2014 The GC Pumpkin growing and carving challenge

2014 Pumpkin Growing Challenge.​

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




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...

 

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

 

I'm in ...Thanks @Steve R

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

Thinking out loud agaiiin

 

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...

 

Wont be doing it this time, not got the space.

 

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!



The rest is up to me now.!

Steve...

 

Looks like we have the same seed there Steve you on

 

Still using the same old chat up line

 

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

 

I will be starting mine in April

 

Im in,got my seed from thailand x
Need to buy some scales ...

 

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.





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



Steve...

 

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