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Ohio

I was thinking this the other day and wanted to know what you guys thought.
Remember back 6 or 7 years ago when someone grew a 1000 lb-er it was really something to get excited about, and it was a goal most everyone wanted to shoot for, and if that happened alot of us would be happier then a lark to obtain that goal that all growers took a notice to.
Grow a 1000 lb-er and your considered up there with the best, a Heavy Hitter.

But now a days if you grow a 1000 lb-er that isn't even close to being the case. Its like growing a 500 lb-er back then,,LOL

I think now a days (in my opinion) is that if you dont grow that consitant 1400 to 1700 lb pumpkin year after year, then that doesnt really put you in that heavy hitter ranks, well,, should I say there is exceptions for this thinking in most cases anyway, some places in the world growing a pumpkin to that 1400 to 1700lb size can be almost impossible because of their climate conditions.


Cont...........

3/4/2010 8:05:19 AM

Ohio

But are you a heavy hitter if you grow just 'one' 1300 ,1400, or a 1500 lb-er?
Sure some of us (including me) pop a 1400 lb-er or some a 1500 lb-er once, but doing it again is what I think separates the heavy hitters from us normal growers out there.
Which also got me thinking, and Im sure alot of you have seen this happen to many top well known growers who have had a couple great years right in a row,,, to then only try and try again and again in the following years to never reach them kind of weights again. Could that have been just luck, or maybe just bad luck? Or could it be that they have great soil but they just aren't picking that top notch proven seed,,,, or maybe they are getting that top notch proven seed but it just so happens to be the dud out of the bunch, or maybe they are not getting the weather they once had, and lots of factors to include.

But what I have noticed that always seems to happen over the years, once your on top its really hard to stay there, because it seems someone from no where comes out of the wood work and starts taking over the ranks.

What do you guys think about all this?

3/4/2010 8:05:45 AM

Johnston, R.I.

Brooks 1000 is still big to me who cares about the rest...

3/4/2010 8:31:34 AM

Ohio

yea I know Abby,just throwing something out there to talk about is all....

3/4/2010 8:45:05 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Brooks, I believe to be considered a heavy hitter you'd have to display a pattern of continued success with growing year after year. A 1400 pound pumpkin sure is a great accomplishment by anyones standards...As you stated Climate conditions and the seed have a big factor.I always feel that with "luck" anyone can do anything then again why is it that most heavy hitters seem to grow these monsters year after year. The harder they work the more lucky they get.

What I've seen from some local growers is their dedication and total focus to the details...Coming up with different techniques and applying different things that allow the job of growing to be easier. Better watering systems, Tea brewing applications, timing on pesticides. Just my take on things. I wouldn't call anyone who grows a 1400 pound pumpkin a slouch by any standards.....

3/4/2010 8:54:55 AM

Waquoit Mass

look at it this way brooks.i look back when i first got into AGs as the best of times.a lot of growers put in a lot of work so a first year grower can put in a seed with so much info now and tech support and grow a 1400 plus pumpkin. you just dont have to earn it anymore. just my two cents

3/4/2010 9:14:12 AM

Wi

Lol....Big Dave are you hammered?

3/4/2010 10:27:08 AM

Ohio

you got a point there Hamr, I know if it wasn't for you older growers or specifically this number 1 site BP.com, that I still would be growing a 4 or 500 lber year after year,,,, or hell, for that matter, I might not even be growing at all if it wasn't for me playing cards on Yahoo Games one day with a stranger who just happened to turn out to be Lisa Wentzel who then introduced me to the crazy hobby.

Communication with the other growers in such a easy way now, by using the Internet is definitely a great aspect of why our pumpkins are getting bigger and bigger each year, by talking with some great growers who are not afraid to share everything they know about growing.

The Mallorn message boards back in the day which started things off, and then especially now BP.COM is in my opinion what has played a really huge part in that aspect of bigger and bigger pumpkins and deserves alot of the credit for growers growing world record pumpkins.

And if you really stop and think about it, Ken D owner of Big pumpkins.com has alot to do with why our pumpkins have been getting to that huge world record size. If it wasn't for that man coming up with a idea about building a pumpkin site like this who knows where most of us would be. I think we would all would be 5 to 10 years behind out time in our weights that we have today.

But really, I never really stopped to think about this
until know, but where would we be with out Ken D and his Big Pumpkins.com site right now, like as far as clubs go,how many clubs where formed on this site?,, all of them? or to help in weigh off prize money, or just mainly all the useful info growers have used over the years off this site. How many friends would you think you would have in this hobby today to share all your info with if it wasn't for this site?

Sorry for getting getting off the subject on this post,,LOL,,, but I think we will see Ken D in the hall of fame soon one day.

3/4/2010 10:52:05 AM

Waquoit Mass

i take no credit,but when i started id call jack larue in wash state and talk for hours. there just wasnt that many growers to learn from.

3/4/2010 11:21:16 AM

Minnesota

I took the number of entries (including DMG) listed on the GPC from 2005-2009 to see what % of pumpkins officially entered at GPC sites weighed over 1000 pounds.
2005: 838 Total Entries: 12% where over 1000 lbs and .35% over 1400 lbs

2006: 862 Total Entries: 13% where over 1000 lbs and .34% over 1400 lbs, .11% over 1500 lbs

2007: 1463 Total Entries: 17% where over 1000 lbs and 1.6% over 1400 lbs, .75% over 1500 lbs, .2% over 1600 lbs

2008: 1499 Total Entries: 19% where over 1000 lbs and 1.2% over 1400 lbs, .4 over 1500 lbs

2009: 1865 Total Entries: 20% where over 1000 lbs and 2.3% over 1400 lbs, .84 over 1500 lbs, .26% over 1600, .05% over 1700

Looking at the numbers, you have a better chance to grow over 1000 pounds but to achieve the upper level numbers to “EARN” a jacket it is about the same.

3/4/2010 12:06:44 PM

Massillon, Ohio

brooks,

great points. i must add:

IF IT WASNT FOR KEN I WOULDNT EVEN BE GROWING PUMPKINS (he sent me my first seeds!).

we can't thank him enough!!

and i still think 1000 is a huge accomplishment!!!! don't downplay 1K just because "everyone is doing it". there are scores more growers now than before!

THANKS KEN!!! KEN FOR HOF AND NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!! :)

3/4/2010 12:14:27 PM

Don't insult Ken by nominating him for the Nobel Prize. Geez...

:)

3/4/2010 1:45:46 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I've thought about this as well Brooks.
Recently, it seems as if a seed hasn't produced 1500+ lbs.(unless it's known for ultra-orange), it isn't much sought after. Even some seeds that have produced a pumpkin over 1500 lbs. have sold for relatively cheap at auction. There are so many seeds out there that have great potential nowadays.
I've grown two pumpkins over 1000 lbs.(1041 and 1019.5 DMG). So for me a pumpkin over 1K is still an accomplishment. But seeing a 1400 lber. next to a 1000 lb. pumpkin at a weighoff.....there's quite a size difference.
I wonder in five years from now, if 1400 lbers. will be considered nothing that special.

3/4/2010 2:10:38 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

Heck, only 15 years ago, that 1000 pounds was still a fantasy.

3/4/2010 2:18:52 PM

Bemidji Minnesota

nilbert. LOL, You made me laugh. :D

Tha bad part is, I just spit coffee all over and out my nose...

3/4/2010 2:22:42 PM

Petersburg, Mi

I am entering my second year of growing and the 1000 lber is my goal this year. I would think though that growing a pumpkin once over 1300+ pounds means that your doing a good job out in the patch. Doing it consistantly I think would make you a heavy hitter. As a new grower you have to be willing to do the research and ask questions spend the time with the patch to get yourself into the higher weights. I know I was happy to just to grow one last year. Now that I know a little more and don't feel out of place asking questions I have higher hopes for this year.

3/4/2010 2:33:18 PM

Ohio

Your right Christy,, I have a heck of a time hitting a 1000 lbs and Im very happy to atleast hit that 1000 mark at the end of the season for sure, well when ever that happens,,lol.

3/4/2010 3:11:08 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I'm still looking for 1000. It's my goal this year.

3/4/2010 3:42:05 PM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

You open up a whole new question Brooks...what is a proven seed now? It used to be a seed that has produced over 1000 lbs. That bar is much higher we might even say 13-1400 lbs or more!

3/4/2010 4:08:38 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

i recall when there was debate on whether the green squash was going to break 1000 before the pumpkin.

3/4/2010 4:36:22 PM

Ohio

Yea, never gave that a thought ether, so what is the oldest seeds out there that have grown a 1300 , 1400 and up lb pumpkin?

3/4/2010 4:36:24 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

The oldest I could find is the 723 Bobier 99, did both more than a few times.

3/4/2010 4:46:36 PM

Ohio

that just goes to show that even a seed that was grown over 11 years ago still has the potential of growing the big ones compared to what we are growing today with the newer genetics cross's out there.

Just makes me wonder, especially now that not to many growers really want to grow the older genetic seed as a competition seed, but just how many of the older seeds like the 723 Bobier 99 and others older seeds can still hang with these newer genetics seeds that are growing the world records today. By the looks of what the 723 Bobier has grown it doesnt look to far off from growing what the newer genetics are growing today.

So maybe a old seed x new seed cross might not be such a bad idea to do after all?

3/4/2010 5:47:14 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Hey Brooks, I got a couple 774 Wallace 04 seeds I almost gave away. 582 Hester x 1068 Wallace. The 582 grew the 1st 1400 lb'er and the 1068 is still very much in the mix of today's best seeds. Maybe a keeper after all?

3/4/2010 6:19:27 PM

Ohio

yea, , might be something to think about for sure, but I doubt we will ever find out what a old cross x new cross will do because of all the new genetics out there most growers want to grow, who will take a chance on it,LOL.. yanno what I mean?,,lol

3/4/2010 6:48:34 PM

norway , maine

i think so ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fymw5ie

3/4/2010 7:17:10 PM

norway , maine

woops, i mean i think so...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fymw5ie9Zd4

3/4/2010 7:21:38 PM

Ohio

baaaaaaaa hahahahaha!

3/4/2010 7:52:44 PM

Ohio

lord!!!! do you know what i mean!!!

3/4/2010 7:53:41 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Here is extreme growing. 1000# is still a lofty goal. I may never get near jacket territory but dangit; I'm still in it for the gutz, glory, mud, bugs, weeds, and bending that scale.

Look at your region... the area weighoff records, the state record... some places 1000# is a spit in the bucket, other places it's like being in this sport 15-20 years ago. Is it a big deal, go by is it a big deal in the eyes of the grower?

I'm aiming high this year, but. In this state 1000# is still over 300# away at this moment. Will this be the year?

All those who've grown before me, and made it what it is today; all those that grow beside me and dangle the carrot ever higher; all those that will grow; and take it to new heights, salute. Meantime I'm gonna get mine. 1000# barrier here I come!

Thank you Ken D, BP(dot)com and everyone who's helped me along... growing wouldn't be the same without.

3/4/2010 8:46:29 PM

Connecticut, USA

Your very welcome Christy (and others I have helped)! I am still looking for MY first 1000 pounder. I thought I had it last year but had to settle for 928.5 when my big one stopped growing on me. Seeing this hobby grow over the past 10 years is what really makes me smile.

3/4/2010 9:03:46 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Well, speaking as a non-heavy hitter the 1000 lb benchmark is just fine. It is an attainable goal. Remember there are lots of growers out there who never heard of this site, and the ones who consistently grow 1300-1400 lb fruit are the exception. If the benchmark for a proven seed jumps to 13-1400 or more, I'll pave the patch and take up ballroom dancing.

3/4/2010 9:28:01 PM

Anchorage Alaska

In Alaska ,1000 lber is huge,it's like a 1500 lber in the lower 48.Only JD has accomplished it ,though he has done 900+ multiple times.I would really like to know what is the heaviest far north pumpkin grown. I thinking the Lija 1360 maybe.. any clues

3/4/2010 11:43:53 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Brooks, I keep on buyin and sendin as I can...1/2 Ton pkn patches out to new folks who break the 1K lb barrier!!! Never have I heard a bad word!!! All so far are very proud to wear the 1/2 Ton pkn patch!!! I think that 1/2Ton is a great accomplishment!!!(Hoping I make it there this year)!! Lot's of new growing areas are opened up because of bp.com!!! Kudo's to Ken D. for what he does!!! Peace, Wayne

3/5/2010 1:32:44 AM

Ohio

I hear ya Wayne, I was happy as a lark when you sent me that patch out of the blue, it made me feel like I accomplished something in this hobby for the first time, when I read that patch and it said 1/2 Ton, I was like wow!,, I really did grow one over 1/2 ton didnt I?! LOL

I still need to put that on my coat Wayne and also one for the 1500lb pumpkin that Dave Stelts tells me every year about,,LOL, but first I need my coat to fit me again! ha!,, and It will before summer , I already lost 11 lbs and the weight is still coming off,, ha! (which is another goal Im trying to accomplish.)

You have any 'I lost 1/2 ton in beer belly' weigh patches Wayne?,,bahahaha!

This is a great thread by the way, thanks guys/gals.

3/5/2010 6:46:30 AM

Fun factoid;

our new WI state champ at 1569# is a grower that has been at this for 28 years, Ray Gronski grew his first 1k fruit in '08 after changing techniques and getting more time in the patch after retiring. The last 2 years almost all of his fruit were over that "old" mark. His perserverance amazes me, his long time growing pal Jack Salentine also finally made the hump.

Hang in there those of you that are working on that first 1,000 lbr,,,keep learning, and working it will come to your patch.

3/5/2010 7:43:16 AM

southwest MO

I'm learning more and more that "personal best" as a goal in our hobby/sport is a great way to look at it. It works for everyone no matter where the bar is set.

3/5/2010 8:51:11 AM

southwest MO

So brooks we will be expecting 1,403+ out of you this year! No pressure. lol!

3/5/2010 9:04:59 AM

Greenville,Pa.

Brooks, I have been growing gp's for 6 years now. I still have not hit the 1000# mark! It is still my main goal. I go to the pumpkin school every year and try to absorb everything I can. Now I must tell you that I take that information and apply it to growing garlic also, and that information is really working. Now if I could grow pumpkins like I grow garlic, there would be no competition!

3/5/2010 9:49:11 AM

Ohio

I hear ya wildb!! a big one will hit you soon enough now since your familiar with all aspects of growing these lunkers, it sure did me a couple years ago and I wasn't even expecting it.
All I was doing was just growing for fun and saying to myself what ever I grow I grow,,, I didnt put any pressure on myself trying to grow one over a 1000lbs, I just let my plants grow with little help, and it just happened.

I learned that from Jerry Rose saying one year on a post on bp.com, something to the aspect of '''leave your plants alone and just let em grow and quit messing with them so much'''

I really try to follow that advice but once you grow a big one you always want to grow a bigger one to beat your PB,,, and not putting pressure on yourself is really hard to do,,lol!!

I think if alot of us would follow Jerry's advice that alot of us would grow bigger pumpkins, I think alot of us do way to much to a plant that ends up hurting you in the end.

3/5/2010 2:08:04 PM

Ohio

LOL Boy Genius!!,, I just want that 1500 lb patch, (if its even possible for me to grow one to that size), and also so I dont have to hear it in a email every year from Dave Stelts'' when you planning on growing a 1500lber and then go to Niagara to pick up your 1500lb patch?? LOL!
It seems like every other email he sends back to me he says that to me, and especially more in the middle of the growing season, I sure would like to grow a 1500 lber though,, not only for me but to quiet Dave down for a while,,so I guess Id also be trying to grow a 1500 lber for my good bud ,,, the Stelts man! HA!!!

I think by this time next year though, the 'growers patch' bar will rise, 1600 lbs is what will get you a patch next year I bet.

3/5/2010 2:09:23 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

1000 pounds... I think the world record when I started was Holland's 827. Does that mean I am getting old? I would love to get an old seed going and just see what she can do in the patch now. I bet a 697 Ciliberto, with that cool extra rooting it had, could really crank now.... Hmmm.

1K is still cool. 2K is this old timers new goal.

3/5/2010 4:41:33 PM

Sacramento, Ca

Brooks, where do you come up with all of these excellent questions? Do you stay up late at night and lose sleep or what? Anyway, keep up the good work, you keep people on their toes around here!

3/5/2010 6:35:35 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

I think Dan has something there. Ten-twelve years ago ...You needed 1200/1500/2000 square foot to grow a giant...Plant Sizes are down...techniques are vastly changed....wouldn't be surprised to see an old seed do well with our new approaches....We've got ten times as many growers then before and 1000 lbers are still not the norm...Our Heavy hitters are still remarkable but if you got a half ton patch you've done a hell of a job. GrowEmBig!

3/5/2010 7:35:08 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Down here, (Kentucky that is)...1K# IS a big deal!!! Even, considering that the KY. state record is now well over 1.2K#'s...1K this far south is still a great accomplishment...I tip my hat (even if it has a stripe to it) to those even further south that have grown some GIANTS!!! Georgia, Lousiana, etc!!! Not a knock on the SW...or the Rocky MTN. growers, as they have heat, short growing season & HAIL!!! LOL Granted, each area has it's trials and tribulations, but it is sorta known that there is a "Golden Zone" for growing Slungers!!! Those outside of that zone work just as hard!!! JMHO"!!! Peace, Wayne

3/7/2010 12:04:46 AM