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Macomb County

It’s funny how this time of year I look back on how it all began. It’s been like 14 years now, hard to believe. But it all started when I wanted to forgo driving out to pick your own pumpkin farms and grow some at home.

Only to have my wife ask me after the first two seasons, why do I waste my time growing pumpkins I can buy at the store 2 for $6.00. Why don’t I grow something worth growing, like these big ones? Don’t blame me, it’s her fault!

I grew Prizewinners for a couple seasons and then just out of curiosity, tried an AG. Its worst than a gambling addiction. Putting seeds in our hands is worst than a pair of dice in a gambler’s. Try not to plant your best seed this season and then tell me it’s “just a take it or leave it hobby”!

3/16/2010 4:24:43 AM

Sequim, WA

For me it started when I was only knee high to a grasshopper and my dad had me putting his seeds in the soil of his vegetable garden and telling me I had to do it because when I was born my thumbs were just as green as grass. Little did I know at the time it was just because he didn't like having to spend all that time bending over. The giant pumpkins came into it when a surgeon I worked with told me about growing giant pumpkins in competition with his family. Having always been an avid gardener I thought it sounded pretty cool and had to try it. I ordered seeds from Howard Dill and did everything wrong that first season and didn't get a fruit set until August and still ended up with a 142 lb. pumpkin that filled my wheelbarrow. After that I was hooked. Good thing I've never tried crack. I never had realized what an addictive personality I had until I did this.

3/16/2010 12:07:08 PM

Greenville,Pa.

I had always wanted to grow "big honkin onions". after I was sucessful with that, a friend suggested we compete with giant pumpkins, with a steak dinner at stake. I searched for every piece of information I could find. Stumbled on to this site and beat him with a 157#'er. Never did collect on the dinner and we are still friends!
The 1000# bench mark still eludes me and is still my reason for continuing this hobby. Besides, all the neighbors still stop in to see how the growing season is going and to shoot the bull. (I really should have the richest soil around from all the BS)

3/16/2010 12:33:56 PM

Waquoit Mass

trip to topsfield in 1990 ?

3/16/2010 3:19:21 PM

Gold Hill, Oregon

saw a picture of thad starr in the paper with his pumpkin in '07. my thoughts were "look at that old man if he can do it so can i" lol. come to find out he's the same age as me. those black and white photos are decieving! after all i've grown gardens since i was 14. boy do i have a lot to learn. still dreaming.

3/17/2010 6:40:36 AM