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Ontario, Canada.

Did the 5 day hopper at Disney last week. Checked out the greenhouse boat ride at the Land pavilion. They are growing many of our favourite fruits. AGP Pumpkins, squash and long gourds. Also they have a really neat paddle type pumpkin from Africa I believe. It has deep ribs or flutes that run length of the fruit. Has anyone seen or grown this before? I can't remember its name. After my trip through the greenhouses I spoke for a while to the manager, Les. It was a treat. My wife has a great deal of perseverance with me. She sat patiently in the sun waiting for me while I became engourged on the wonders of Disney's
greenhouse. Imagine travelling for 24hrs by car just to talk pumpkins. Thanks to Les my day was complete. I don't think it would be fair to post the details of my converation with les about Disney's secrets for growing AGP's. If you would like to know more please feel free to send me an email. Russ L.

3/23/2004 10:29:06 AM

Indiana

If they actually had secrets worthy of being secrets, wouldnt they be growing bigger pumpkins?

Tom

3/23/2004 10:38:32 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Tom, I guess you could look at it that way. I think as a courtesy to the Les it would be inappropriate to disclose their actual growing tactics.
As far as secrets. I was refering more to the mystification Disney is able to bring to the masses. This is a proud and ultimate gardening hobby we all share. Only a small number of people grow these brawny fruit world wide. Anything in IMHO that promotes this hobby is of great service to all.
Like all of us they are learning too. It is an experimental facility, much similar to our own patches.
Disney's ablility to display the Alantic Giant Pumpkin in such a mysterious way, was for me vindication for growing these beasts. The fascination I felt during my visit to the greenhouse was truly inspiring.

3/23/2004 1:09:12 PM

Norton, MA

That's a wierd cooincidence? I just got back from there Sunday night. That greenhouse ride really was amaizing! Kahuna, did you see the aeroponic zuccini plants? The roots were like 3 feet long. These AG's were amaizing! They must have some secrets because they had a plant in about 200 sq. ft., grown only in sand, doubled back on top of itself to keep it contained, with about 7 pumpkins on it! One of them looked to be about 350 and the others were all above 100. GREAT exhibit, Alex.

3/23/2004 1:36:55 PM

Nj

"They must have some secrets because they had a plant in about 200 sq. ft., grown only in sand, doubled back on top of itself to keep it contained, with about 7 pumpkins on it! One of them looked to be about 350 and the others were all above 100. GREAT exhibit, Alex."

Gee lemme see... fully climate controlled greenhouse in sunny florida with a nearly unlimited budget... Is that the secret?

3/23/2004 2:10:38 PM

Norton, MA

Ya, probably! LOL.

3/23/2004 2:27:03 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Alex, Yes I did see the aeropnic plants. It was amazing indeed. The pumpkins you see grown only in sand is really an illusion. Below is Disney's real magic.

3/23/2004 2:51:45 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Alex what was that funny shaped pumpkin called, the green one with all the deep ribs?

Russ L.

3/23/2004 2:53:03 PM

Norton, MA

I don't know, but I know the one you're talking about. When I get a chance I have alot of pictures to post. And the green thing is there somewhere. I'll try to get to it today.

3/23/2004 2:57:20 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Alex money does help! I believe the intial setup is an important part. Did you also notice they have an extensive watering control system in around the edges of the greenhouse walls. The biggest key that I saw on my boat trip through was the complete lack of any apparent stress on the plants. Also the crew that was working in the greenhouse had blue booties on their shoes. They were setting up a new trellis just down the way from the AGP location. I did not ask him about the sand though. It may have something to do with disease control. This is a curious point though and raises a question. Would it be much better to cover the vines with sand to prevent vines from rotting? That would be great if you could post those pics. I did'nt take my camera in with me.

3/23/2004 3:17:30 PM

Nova Scotia

Kahuna2 that was an idea i was playing with this year of sand burying with a bit under the vines to . if it is moist enough that the roots grow then i beleive it will be the end to a lot of moister related problems and deseises.

3/23/2004 4:02:28 PM

Norton, MA

OK all the pictures were posted in my diary, keep checking as only some have gone through.

3/23/2004 4:33:56 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Great Pics Alex.

3/23/2004 4:48:16 PM

Western NY

thanks for posting those pics, very impressive. i've never been there, so it looks really cool.

3/23/2004 6:25:09 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

I think they use the white beach sand for asthetics only.

In a big display/ride/ exhibition like that appearance is everything.

Was it Killer or G that mentioned something about seed at Disneyland?


Thanks for posting the pix.

3/23/2004 7:29:33 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Russ: I was there Feb 10th and the AG resting on the scale was tipping at 250 lbs. Was it still there? If so, what was the weight?

Frank

3/24/2004 6:54:37 AM

Norton, MA

I didn't see it. I don't know about Russ.

3/24/2004 11:13:53 AM

Ontario, Canada.

Frank. Les told me that the scale was broken. I think I remeber him saying that the scale had been removed. He was not sure of the weight but I would say Alex was close, around 350. I told him about the estimation charts. This plant had numerous pumpkins on it.

3/24/2004 8:04:15 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Ceis, you raise a good point about the display value of the white sand.

3/24/2004 8:05:36 PM

[email protected]

FYI! Picture #37 is a Jackfruit similar to a breadfruit. Used as vegetable/starch. Picture #38 is a Papaya. Great tropical fruit! Great pix! It's amazing that Disney entertains us all! From young kids to "young: adults!!

3/25/2004 10:52:19 AM