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Lodi, California

I just have a few questions since I'm interested in participating next year. First off, the contest refers to the surface area of the plot, not the volume, so could I put trellises along the borders of the patch and allow the plant to grow up them, or would that add to the surface area of the plant under the rules? It might seem easy to simply say no, but you are still within the confines of 150 square feet. Also, is the pumpkin itself part of the 150 square feet, or can it grow outside of the patch area? And how do you certify that the patch is 150 square feet or less? Thanks.

5/31/2018 8:14:56 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

As I understand it ashton...the pumpkin needs to grow within the border. As far as multi depth..i think that is against the rules. I am thinking the rules might have to be revisited. The original start of this competition was to address the issue of growers that were trying to grow in a patch that was way to small. Bart.. need your input. If I have only 150 sq ft of horizontal space but I can be creative and figure out how to go vertical to 6 feet, should I be limited. Many growers are limited horizonatally, but very few are limited vertically.

5/31/2018 8:56:25 PM

Wallingford,CT

Sorry Ashton but you may not grow any part of the plant on a vertical structure or trellis. We tried that one year and while it seems simple it presented to many problems so the rules were changed. Everything including the pumpkin must remain inside the prescribed 150 square feet which you show at the start of the contest season. There is one small exception to that when it comes to the pumpkin. If you grow a pumpkin so big that it can not be completely contained within the patch but the vast majority of it is inside then it will not be dq'd by me. This assumes you made an honest effort to keep it inside the patch. Rule # 1, it must be fun.

5/31/2018 9:14:02 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Bart, what was the problem when verticle was unlimited. I think I have come up with the best shape for horizontal, but if vertical was unlimited... could be much more creative. I am thinking of gardeners in small yards that 150 cu yds is a stretch for them to fit into garden space. My first year was grown in about 150 sq ft. But if they can go tall as they like, that is a whole new dimension. It is somewhat intriguing to me...how to go vertical...and balance light distribution, root space, and weight capability. Next winter..I might be trying to convince you to open up the rules to allow for vertical creativity.

5/31/2018 9:34:28 PM

Lodi, California

Thanks guys for the input, it cleared things up a lot. Good luck this year, hope to see one over 1k.

5/31/2018 10:08:46 PM