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Nova Scotia

We received a letter today from a woman who in our minds shows the true meaning of giant pumpkin growing. This is what she had to say:

"Hello Howard Dill Enterprises,
My husband and I have a small garden every year. Last year I talked him into fixing me up a row all by myself so I could plant 3 Atlantic Dill pumpkins with a $2.59 bag of seed that I had purchased at our local Walmart. We had never tried to grow a pumpkin before and my husband said it couldn't be done. It's so dry and hot here early on. I sure proved him wrong by growing a 101 lb. pumpkin I named 'Henry'. I did everything wrong and Henry grew in spite of it all.
I have read and studied this whole past year so I can do a better job in '09. I just can't wait! We have been preparing our soil for 2 months. Lots of different compost. Our County farm agent is already building a float for our Fall Festival Parade for me to put my '09 giant pumpkin on. So the pressure is on! I must do a good job.
This has been a wonderful experience for my family and lots of people in my county. I was put in the newspaper with my pumpkin so now people know who I am and what I do!
So much joy from just a simple seed!
I will report my pumpkins back to you this fall.
Thanks to all involved. I did not know Howard Dill had passed away. I'm so sorry for the family and all who knew and loved him. I loved looking at all the pictures in the Dill's Atlantic Giant catalog."

Danny and Diana

2/11/2009 2:44:28 PM

Murfreesboro, TN, USA

That is a great letter. I think it is great how infectious Giant Pumpkin growing is to a community. I work in a highly competitive consulting environment and to bring up my giant pumpkin stories at the end of a status meeting just settles the entire room. I am amazed as to the questions I get. I have not grown anything huge yet. 280 lbs estimated from last year, but it was fun. I am shooting for much higher this year. I really want to take one to the scales.

http://www.murfreesboropost.com/news.php?viewStory=13629

Here is my point, I thought is was really cool to see someone that does not know much about me and incorporate what I do into a health story. I have been told that if my results are good this year there will be a follow on story.

Enjoy the story; it is really funny as to how he describes my activities and the pumpkin patch.

2/11/2009 3:53:47 PM

So. Maine

Danny & Diana , thanks for sharing that story . I bet there are thousands of stories like that and many more thousands of smiles that have been expressed by both children and adults in the past 30 to 40 years who have grown the AG's , seen the giants at the fairs and weigh in's and its all because of one person .... you guys have some big shoes to fill. AL

2/11/2009 8:02:28 PM

Sparta, NC

Thats what makes growing AG's worth every minute. To see a child or an abults eyes light up when they see a big pumpkin. It don't get on better than that. Great post Danny & Diana

2/11/2009 8:12:59 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I agree with all of the above posts. There is just something special about sharing AG growing with your family. I have photos of my little girls ( not little now ) sitting on top of the 990 Hebb world record squash and the big smiles on their faces- priceless.

2/11/2009 8:46:56 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

The patch visit last year of a neighbor, with her 2 year old. I had to carry the little girl into the patch, then set her down next to a (then) 300# pumpkin. That was a priceless moment, when she seen a pumpkin truely bigger than she was. Why do I grow--moments like that.

That is a wonderful letter.

2/11/2009 9:22:44 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

I had to grow a pumpkin over 1000 lbs before my family would admit they even knew me (except for Mom). That's why I take pictures of Edgar next to the pumpkins.

2/12/2009 4:06:18 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

I wonder if Henry knew Fred?

2/12/2009 4:09:23 PM

Waquoit Mass

for me the best time i had was when i started growin ags.it was new to me and i had alot of help along the way. helping others get started was half the fun.ive needed to take some time off. when i start up again im planning to get some others sarted up in maine. hope it will be as fun as when i first started hamr.

2/12/2009 4:50:08 PM