From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Nottingham, UK

What are people doing so differently that weights are going up so quickly but also with so many growers.

I struggle outside in the UK to get a 673 lber this year and then see so many in the 1900's and plus.

Weather is a big thing yes and so is skill and seed but it makes me wonder if my growing practices are a little prehistoric.

Would be great to read a range of 'How I did it' reports from top growers this year.

10/13/2014 6:41:49 AM

Wi

Genetics. And Beni..lol

10/13/2014 8:30:48 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Big Pumpkins.com

10/13/2014 9:24:47 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I agree with Eddy. The free sharing of information, what works, and what doesn't work.

10/13/2014 10:06:30 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Dandy, one thing I can say is if you look at the seasoned heavy hitters theirs one thing that stands true and it that these people are totally focused on their goals. They've raised themselves to such a high standard. Genetics, additives, weather most certainly play a part. But hard work and staying focused all year long has put these growers ahead as well as moved the hobby light years ahead of anything people thought possible.

10/13/2014 12:28:42 PM

Stanwood, Washington

It would be interesting to know how much of this is technique and how much is genetics. There are products and techniques being used today that were unheard of 10 years ago. If all of Today's top growers decided to grow seeds from 10 years what kind of weights do you think they could put up.

10/13/2014 12:53:20 PM

The 2009 Wallace is only 2 generations removed from 2007 (1385 Jutras) and the the 1985 Miller is only 3 and 2 on the pollinater.
I think Dandytown and Captain 97 have a valid point that growing practices have made a huge difference.

10/13/2014 3:22:32 PM

Nottingham, UK

Found a little of what I was looking for here
http://www.ovgpg.com/articles.php

I guess there are lots of instances of heavy hitters sharing their practices and it's much a case of finding it!

10/13/2014 5:01:52 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

I have thought an interesting challenge would be to offer some type prize or reward to the growers of the top 20 kins, who would take a recent seed of a less than 500lbs. kin of a grower who has never won a weigh off, and produce the largest! The seeds may or may not be first generation record breakers. This exercise may teach us much information about the affects that genetics play. ????

10/13/2014 9:59:55 PM

Colorado

Its all of the above. You need seed,weather,good soil or growing medium(lol). Pruning,watering,fertilizing to get world class weights.If your missing any of those elements youll come up short.And yes theres more and more growers putting in that effort. BP has a lot to do with it.

10/14/2014 12:42:28 PM

Lexington, Ky

With all of the state records falling this year there is no doubt that weather is THE factor this year.

10/15/2014 9:29:24 AM

Midway, UT

Big Show Dog Thad Starr took a 227 Leland seed that the grower told him not to grow and popped a 1500+ pounder from that seed. He liked the cross and even though it didn't come from a big pumpkin he grew a giant.

10/15/2014 7:36:38 PM