Engel's Great Pumpkins and Carvings

07/13/2026

Someone at the Jail Garden asked if I purposely planted all Orange Zinnias... I think my orange pumpkin fertilizer must have affected them, as zinnias are like a box of chocolates. I could not have done that on purpose if I tried.

07/11/2026

Here is "Mabel" she is an 855 Engel x 1454 Engel Cross at the Jail Garden. Pollinated on 06/26. Estimated weight is 44 lbs. 15 days after pollination.She is going to be a looker in about 90 days.

07/04/2026

Happy July 4th from Jodi Vasey Engel and Shannon Engel . Little red, blue and a lot of white.

06/22/2026

Look at this odd mutant, the flower had no stem and is fused with side vine. When it opened it had female parts. These pumpkins are full of recessive traits.

06/21/2026

Pollinated another 515 Engel (869.5 Calai 2000 x 2453 Sherwood 2024) with 1454 Engel 2021(896 Engel 2020 x 359 Foss 2013) today. Yesterday pollinated 855 Engel (507 Engel 2024 x 2453 Sherwood) x 1454.

05/25/2026

Shannon Engel Planted the Dunn County Jail Pumpkin and Squash and then watered them in well with two gallons each of this special fertilizer, and bam two days later we have the area filled in and a pumpkin and squash set. 🤣

05/22/2026

A quick reminder for new growers: the word “-cide” means “to kill.”
Whether an insecticide is labeled organic, natural, or synthetic, its job is the same — to kill insects. The real differences are how they work, how long they last, and how often you need to apply them.

🌿 Organic Insecticides
Organic doesn’t mean harmless. Most organic products are broad‑spectrum, meaning they kill good insects (bees, ladybugs, lacewings) right along with pests.
They also break down quickly, so they must be applied every few days and after every rain.

💦 Contact Insecticides
Contacts only work when they touch the insect.
They don’t move inside the plant, and rain or sunlight breaks them down fast.
Expect to reapply weekly or more during heavy pressure.

🌱 Systemic Insecticides
Systemics — like Imidacloprid — are absorbed through the roots and move into the plant’s tissues.
They target chewing and sucking insects and can provide weeks of protection from a single early‑season application.
Timing matters: systemics should be used before bloom to avoid exposing pollinators.

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All insecticides have trade‑offs. The goal is smart timing, minimal spraying, and protecting beneficial insects while keeping your plants healthy.

05/19/2026

Yes, We have made the draft and were picked in the 1st round to carve pumpkins October 16th, 17th and 18th at Titletownfor the Green Bay Packers

Jodi Vasey Engel
https://www.packers.com/photos/packers-fans-carve-pumpkins-at-titletown -89f7-4afe-8b99-eab5ca2cd7ec

The free, family fall extravaganza Pumpkin Palooza took over Titletown on Oct. 12-13. Visitors were able to carve pumpkins to help create a one-of-a-kind pumpkin spectacle that will remain on display at Titletown this fall.

05/17/2026

How to stake your pumpkin vine to the ground, using a plastic coat hanger.

04/18/2026

It's alive. 24 hrs and the Cotyledons are up. Watch the pot expand and contract when the air warms and cools.