2009 Giant Pumpkin Contest

[GreenZone]

At Sacratomato's request here's a thread for signups ....

[klorentz]

I'm in klorentz



Kevin

[Michelle8]

Count me in as well. Michelle8

[sacratamato]

Sacratamato is in!

Here's my official GPC web-address as per the rules:
yourcsd.com

Paul
:cool:

[Michelle8]

Should the rules also be listed here as they are in the sticky for the Largest tomato?

Michelle

[FarmerCathy]

I'm in! :D

FarmerCathy

[Blanesgarden]

Im Kinda in....dont want to brag...but Ill be trying...OK?:rolleyes:

[FarmerCathy]

Im Kinda in....dont want to brag...but Ill be trying...OK?:rolleyes:

Kinda in?:rolleyes: Does that mean your in if you get a pumpkin to grow big and your not if you can't?:rolleyes:;):rolleyes:

[momol]

I am going to grow big pumpkin too, may I join ?

[lreef]

I'm having another Monday so maybe I missed it but where are the rules. I know the tomato contest has posting limits and things like that. I'm growing Big Max this year and hubby is determined to get a huge one for the kiddos (or so he claims!!). We all know who the big kid in my house is anyway. If i'm eligible, count me in too!! If not, may you all be cursed by giant man eating squash bugs....just kidding!!

*****Yeah I found the rules.....I think I'm good. I'll send my info. later today I need to make sure they weigh pumpkins at the county fair we're kinda new here.

[lorna-organic]

I'm in. I put my two 500 pound giant pumpkin seeds into the ground this morning.

[momol]

I just read the rules, oh well...I am out, am not going to fly to America with my giant pumpkin for the weighing, too expensive for that.
I will be happy just to have a giant pumpkin by my front door as it is from our garden (even if it is a midged giant).
Good luck for all of you :).

[sacratamato]

I just read the rules,
oh well...
I am out, am not going to fly to America with my giant pumpkin for the weighing,
too expensive for that.
I will be happy just to have a giant pumpkin by my front door as it is from our garden
(even if it is a midged giant).
Good luck for all of you :).

momol,

Nope.
Obviously you have not completely read our rules, my GIANT pumpkin growin' friend!

No need to fly to the States.

There are 2009 GPC sanctioned contests located in:
South Africa,
Italy,
Finland,
Sweden,
Luxenbourg,
Germany,
Ireland,
Austria,
United Kingdom.

GL to ya,
sacratamato
:cool:

[lreef]

Ok i'm out. The only fair here that has a weigh in is the State Fair and it's only for 4H members between the ages of 9 and 19. :( I guess pumpkins aren't a big thing in Arkansas.

[FarmerCathy]

I must be really dumb because I still can't find the rules. Can someone direct me there.

I'm really feeling dumb.:o

[klorentz]

I must be really dumb because I still can't find the rules. Can someone direct me there.

I'm really feeling dumb.:o


At your service Cathy. http://idigmygarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16647



Kevin

[FarmerCathy]

At your service Cathy. http://idigmygarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16647



Kevin

Thank you!;)

[momol]

Thanks for the info Sacratamato. Germany (and Belgium) is the closest to me but again depending on which part of Germany is plus how am I going to bring the giant there, our car is a small sedan :confused: and hiring open vehicle to transport it will cost a lot...this sounds really bleak to me... I am out for the best but I will post a picture of my giant if there is any outcome:). Good luck every contestant !

momol,

Nope.
Obviously you have not completely read our rules, my GIANT pumpkin growin' friend!

No need to fly to the States.

There are 2009 GPC sanctioned contests located in:
South Africa,
Italy,
Finland,
Sweden,
Luxenbourg,
Germany,
Ireland,
Austria,
United Kingdom.

GL to ya,
sacratamato
:cool:

[sacratamato]

Thanks for the info Sacratamato. Germany (and Belgium) is the closest to me but again depending on which part of Germany is plus how am I going to bring the giant there, our car is a small sedan :confused: and hiring open vehicle to transport it will cost a lot...this sounds really bleak to me... I am out for the best but I will post a picture of my giant if there is any outcome:). Good luck every contestant !

momol,

Germany:

(1) Offene Sachsische Meisterschaft Im Kurbiswiegen 9-19-2009
Pfeiffergasse 9
Gorlitz/OT Ludwigsdorf, 02828

(2) Bavairian Weigh Off 9/27/2009
bei GaLa-Bau Meyr GmbH
Schonebach, 86473

The fella that won my local G.P.C. (Elk Grove, CA) last Fall,
Trucked his GIANT,
All the way from Canada!
:eek:

His winning $$$ total?
$6.00 a pound.
And his beauty weighed OVER 1,500 lbs.
You do the math!

GL to ya,
Sac
:cool:

[momol]

Sacratamato,

It is a bit too far to travel with a giant really, from my place to Schonebach is about 610km (around 5.5 hour driving) and to Gorlitz is about 740km (close to 7 hour driving)... not a good idea and not to mention this is my first attemp with giant...oh no... but thanks for your full info, I wish you a great succes fellow giant pumpkin grower.

All the best !

momol,

Germany:

(1) Offene Sachsische Meisterschaft Im Kurbiswiegen 9-19-2009
Pfeiffergasse 9
Gorlitz/OT Ludwigsdorf, 02828

(2) Bavairian Weigh Off 9/27/2009
bei GaLa-Bau Meyr GmbH
Schonebach, 86473

The fella that won my local G.P.C. (Elk Grove, CA) last Fall,
Trucked his GIANT,
All the way from Canada!
:eek:

His winning $$$ total?
$6.00 a pound.
And his beauty weighed OVER 1,500 lbs.
You do the math!

GL to ya,
Sac
:cool:

[capebuffalo]

yesterday i had a seed from a 1086 pounder germinate in a cup. i think i will transplant it in a hanging basket so i can just back the truck under it , snip the vine and let it drop into the bed so i can take it to the fair.

capebuff

[RozieDozie]

I'm growing a 'practice' Giant Pumpkin this year. If it gets bigger than a bread box I'll enter the contest another time. :)

Good Luck, All!

Rozie

[sacratamato]

yesterday i had a seed from a 1086 pounder germinate in a cup.
i think i will transplant it in a hanging basket
so i can just back the truck under it ,
snip the vine
and let it drop into the bed
so i can take it to the fair.

capebuff

Wow,

Now that's a hangin' basket,
We'all gots to see!
LOL...
Sacto
:cool:

[capebuffalo]

well i'm totally disgusted.:(

one of the cotyledons was stuck to the other after germinating. i barely touched the thing and it fell right off. now my 1086 pounder is a tiny 543 pounder. guess i'll feed it to the cats' if they'll eat it.

at least it appears my 7 hundred and something seed is germinating.

i'm saving my 13 hundred , almost 1400 pound seeds for next year. i'll know everything by then.

i'll be selling more pies than mr's smiths'. :D

capebuff

[garden_vato]

im kind of in. first time growing pumpkins but well see

[klorentz]

im kind of in. first time growing pumpkins but well see


Just look at that link I posted in the other thread and there are some other sites as well. Also some Idig members will be able to help too.


Kevin

[garden_vato]

I just have a general question about growing pumpkins. I have five plants, and theyre all pretty much the same size. The biggest leaves are about 4 or 5 inches across. they are about 4 inches tall and only one is starting to make a vine now, but they are trying to put off flowers. So my question is should I leave these flowers on the plants or pull them off until there is a full vine?

[lorna-organic]

Vato, I wonder if you realize that the giant pumpkin folks are not growing normal varieties of pumpkins? They are using seeds from giant pumpkins. Each plant is only allowed to produce one pumpkin, so that it puts all of its energy into making one GIANT pumpkin.

[garden_vato]

yes, i understand. i myself am growing big max. (not quite as giant, but still pretty big). I just wondered how long everyone waits before they let the flowers set and start growing a pumpkin. it just seems like you wouldnt want one to start growing right away so that the vine and leaves can get a little bigger?

[Train]

Ya!
I woulda joined but my yard isn't
large enough to do anything but
crowd myself off the property.
Heheh.
Never grew a big pumpkin.
Matter of fact, never grew a pumpkin
at all.
Anyway after all the trouble I caused
in the giant mater contest I have no
desire to louse this contest up.
Would really louse it up with a winner.
Heheh.
Fat chance.
But I can heckle!
Train

[sacratamato]

All right everybody
Listen up.

I'm baaaaaaack!
:D

That Day shift "temp" government job I took earlier this year, is now over.
My County Board of Supervisors cut my position this past Friday!

So now I have plenty of time on my hands, to play in my ol' GIANT Pumpkin patch out here in Zone (9).

Anybody out there in IDIG land, need some genuine GIANT seeds for our annual contest?

(IF) so,
I'm gonna need a S.A.S.E. from ya,
Along with enough bubble wrap to defeat that gol durn seed crushin' machine over @ my local post office.

Just PM me when time permits folks,
And we'll exchange addys.

The weather is right Idiggers, for this to be a great GIANT growin' season.
GL to everyone!

Sacratamato
:cool:

[Blanesgarden]

WOW!!!
Sac!...
Awsome return, my friend, Now please hang with us!
Pumpkin growing at its best...
We need your tips!:D

[sacratamato]

WOW!!!
Sac!...
Awsome return, my friend, Now please hang with us!
Pumpkin growing at its best...
We need your tips!:D

Hey there Blane,

"Thanx" for the shout-out!
:D

That 3.5 month "day shift" temp Government job is now over.

But this ol' ex-graveyard hound dog hung in there!
You'all would have been right proud of me.

Got several new job references from there.
Made lots of new friends.

And most of all my Mississippi melon growin' friend,
It seems that I've inspired numerous workers over there, to plant a garden.
And to feed their minds.

Later,
Sacratamato
:cool:

[sacratamato]

Ya!
I woulda joined but my yard isn't
large enough to do anything but
crowd myself off the property.
Heheh.
Never grew a big pumpkin.
Matter of fact, never grew a pumpkin
at all.
Anyway after all the trouble I caused
in the giant mater contest I have no
desire to louse this contest up.
Would really louse it up with a winner.
Heheh.
Fat chance.
But I can heckle!
Train

Train,

Nope.
No smack talkin' here,
Without some GIANT plantin' going on.

PM me a mailing address buddy,
And I'll shoot some gen-u-wine GIANT pumpkin seeds, out in the mail to ya.

In the meantime Train,
Get out that welding torch of yours,
And start making a trellis for your 1,000 pounder!
Don't forget to post some pics here!

Later,
Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Well it is early in the season still but the way my plants look I am rather concerned.
Funny thing is the Kobacha squash is looking great and was planted in the same way the pumpkins where. Debating a late replant.


Kevin

[lorna-organic]

Kabocha is a small green, thin-skinned pumpkin. The fruit usually weighs 3-5 pounds. I had poor germination but I finally scored results, two sturdy nice looking Kabocha plants. I had poor germination on Green Hubbards, too. A few have finally sprouted, piddled for a couple of weeks, then finally put out true leaves. The butternut had the best germination and is growing more quickly than the others. I had zero germination on Thelma Saunders Sweet Potato Squash and Boston Marrow. My two giant pumpkin seeds did not germinate. The weather has wreaked havoc with germination this year. Bird House gourds were extremely slow to germinate, one seed took more than two months to sprout. I got five sprouts out of twenty seeds.

[klorentz]

I hear ya on germination. Last year was bad too. Not sure how the other pumpkins will do gonna at least replant pie and jacks.



Kevin

[sacratamato]

Hey there everyone,
I've still got a few extra GIANT pumpkin seeds to offer.
:D

PM me with your addy,
And be prepared to send to me (2) S.A.S.E Business sized envelopes, along with enough bubble wrap to defeat that goldurn seed crushin' machine over @ the Post Office.

GL to everyone!
Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Wish I could Paul. No cash to buy anything.


Kevin

[sacratamato]

[QUOTE=klorentz;299905
No cash to buy anything.


Kevin[/QUOTE]

Kevin,

Yep.
Me too...

Sac
:cool:

[sacratamato]

Happy 4'th of July Holiday Everybody!

Just a quick reminder,
That today is the final day to register:

(1) Your Name,
(2) The official weigh station for your GIANT pumpkin.

GL to all!
Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Hmmmm can not remember where I mentioned but know I did. Hillsdale County Fair (MI) has a giant division(not GPC) and there is a GPC event in Dundee Michigan.


Kevin

[sacratamato]

Hmmmm can not remember where I mentioned but know I did. Hillsdale County Fair (MI) has a giant division(not GPC) and there is a GPC event in Dundee Michigan.


Kevin

Yep.

Sac
:cool:

[Michelle8]

My giant pumpkin plant has succombed to the dreaded SVB:mad:

I have no giant pumpkin now.

I withdraw from the contest.:(

[sacratamato]

My giant pumpkin plant has succombed to the dreaded SVB:mad:

I have no giant pumpkin now.

I withdraw from the contest.:(

Michelle8,

Nope.
No can do.
Once your in, your in for the year!
OK?
:D

So PM me ASAP Michelle8!

So we can exchange addys.
That way I can send ya some gen-you-wine GIANT replacement pumpkin seeds, to get back into this here contest.

OK?

In the meantime,
Get out to that patch,
Turn it over,
Add some fresh compost, etc...

BTW Michelle8,
I too had problems with my 1'st planting last year.
Planted a 2'nd time around.
Ended up in 2'nd place!
:D

GL to ya,
Sac
:cool:

[squashfan]

Dear Sacratamato: I guess I am too late to sign up for the giant pumpkin contest, though I wouldn't be much of a contender. My largest pumpkin last year seemed gigantic to me but was only 60 pounds. I, too, live in Sacramento, and if you are ever willing to give a novice some pointers, I thought maybe I could come by your garden and see your setup. I have pumpkins and five varieties of winter squashes growing in close proximity to one another, and it is quite a jungle. I would be interested to see how a pro lays out their pumpkin plants.

[sacratamato]

Dear Sacratamato: I guess I am too late to sign up for the giant pumpkin contest, though I wouldn't be much of a contender. My largest pumpkin last year seemed gigantic to me but was only 60 pounds. I, too, live in Sacramento, and if you are ever willing to give a novice some pointers, I thought maybe I could come by your garden and see your setup. I have pumpkins and five varieties of winter squashes growing in close proximity to one another, and it is quite a jungle. I would be interested to see how a pro lays out their pumpkin plants.

squashfan,

Yes, you are to late to sign up for our GIANT contest for '09.
But it's not to early to prepare your patch for our '10 GIANT contest.
:D

Nope.
No un-known visitors, (such as yourself with ONLY 4 posts) are allowed into my patch.
Way to many garden gorillas out there lurking!
Can't take a chance.
To much $$$ (and) time (and) new experimental GIANT growin' techniques invested, in this here project.

This is BIG TIME competition, squashfan!
Get used to it.
It's W.A.R. !

W = We
A = Are
R = Ready

I just watched my favorite GIANT pumpkin growing documentary on PBS entitled:
"From Gourds To Lords",
In which un-known returning nighttime "visitors",
Sprayed Round-Up on their competitors plants.
:mad:

So I have always got to keep my guard up, (and) my GIANTS fully protected, from unknown strangers.

Know of one out-of-town fella that rents a pitbull,
And ties it to a nearby (large) shady tree for GIANT pumpkin protection.
He likes to say: "It's better insurance, than Allstate"!
LOL...
:D

I might have to talk to ol' Axehandle about his new P.D.W.

So in closing squashfan,

Check me out @ the officially sanctioned Annual Harvest Festival, held @ Elk Grove Park.
It's the 1'st weekend in October.

1'st prize paid last year, was $ 6.00 a pound.
To a fella, all the way from Canada.
And his weighed almost 1,600 pounds!
You do the math.

GL with your "porch punkin's".

Sac
:cool:

[squashfan]

Sacratamato: Gosh, I am flattered to be thought capable of espionage and sabotage, and I appreciate the sentiment behind the fear. It is always more interesting when a hobby turns into a competition. I was caught up in the mood created by the iDigMyGarden experts who seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge with the less-experienced, and thought someone living in my own neighborhood would be willing to give me a lesson or two. I've got the Heritage Festival in Elk Grove on my calendar, and in 2010, watch out. My porch pumpkins are not ashamed by the cruel name calling, they are just more determined to become GIANTS.

[sacratamato]

Sacratamato: Gosh, I am flattered to be thought capable of espionage and sabotage, and I appreciate the sentiment behind the fear. It is always more interesting when a hobby turns into a competition. I was caught up in the mood created by the iDigMyGarden experts who seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge with the less-experienced, and thought someone living in my own neighborhood would be willing to give me a lesson or two. I've got the Heritage Festival in Elk Grove on my calendar, and in 2010, watch out. My porch pumpkins are not ashamed by the cruel name calling, they are just more determined to become GIANTS.


squashfan,

Don't get your panties in a knot!

You are confusing the concept of the time honored trait of the sharing of "hands on knowledge" here @ IDIG RE: how to grow/harvest quality (chemical free) food for one's family,
WITH
Giving away potentially damaging secrets to win a multi-thousand $$$ contest.

As for your statement of:
"Cruel name calling".
Since you can't take a little on-line GIANT smack from me buttercup,
Then it's obvious you would never survive Elk Grove's GIANT Pumpkin contest.
Dem boy's will have you crying to your mama.
:eek:

IMO,
Just buy a ticket to the Fair.
And go sit in the stands, if ya can't take on the competition.

This is the big league.
The best of the best.
It's the ultimate premier growin' event of the year!
That's why the prize pool is so large.
That's why we've got folks entering from all the Western States (and) Canada.

For the past 2 seasons,
We have outdrawn/out-weighed that "other" GIANT contest, held for decades out there on the coast @ Half Moon Bay!

And this year will be some of the same.

Later,
Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Sacratamato: Gosh, I am flattered to be thought capable of espionage and sabotage, and I appreciate the sentiment behind the fear. It is always more interesting when a hobby turns into a competition. I was caught up in the mood created by the iDigMyGarden experts who seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge with the less-experienced, and thought someone living in my own neighborhood would be willing to give me a lesson or two. I've got the Heritage Festival in Elk Grove on my calendar, and in 2010, watch out. My porch pumpkins are not ashamed by the cruel name calling, they are just more determined to become GIANTS.


Don't let Sac's trash talkin bother ya. As far as the cut off date goes .....the reason for it ( which I and others agreed too) last years contest we had someone come in and win and never show up again after word. One town in Ohio ( a GPC event) only allows county residents. So it is nothing personal it just needed to be done.

In the meantime have you been to this site?Might be of use to ya too. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/



Kevin

[squashfan]

Thanks, Kevin. The bigpumpkins.com website has just the kind of information I seek.

Sacratamato: Way harsh. I think I established my amateur status in my first message when I said my largest pumpkin was 60 pounds. I am not sure what I said to make you think I thought I was a pretender to the giant pumpkin throne, but sorry for the confusion. I am just learning about a new sport. I will cheer for you from the stands at the Elk Grove Harvest Festival and hope to transition from spectator to competitor soon.

[HBKitmitto]

I'm not growing for any contests, just for fun. I have 2 giant pumpkin plants but the growing tips have now died twice on one of them. Is there still hope for a pumpkin or should I just pull the plant and forget about it?

Oh yeah, they died from heat stress I think. I went out and the plant was wilted to almost nothing. I watered it good and most of the plant was revived but the growing tip never made it. It just shriveled up.

[klorentz]

Remember everyone always have fun.


Kevin

[klorentz]

Big Moon pic. I know it aint big but since the pic was taken it doubled in size.


http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/ww338/klorentz_2000/Picture016.jpg


Kevin

[Blanesgarden]

Sorry folks.....Sac,.Kevin dont kill me...But Im done here!

My only pumkin plant has failed on me.

Ill be watching this Contest on the sidelines.....
Good Luck yall!
And Sac....
I got your seeds for next year..
Im such a Pumkin Dumbass!
Thats Ok....
Ill get it right one day.
Maybe?
Dig On, Yall!;)

[sacratamato]

Sorry folks.....Sac,dont kill me...
But Im done here!

My only pumkin plant has failed on me.

Ill be watching this Contest on the sidelines.....
Good Luck yall!

And Sac....
I got your seeds for next year..

Im such a Pumkin Dumbass!
Thats Ok....
Ill get it right one day.
Maybe?
Dig On, Yall!;)

Blanesgarden,

Man oh man,
Whats going on in your GIANT pumpkin patch?
This is 2 consectutive bad seasons.
:confused:

(IF) it wasn't so late in the GIANT season my friend,
I'd be jumping on a redeye flight right now,
And knockin' on your front door.
Trying to figure out why my Zone (9) GIANT seeds ain't workin' out back there in Zone (8)?

This here GIANT garden detective, now has the time (lots of it), to make house calls...

The puzzeled look on your wife's/kids faces,
As they are staring @ me through your screen door,
When I introduce myself as "Sacratamato" to them,
Would well be worth the plane ticket next season my melon growin' friend.
:D

Oh well B.G.
There's always next season.

"Another one bites the dust".

Later,
Sac
:D

[redneckplanter]

aww blane sorry to hear that buddy....
you have had success with so many other types of produce.....
i know a lotta folks here look to you for growing guidance...
i wish you success with the pumkin thing.....
but it doesn't define you as an awesome all around grower.
which you are......
you rock dude.
also good luck to you too kevin.

[sacratamato]

aww blane sorry to hear that buddy....
you have had success with so many other types of produce.....


Yep.

That's why,
The officially santioned GPC contests,
Pay so much.
:D

My local one:
Elk Grove, CA
Paid a whopping $6.00 per pound,
For last year's winner.
And it weighed OVER 1,500 pounds.
You do the math...
:D

And he trucked it all the way, down from Canada.

Yep,
Those GIANT's,

Speaking from my personal "hands on experience",

Are indeed difficult to:

(1) Germinate,
(2) Grow,
(3) Harvest,
(4) Transport successfully to the weigh-off site.

GL to everybody,
"Officially" enetered in our GIANT contest this season.

Sac
:cool:

[Blanesgarden]

Sac....
You fly on over here to Mississippi.
You need to see our beautiful state.
And bring an Ambrosia melon with ya!:D
GL with the contest...
later, Blane.

[Doug W.]

Hello folks!
I won the contest pumpkin contest last year.
Klorenz,
I don't check Idig everyday, but do I drop in on occasion. I have been keeping tabs on this contest. I do agree though that a contest cutoff date is a good idea. I decided not to take part in this year's contest, because I think it would be nice for someone else to win it(not that I'm sure I'd win it if I entered). I also have more experience growing these pumpkins than most that enter here. My personal best is 1041 lbs. I have a couple of pumpkins growing this year, that are doing decent but nothing to brag about. If all goes well I think they could get somewhere in the 700-850 lb. range. Right now they are closing in on 200 lbs. I estimate. I'm hoping for nice orange color...those are the genetics I am drawn towards.
Best of luck everyone!
Doug

[sacratamato]

Hello folks!
I won the contest pumpkin contest last year.

I don't check Idig everyday, but do I drop in on occasion. I have been keeping tabs on this contest. I do agree though that a contest cutoff date is a good idea. I decided not to take part in this year's contest, because I think it would be nice for someone else to win it(not that I'm sure I'd win it if I entered). I also have more experience growing these pumpkins than most that enter here. My personal best is 1041 lbs. I have a couple of pumpkins growing this year, that are doing decent but nothing to brag about. If all goes well I think they could get somewhere in the 700-850 lb. range. Right now they are closing in on 200 lbs. I estimate. I'm hoping for nice orange color...those are the genetics I am drawn towards.
Best of luck everyone!
Doug

Doug,

"Welcome back, my GIANT growing friend"!
:D

Choosing NOT to compete this year,
You are truly a champion!

Yep mine are chuggin' along nicely.

GL to ya,
Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Two months or so til 10/31 .must grow bigger.

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/ww338/klorentz_2000/Picture020-1.jpg

Kevin

[greengarden100]

i love pumpkin

[lorna-organic]

She is a BEAUTY, Kevin. Love that color and smooth skin!

[Doug W.]

Kevin,
I hope your pumpkin is growing well. Looking at the pic of the pumpkin you posted, I thought I'd give you some tips that could help you out. I'd try to get your pumpkin's stem positioned so that it's eventually coming off the vine at 90 degrees. This will hopefully prevent stem stress, and other issues later on. I'd do the positioning gradually, over at least a few days. If you do it too much at a time, you could cause a break in the stem or the vine. It's best to do any positioning during the warmest part of the day, when the vines are less brittle.
Another thing for growers to consider is, when the pumpkin is getting larger, you'll need to make sure the vine the pumpkin is on, has enough give in it on both sides of the pumpkin. I prop mine up with bricks as the pumpkin grows. I don't let the vine root down for at least a few feet before and after the pumpkin. Sometimes growers cut the vine the pumpkin is on, after the pumpkin, if it's going to be a problem. If you do this, I've heard it said to cut it half through one day, and the rest of the way through the next day. I think this is to supposedly lessen the shock to the plant.
Any questions? Feel free to ask. Good luck!

[klorentz]

Well it looks like I am not gonna get a good size for the contest. At best they are 30 pounds. I think weather had a lot to do with it and I was not as prepared as I should have been. But I am thankful I have some pumpkins for Halloween and pies.


Good luck to all,


Kevin

[klorentz]

Come on folks there has gotta be someone with a Giant by now. Sac what about it?



Kevin

[sacratamato]

Hello everyone,

Now that Halloween '09 has come and gone,
I hearby declare that this here GIANT pumpkin growin' contest is now closed.

When I return home from church today,
I'll go through our entries and declare a champion.

A tip of the ol' hat to Jere for sponsoring our annual GIANT contest.
And a GIANT word of "Thanx" to Greenzone" for being there for all growers.
:D

In the meantime to all of you out there that entered this great contest,
"Thanx".

For those of you thinking of entering for the 1'st time next year,
Now's the time to start preparing that GIANT patch.
And that begins with your brand new compost pile.

Because compost is living proof,
That there is life after death!
:D

Grow on,
Grow GIANT!

Later,
Sac
:cool:

[Locavore]

Whoo hoo!!! Go giant pumpkin people! I can't wait to hear the results of the giant pumpkin and 'mater contests! Since I don't have a horse in either race, I will just enjoy the resluts and marvel at the Giants!

[sacratamato]

OK everybody listen up,
Here are the official results for the 2009 IDIG GIANT Pumpkin Growin' Contest.

After carefully cross-checking each entrants name on this here thread,
WITH
Their local 2009 GPC official weight results,
I am unable to locate a single IDIG GIANT pumpkin officially weighed!
:eek:

That includes myself!

My GIANT suffered a split rib @ approx 84 inches across,
With only 2 weeks to weigh-in,
And went,
PFFFFFFFFFFT.
:mad:

So in keeping with our established rules,
That all entry's must have an official posted GPC weight,
And this year unfortunately.
There were NONE!

So as commissioner of this here GIANT pumpkin growin' contest,
I declare this year's contest,
"No Contest".

No winners this year folks.

GL to everybody next year.
Let's start by right now,
By building them GIANT patches up with compost over the Winter.

Later,
Sac
:cool:

[GreenZone]

Well, it wasn't a very good year for squash-growing in much of the country....

[sacratamato]

Well, it wasn't a very good year for squash-growing in much of the country....

Yep.
I agree 100% G.Z.

But that's what makes it so exciting as a grower,
When,
You walk out into the patch in the early Summertime,
And see your GIANT starting to poke it's head out from under it's HUGE 12" leaves.
Miles of smiles all around.
Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
:D

"Thanx" for your continued support, of our GIANT pumpkin growin' contest!

Regards,
Sac
:cool:

[mjc]

You mean, if I had put in my 5lb small sugar...?...?

[klorentz]

You mean, if I had put in my 5lb small sugar...?...?


LOL. Or my 30 pound medium Moon? Hey if Paul can have a medium Zac I can have a medium moon.:D


Kevin

[thiglismo]

:confused::confused:^^^^:confused:

I'm in klorentz

[sacratamato]

You mean, if I had put in my 5lb small sugar...?...?

Nope.

Yur only 1/2 way there my friend.

You would have had to:

(1) Pre-register @ your local GPC contest,
........And then,
(2) Had it officially weighed there.

To bad,
But there's always next year.

GL to ya,
Sac
:cool:

[sacratamato]

LOL. Or my 30 pound medium Moon?
:D


Kevin

Ya snooze,
Ya lose,
Kevin!
:D

Yep,
You shoulda made that short journey over to your local GPC festival last month.
But ya didn't!
:confused:

If,
Would,
Coulda,
Shoulda...

Yep,
Ya'all blew it this year, Kevin.

Oh well,
There's always next year!
GL to ya.

Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Ya snooze,
Ya lose,
Kevin!
:D

Yep,
You shoulda made that short journey over to your local GPC festival last month.
But ya didn't!
:confused:

If,
Would,
Coulda,
Shoulda...

Yep,
Ya'all blew it this year, Kevin.

Oh well,
There's always next year!
GL to ya.

Sac
:cool:

Show up at a GPC event with a 30 pound AG? Surly you jest? Also I got another fish to fry next year in the pumpkin department.Largest field pumpkin.Ya game to try that one too Paul? I think there are plenty of pumpkins in that department with possibilities.Anyway I may have a surprise or two or three next year.Gonna be interesting if the weather is better next year.


Kevin

[redneckplanter]

what would the reception be if we started an independant pumkin contest?
no weigh ins ect.just measurements?
or our own word?

[redneckplanter]

i don't think anybody '''blew it''!
tell ya what sac old buddy......?
how bout me and you have our own contest this next year?
mano vs mano?
i'll send gz a hundred dollars.
you do the same.
if he'd hold it and act as judge?
i'll even drag it to one of the official events for weigh in.....?
never grown a biggun before.
so you have the definate advantage with your ''expertise.''
should be easy money.
just tell me the rules and we'll settle up.
anybody else want in?
money talks and fertilizer walks......

[mjc]

(1) Pre-register @ your local GPC contest,
........And then,
(2) Had it officially weighed there.

To bad,
But there's always next year.

GL to ya,
Sac
:cool:

There is no such critter...the closest GPC event was 180 miles away...

[Darth Slater]

Ya snooze,
Ya lose,
Kevin!
:D

Yep,
You shoulda made that short journey over to your local GPC festival last month.
But ya didn't!
:confused:

If,
Would,
Coulda,
Shoulda...

Yep,
Ya'all blew it this year, Kevin.

Oh well,
There's always next year!
GL to ya.

Sac
:cool:

You forgot, If my Aunt had <-----> she'd be my uncle!

:D

[sacratamato]

There is no such critter...
the closest GPC event was 180 miles away...


Your lucky it's that close!

@ mine last year,
The winner trucked his all down from Canada!

It's all about how bad you want it!

Sac
:cool:

[klorentz]

Your lucky it's that close!

@ mine last year,
The winner trucked his all down from Canada!

It's all about how bad you want it!

Sac
:cool:


And how much money you have for gas.


Kevin

[redneckplanter]

i don't think anybody '''blew it''!
tell ya what sac old buddy......?
how bout me and you have our own contest this next year?
mano vs mano?
i'll send gz a hundred dollars.
you do the same.
if he'd hold it and act as judge?
i'll even drag it to one of the official events for weigh in.....?
never grown a biggun before.
so you have the definate advantage with your ''expertise.''
should be easy money.
just tell me the rules and we'll settle up.
anybody else want in?
money talks and fertilizer walks......

?????????????????????????