Pumpkin Growing Challenge 2012

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Pumpkin Growing and Carving Challenge​

JIm and Kelsey Bryson's 1818.5lbs World record pumpkin.​

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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. However, if you want a seed with some pedigree, I have some that came from an 849lb Pumpkin that we used last year or you can go and join BigPumpkins.com: A Giant Pumpkin Growing Community and post a request for seed in their seed exchange part of their message board (this is where I got last years seed from). Many of the growers over there want to see their own seed grown and freely give them away if you send them a bubble envelope with postage and your address on.

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. Last year 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 Pumpkin Nook : Weighing Giant Pumpkins and it adds to the interest if you post photo's too as it's growing.

Last years Challenge - http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/general-gardening-discussion/32368-pumpkin-growing-challenge.html

Last years heaviest Pumpkin - 165lbs





Last years Carving winner - 119lb



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Members who've expressed an interest in this years comp


Bilbo675
OxfordNick
lolimac
JWK
ziggy searchfield
Scrungee
ClaraLou
pete (Defending Champion = Heaviest)
Steve R (Defending Champion = Carving)


So, who is up for the Challenge?


Steve...

 

I'm out i'm afraid, pier pressure:(

 

Sorry, wont be joining in this year.

I need the growing space.

To be honest after growing something for 4 months that ends up getting cut up, the innerds dumped and the casing dumped two days later is a bit of an anti climax.:WINK1:

 

That's a shame, I only threw away the carved bit, all the flesh was used between us and our neighbours, pies soups stews and curries, frozen and still being eaten now.

This year as I hope to grow a much bigger one, I'll be contacting bigger organisations to see if they can use it...maybe a local club can make pumpkin soup for their bonfire night celebrations, and help them raise funds.

If I lived in the city it would be even easier to pass on to places like homeless shelters or those places that provide food for the needy, but there is no reason to throw it away.

Steve...

 

Im game, although I dont really know what I will do if it gets to the giant size ... hmm - never tried making pumpkin wine...

 

I'm in.

In the past I've given whatever's been excess to any village organisations holding a Halloween party.

 

I can't wait:yess:only grown 2 tiddlers before but i'm thinking big this time...

 

Pumpkin 'Paton Twins Giant'
£9.99 for 2 seeds (seeds come from a 1200lb pumpkin)

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/vip/pumpkin-patons-twins-giant/gww4938TM

If you use the following code the seeds will be added to your basket for free, if your basket is completely empty, there will be no charge at all...2 giant pumpkin seeds for FREE.

WEB1134

I just ordered some so it does work, be quick in case it changes!!

Steve...

 

I don't have the space, but if someone in Cambridge is up for the challenge, I will supply actively aerated compost tea on a regular basis which will be 'supercharged' with nutrients ... and I will supply the compost tea at no cost

I've been reading the pumkin forum, and many use the stuff

 

Also worked for me - excellent find!

EDIT: Just to clarify ordering procedure, add the pumpkin seeds as above link to basket and don't add anything else. For me the code wasn't automatically added so it goes into the top 'Order Code' box in your Basket.

 

Right who's crashed the T&M web site ....had 4 goes...will keep trying

 

Done it....thanks Steve