantic Giant Pumpkin - These were older seeds (2014) so I planted 4 seeds where I really only want 1-2 plants. These ones are said to routinely get to 400-500 pounds, but can get over 1000 pounds if you cut off all but one pumpkin so the plant will put all energy into the one fruit. I'm not looking for competition sized vegetables, I just think it'll be fun to grow a big pumpkin. This is something we haven't been able to do previously because I was afraid in our neighborhood, a gigantic pumpkin will attract would-be vandals. Every Halloween there's a group of people who steal everyone's jack-o-lanterns and smash them in the streets. I wouldn't risk something special like this with people like that in our neighborhood. It also says it needs 130 days, and our growing season averages 128 days... So it may cut it close!
- Minnesota Midget Melon - I planted five seeds of this variety. I suspect the other "mini melon" kit that Tony picked up is Minnesota Midget as well, and I just want a side-by-side comparison.
- Victoria Rhubarb - I planted 14 seeds in there. The first time I tried growing rhubarb from seed I had 50% germination. When I tried it again I got 0 germination. I figure if I plant more than a dozen seeds, I should get at least three or four plants. If I get more, great! Rhubarb plants sell for anywhere from $2 as rhizomes in the store to $7-$15 as plants at the greenhouse. If I can grow them from seeds, I could save myself a bit of money. Or make some by selling off extras. I've got plenty of seeds.
We got all of the eggs dyed. Some were done the traditional way with the little color tablets in vinegar water, some were done with the rice and food coloring method, and a couple the kids dyed in the water, then dried off to go through the rice to give an interesting mixed look. We got some nice ones along with the standard colors.
Here are photos of some of the more interesting eggs we came up with this year.
I've found that this method does not permanently stain the plastic containers we use when rinsed with hot water when we are done. And, not to be wasteful, when our project is done, we put all of the rice into one big bowl and rinse it until the water comes out clear.
I will say that the kids did spill some of the dyed rice while doing this project. It got on the table, the floor, the chair, the counter, and yet amazingly - no stains! The rice absorbs the dye so quickly that really, unless you dump the whole thing upside down, it's hard to make a mess. Sweep or vacuum when you're done, and that's it! Of course it's always wise to put down a layer of old newspaper on your work surface and have an adult or older child there to do the adding of food coloring to prevent spills.