2014 The GC Pumpkin growing and carving challenge

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Steve R, Jan 17, 2014.

  1. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

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    2014 Pumpkin Growing Challenge.

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    A fun challenge (and GC's fourth), no prizes, no classes no restrictions just grow it yourself!

    Current GC record was grown in 2013 by Richard360 and weighed 187lb

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    The best seed variety for this challenge is called "Dill's Atlantic Giant" and can be bought relatively cheaply from most seed suppliers.

    This is a for fun challenge in two parts, the heaviest pumpkin and also for creative carving of your pumpkin. The really massive pumpkins can take up a fair ammount of space but it's vines can be trained, cut back or removed to suit your growing space. A couple of years ago I grew one to 119lb in a space 15 foot by around 6 foot, so not too bad really.

    Weights can be determined as it grows by using the "Over the top" measurement described here http://pumpkinnook.com/giants/weight.htm and it adds to the interest if you post photo's too as it's growing, suggest weekly....

    Some great pumpkin growing info can be found here...http://www.bigpumpkins.com/

    When harvested, you can weigh or estimate its weight using the method above at the Pumpkin Nook and I suggest we do that the week before Haloween, then if you like we could all carve them and post photo's whereupon GC members could vote for their favourite.

    ALL members are welcome to take part and any member can take part in the carving challenge part with either their own grown Pumpkin or a shop bought one.

    This year...lets get to and over the 500lb size...we can do it!

    Steve...:)
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I'm in :)
       
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      • Richard360

        Richard360 Super Gardener

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        Hey guys thanks for the heads up Steve
        If any one wants some seed I have loads from the pumpkin if you send me a self addressed envelope I will send you some out
        Can not wait to get started
         
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        • Lolimac

          Lolimac Guest

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          I'm in :dancy:...Thanks @Steve R :dbgrtmb:

          (I better do well this year or there's going to be trouble:paladin:)

          :oops: Thinking out loud agaiiin:doh::whistle::heehee:
           
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          • Steve R

            Steve R Soil Furtler

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            Its a good three months till we start thinking about getting seeds in soil, I've started this topic very early this year as a reminder to all to get organised with swapping/sharing/buying seeds etc. So we all get a better bigger pumpkin...that includes you Lol..even John will need a bigger wheelbarrow than last year.

            Steve...:)
             
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            • nFrost

              nFrost Head Gardener

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              :mad:Wont be doing it this time, not got the space.
               
            • Steve R

              Steve R Soil Furtler

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              I've secured my seed for this years attempt, they contain ace genetics and these seed are from English grown Pumpkin, so suited to our climate, with genetics to grow large!

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              The rest is up to me now.!

              Steve...:)
               
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              • Richard360

                Richard360 Super Gardener

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                Looks like we have the same seed there Steve you on
                 
              • Webmaster

                Webmaster Webmaster Staff Member

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                Not expecting mine to be huge, but I'll join in :)
                 
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                • Phil A

                  Phil A Guest

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                  Still using the same old chat up line :heehee:
                   
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                  • Allan Hodgson

                    Allan Hodgson Gardener

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                    so when is everyone planning on starting their seeds this year?
                     
                  • Richard360

                    Richard360 Super Gardener

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                    I will be starting mine in April
                     
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                    • joolz68

                      joolz68 Total Gardener

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                      Im in:),got my seed from thailand :heehee:x
                      Need to buy some scales ...
                       
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                      • Steve R

                        Steve R Soil Furtler

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                        The ground has dried out enough to allow me to get the first Pumpkin bed ready for this year. It's been dug over and weeded, manured and raked. New for this year are the beds edges, these boards should help to keep things tidy/tidier. Also new are the pathways and the new currant fruit cage to the left that is part finished, but planted.

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                        And by way of comparison, here's he next bed over that I'll be working on this week to get ready for potatoes.

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                        Steve...:)
                         
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                        • Lolimac

                          Lolimac Guest

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                          Lovely job you've done there Steve...looks great:thumbsup:
                           
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