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Rhode Island

WHY HAS GREEN SQUASH PRETTY MUCH FALLEN OFF THE MAP? WHY SO FEW GROWERS NOW WHEN COMPAIRED TO TEN YEARS AGO ?
128 GROWERS WEIGHED GRN SQUASH IN COMPETITION DURING 2010 WHILE 1,820 WEIGHED GIANT PUMPKINS

THERE HAS BEEN MANY GREAT GROWERS TO WIN THE ORANGE JACKET OVER THE LAST TEN OR SO YEARS BUT ONE NAME STANDS OUT AS A CANT MISS AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE ---QUINN WERNER

THE NEXT TIME YOU GET READY TO THROW THE GPC UNDER THE BUS? IMMAGINE COMPETITION WITHOUT IT?

WILL ANY SITE IN THE NEAR FUTURE UNSEAT THE OVGPG AS THE TOP WEIGH-OFF SITE IN THE WORLD? LOOKS LIKE ITS A NO. TO MANY GOOD GROWERS,TO GREAT A PRIZE PACKAGE,

WHAT IN THE WORLD HAS HAPPENED TO GIANT JACK? I MISS HIS POSTS

EVER NOTICE WHEN YA FIRST START OUT IN THE HOBBY ITS JUST ABOUT BEING THERE? PRIZE MONEY MEANS NOTHING? THEN AFTER SOME SUCCESS ITS ABOUT WINNING IT ALL?

THE 1610 LIEBER HAD BOTH COLOR AND SIZE. A GREAT COMBINATION.THIS MAN WILL BE HEARD FROM AGAIN IN 2011.

WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF GENEROUS SEED DONORS AND PROMO PACK PURCHASERS? THERE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN A "COATD FOR KIDS " OAF FUNDRAISER THESE PAST FIVE WINTERS.TOGETHER WE MADE A LOT OF KIDS VERY HAPPY

ID LOVE TO SEE A USA GIANT PUMPKIN,SQUASH AND WATERMELON COMPETITION AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE. ONE LOCATION, ONE BIG STAGE,BY INVITATION ONLY, CENTERED AROUND AN EXISTING EVENT SOMEWHERE, COUPLED WITH SPONSORS TO PULL IT ALL TOGETHER.

LASTLY- IS THERE A MORE GENEROUS CARING INDIVIDUAL THEN EDDY Z? I THINK NOT.EDDY HAS HELPED MANY ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH HIS SEED PURCHASES AND DONATIONS. TAKE A BOW BIG MAN.

12/12/2010 9:57:32 AM

Ohio

Well, for the last few years, all i have is green. Squash and watermelons. have'nt had much luck with Squash. But i'm learning what to do for the watermelons.

Rob Hammp the last few years, has had a all watermelon weigh-off. Frankfort Ohio. This year Frank Mudd and Bill Neptune brought some big ones. Thought mine was going to go big, but only hit 171. So with the help of some other growers, we hope to have some more Heavy Hitters there.

So if anyone wants to support this weigh-off, please contact Rob,Tony Vanderpool or myself. By the way, this is run during the Frankfort Sunflower Festival, so bring your sunflowers too.

Thank you
Danny Reeb
Clarksburg ohio

12/12/2010 11:06:00 AM

Soldiers Grove, WI

I feel the Green Squash fell off the map due to a few reasons. Primarily because hardly any Heavy Hitters plant Green Squash any more. Due to this fact there is very few large Green Squash each year which helps to keep the spot light OFF the Green Squash. Besides this obvious fact, there is very little prize money and low numbers of Green Squash at each event which brings the competition level down making it less competitive. If the world's 20 best Pumpkin growers planted 2 Green Squash plants each it might make the Green Squash scene more interesting. But in order for that to happen the Green Squash prize structure would need to resemble the Pumpkin prize structure. For instance, how competitive would Nascar be if the 1st place prize money was $100. I am not saying us Pumpkin growers are greedy, but I am saying that money fuels competition. The more on the line the harder the effort. In my opinion.

12/12/2010 11:09:35 AM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Is the squash a separate entry in the Master Grower Award Criteria?

12/12/2010 11:18:52 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

It is Giant Pumpkin OR Giant Squash as choice in Master Grower...

We have squash category here at our weighoff, drag one by!

The Greenie lots we offered Friday the 10th were well received, that was encouraging!!!!!

Pap has some points... and Pap, we did raise something for the OAF last night (the 11th), our last lot was for that, and a few others are donating besides... will you email me at [email protected], and after we clear those checks, how and where can we donate it?

12/12/2010 11:32:54 AM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

From a rookies standpoint, Pap, you sure stir it up! That's good stuff! I am new to this, so , my perspective is why did I NOT consider green squash instead of Big Orange Pumkins??? Why would I devote any of my current growing space to gorwing Green? It's not about any some of money, it's about the pleasure (fun) of it. If money is all you got to motivate someone to grow Green, you'll only get big money growers. I'm affaid it's populatity contest that has a long standing pagan holiday propetuating it's success, and maybe a daughter who has never seen a Giant Green Squash!
I don't have a seed budget this year, so I was at the mercy of generous growers like Mr. Ciesielski, who in his generousity included three GGS seeds. Guess what????
My daughter thinks it would be cool to try a Giant Green Squash!!! Imagine That! Generousity over Money??? Somethig to think about! BSD, David

12/12/2010 11:35:30 AM

Massachusetts

same here, it's not about the money, it is about the faces on kids when they jump up on a giant pumpkin!!! priceless!
it is also about helping the hobby, i have most seeds needed to grow a big one; its just knowlege from people like pap, and time. i bid on seeds in just about every auction, either it's something that i like , or just to help out the club.. either way it's a hobby for me, and
i would not give it up for the world! also pap is right about eddie! from what i have seen here, a true gentleman in the sport of ag growing!scott

12/12/2010 12:17:17 PM

Muddy Waters

The reason most people dont grow squash is lack of space & time.I bet most sguash growers have large gardens Over (7000 sg feet)Growers dont want to waste a shot at the big title when the odss are so limted.They may plant 2-6 plants and want the better odds.I can make a green squash a pumpkin with a can of spray paint.I have done it several times the kids never new.This is after weigh-offs of course.

12/12/2010 12:50:33 PM

Southeast

With limited patch space and propencity to aborts this is very frustrating. I may not try again next year. If I had no problems with sets I would give it another try for sure.

12/12/2010 1:30:08 PM

Long Island,New York

There is alot here. I find it curious Pap makes 10 points-only one of which is about squash. Yet there are 8 responses and ALL are about squash.Why is that?

12/12/2010 2:01:16 PM

Ohio

Maybe becauase of my post. Or because we take out of the post what we want to.

I'm stickin with watermelons and squash, because of out of all the good points pap brings up. That what was important to me. Not that the other points are'nt without merit.

The one thing i don't agree with is the invitation only weigh-off. This, i think would discourage new growers and some other growers.

12/12/2010 5:19:27 PM

Las Cruces NM

Why 8 responses to squash? Maybe cuz squash still has more interest then it seems? But it does need to be pointed out several were combined about the money/prize (3). And what happened to GiantJack, well we all know that answer I'm sure, but I too do wish he would come back as he is a member of the growing communty. I also disagree with inventation only weighoff as it's a sport for all! And I don't think anyone would disagre with paps assessment of the iceman ... Quin ... lieber ... so that is why all the squash LOL.

12/12/2010 5:41:37 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Reasons why I donate 1/5 of my patch to a squash each year:

1. I can be competetive in the squash category because there are fewer entries.

2. Our weighoff rewards squash with a $200 prize and a nice plaque.

3. A squash looks really cool carved up the inside walls are orange like a pumpkin and the contrast is great.

4. G sent me a 663 Andrews in 06.

5. It is different.

12/12/2010 7:09:40 PM

So. Maine

In the words of JFK " I grow the giant squash not because it's easy but because it hard " ....

12/12/2010 9:10:59 PM

Jefferson Me

Something to think about as far as the number of entrees of squash from 10 years ago to now. Is that the rules have change over time. I've been told that years ago if your pumpkin had minimal green on it it was considered a squash. Now the rules uphold the opposite. If a squash is not 100% green,blue or grey it is called a pumpkin. I know for fact that some of the pumpkins listed this season would have been squash years ago.So in my opinion you need to be darn sure you have good color lines or your seasons work to enter a squash entree could end up being a pumpkin. So therefor perhaps that has dicouraged some from bothering growing them. Personly I enjoy growing them. I wish there were more in my area that grew them. Al B is the only grower that I can always figure on showing up at the weighoffs with one. As far as the purse for these being low that is true. But if you are close enough to make the trip to Damariscotta's Pumpkinfest. It may be worth the trip last year 1st paid $1000 2nd was 500 and 3rd 200. I've been told that the purses are going to be even better this season.

12/12/2010 11:07:19 PM

Rhode Island

every winter i say im going to plant a green squash and yet come spring i never do. mostly because i cant manage a lot of plants so the few i still grow always seem to end up with my favorite -- giant pumpkins

SPEAKING OF G R E E N
-- CHECK THIS OUT---- IS IT JUST ME? HAVE ANY OF YOU GREEN SQUASH LOVERS LOOKED AT THE 1674 KEVIN MARSH 2010 PUMPKIN PHOTO?
THE PICTURE IN OUR SNGPG HEWSLETTER WAS AT FIRST GLANCE (IN MY OPINION )LOOKING AN AWFUL LOT LIKE A GREENE SQUASH.
IF I EVER DID WANT TO ADVANCE THE GREEN SQUASH WEIGHTS TO NEWER HIGHTS ? ID TAKE A LONG HARD LOOK AT THE 1,674 AND WOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO GROW IT AND GROSS IT WITH A GREEN SQUASH FOR WHAT COULD BE SOMETHING SPECIAL IN 2012.
CHECK IT OUT GLEN . WHAT DO YA THINK?
PAP

12/12/2010 11:52:14 PM

Las Cruces NM

Pap, it has no MR "green" genes in it :P But believe it would qualify as a squash in Europe? Would like to have Glen and the europe folks weigh in.

12/13/2010 12:13:47 AM

Circleville ,OH.

Its the almighty dollar that causes squash to take a back seat. Most weigh-offs pay more for the winning watermelon than the winning squash.Why squash has turned into the bastard step-child of the pumpkin,I can't say.Back in the 90's seems like the squash was grown just as much as the pumpkins by heavy hitters of the time.

I always plant a squash every year and will continue to. There is just something about that deep green that gets me.Someday squash will be equal to pumpkins at weigh-offs when people learn to love the green!!!I think it will take longer for squash to obtain the weights of pumpkins due to the fact they are not grown by that many growers.

G probably does more than anyone else for squash so I guess we could call him the king of squash.Hes the one that got me started with squash many years ago and for that I thank him.

Keep up the good work G someday...............................

12/13/2010 12:24:03 AM

Germany

My English is not good enough to detect the fine differences between joking, ironism, sarcasm or if someones opinion is serious.
@ SWdesert : what do you mean with "Pap, it has no MR "green" genes in it :P But believe it would qualify as a squash in Europe?"
Not much squash growers in Europe, but some good ones. Do you really think they dont know what a " green" Squash looks like ?

12/13/2010 3:35:06 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Well still, if y'all want to be proudNloudNgreen, drag one our way mid Sept... we're still hashing how much more we're going to add to greenie, but. We'll have the plaque and the ribbons and the bragging rights to be claimed...

Pap, still need you to email me over the OAF $$$ we raised...
[email protected], thanks

12/13/2010 8:01:25 AM

Long Island,New York

My point was that the greenies are passionate about growing the green ones and the fact that theres 10 plus posts proves it. Its also evident that we grow them for fun, challenge, etc and not for the money. Most big successful growers grow for the money (prove me wrong!) so they wont grow the green. Until the greenies and the greenie growers get treated more like the pumpkins the people who grow them will be those that are in it for the fun challenge and because they are just cool!. (Some people don't even realize they treat the squash as second class citizens).

12/13/2010 9:38:31 AM

Corryton, TN

1674 is in hand with that very plan PAP. Another good cross already made to work with is the 1531 Haist. 2012 could be a big year for greenies.

12/13/2010 1:55:22 PM

Lexington, Ky

I grew a 1,000 pound squash and recieved a small plaque and that was it, not a freakin' dime in payout for my effort....
Hell yes, I'm growing green again in 2011! I like plaques!

12/13/2010 2:04:34 PM

(rocky) Bonney Lake Wa.

I like the fact that when that huge pumpkin sits in the back of my truck and driving down the road you see peoples expression and people taking the pictures as you are driving down the road. Winning big $$$ is cool too.

12/13/2010 4:17:00 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Squash have been segregated into there own made up class. Pumpkins and squash come in various colors. The color rules are too vague and need to be clarified in my opinion. Waite till there is a WR that is 80% green and then people would be like... What is that? But we'd still call it a pumpkin and try to explain to them the difference. Please don't hammer me for these opinions as I am open to discusion about this and I am just giving my 2 cents. I am a big gpc supporter and I coordinated 2 weighoffs this year. I respect those who like to grow for real orange and real green, but I recognize that those 2 colors are not the only criteria for judges. Also, I have great respect for all the past green and orange jacket winners and do not want to diminish the great accomplishments of any them. I agree with Caleb and others about the squash prizes being to low. Also I agree with Pap that iceman is a very generous person who has helped a ton off growers. God Bless - Ryan Ewing

12/13/2010 9:32:10 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I agree that green is cool, but pays little reward other than satisfaction. I guess it's tough getting used to the fact that the WR is 1236 pounds, a goal I've not come far from achieving with pumpkins. Realizing that 1236 pounds for a squash is a hell of an accomplishment seems to be secondary when pumpkin weights are now over 1800 pounds and the glory behind a pumpkin WR is much greater.

However, I root for and salute ALL squash growers for their dedication to green. I just have a tough time dedicating an already limited amount of space for one or two. I think that's where the real dilemma lies for most growers.

And pap, I don't believe Charlie Lieber is going to grow this coming season due to family constraints.

And I agree with your assessment of Eddy Z. Some I know have looked down on him for various reasons, but he has done many clubs and individuals some very good turns over the years. Generosity is his middle name.

12/13/2010 9:51:03 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

MG, I tend to disagree!! The old rules were vague...the new rules are very specific!!! 100% Green, if not...it's a pkn!!! Seems sorta harsh, I agree!!! An incredible grower, in KY, grew a 1K plus fruit, in KY!! the year that the rules were changed, and has been lost in the change!!! Peace, Wayne

12/14/2010 3:45:14 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

I also, have to disagree w/ the by invitation only, thing (sorry pap), but GPC rules state that awl of us are welcome!!! But, way KUL, is the watermelon part of this incredible idea!!!! Peace, Wayne

12/14/2010 3:49:12 AM

Frankfort Oh

lol-1320-I agree with P,Wayne-and dido to Joe and Danny-everybody has there pic -but until prize money would come up and better reconition-then the greenies as they say will always be on the bottom of the list -I also have tried growing the greenies ,but after having such a hard time pollinating-them I dont see the reason-to waste a good spot in my patch -But I`d also have to say G is right -it is about the money !!and bragging rights,so until someone grows a 1500# sqaush,it will just be a fun hobby-with the greenies-BUT i DO KNOW SOMEONE -whos after that record for the green pumpkins hes tried every year to grow one -{hint} goes by the name Dan Kirts -bless his heart

12/14/2010 9:52:03 AM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Wayne, I agree that the new rules are better and more clear. I am specifically commenting on this part of the rules... "not including the portion that was in contact with, or close proximity to the ground will be considered". Just what exactly is 'Close Proximity'? Is it 2 inches, 6 inches, .5 inches. I know that confuses a lot of people, growers included. Why don't we just pick a number? We measure everything else about these fruit and try to be exact with all we do. I am trying to make the sure that the rules are perfectly clear for the judges in order to promote standardization of judging practices worldwide. Thats one of the things that I love about the GPC the most is that it levels the playing field for all growers and gives me a good sense that when I bring my Kin/Squash to a
contest that it is being judged the exact same way as all of the other contests are judging... Remember, I am from Squashington, Lol and this issue comes up from time to time as I am sure it does in all the other growing regions. To what degree I am not sure. All the Best - Ryan

12/14/2010 2:54:14 PM

Long Island,New York

Monster Grower....Thank you for your insight and participation as it is every growers concern to have a level playing field. That goes to everyone else too. The squash rules have never been perfect and never will be perfect, after all, color is to a large extent variable and they are all squash. The answer to alot of the questions can be found by analyzing the problem. Let me ask you these questions and please answer them after some thought:
What do YOU think the reason for the light coloring at the bottom of squashes is due to? Do YOU think theres any difference in the bottom white color and the white portions that might be found on the top of some fruit? Thanks....G

12/14/2010 3:33:22 PM

Long Island,New York

Oh...and yeah, Eddy Z is still my hero. (even when he's wrong)

12/14/2010 3:36:12 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Thanks G. To try and answer, to me I would say that close proximity means within 2" to the ground or less and including the area that the kin touched the ground. I would differentiate for white color on top and say that having a white spot on top would not qualify for squash.Making an exception for white streaking on the blossom end. I think that the problem with color rules center around a different interpretation of 4 colors grey/blue -vs- brown/cream. I also think the current rules have worked well. I obide by them like all the other growers. I wanted to draw attention to the possible need for more clarification about small parts of the rules. To me its got to be almost entirely green,blue,grey or its not a squash, no exceptions.

12/14/2010 7:22:48 PM

Long Island,New York

But you didn't answer the questions !
When you look at a situation like this color rule you have to look at >> what is the intent of the law and what is the letter of the law. The intent of todays squash catagory is to allow the current squash growers to compete and be rewarded for growing what is arguably a different kind of giant pumpkin- one that is generally understood as being lesser in size genetics and less refined in selection processes for growth duration and all the other good things that are important for monstrous wieghts. The intent is to be INCLUSIVE rather than EXCLUSIVE of specimens from squash genetics while at the same time having some way to deter the DR. Frankenstine crosses of pkns with squash that dont maintain the good squash colors. Because of the need to exclude the pumpkins which genetically for size are superior to the greenies some of the poorer colored squash get rejected. This sucks, but indirectly does what is needed---

12/14/2010 7:43:37 PM

Long Island,New York

This sucks but indirectly does what is needed--- it promotes the growing of the better colored truer green squashes. Being eliminated come weighoff time can be greatly reduced by not growing the color-challenged lines. Of course there will always be some guys riding the edge with the 616-990-756-824 and numerous other crosses with pumpkins that may give them a pumpkin growth advantage but borderline color. Then they will complain about the color rule. Some will get by and a real squash grower will be abused as was typical before say 2005 or so. It happens as long as people let it.

12/14/2010 7:50:16 PM

Long Island,New York

What is most important to the success of a color rule is consistent and honest judging which, in my opinion isn't there yet. Interpretation is neccessary to a large extent because we want to be inclusive of the squash yet every grower needs to know when loading if its a squash or a pkn. I applaud the judges that make the hard call against perhaps a crowd favorite because its the right call.I feel for the grower who grew a giant squash seed to get a giant squash with less color than neccessary to be included. That sux too. If you knowingly grow a historically questionable producing seed and get a questionable fruit and get dq'd ...well, you might deserve it. The squash catagory should reward the squash grower who grows squash- hopefully true green squash.

12/14/2010 7:59:17 PM

El Paso TX.

Fairly new to all of this so might be way off but have a quick question : Why not do away with the squash category all together and let the greenies compete along with the others for prizes etc. -- then perhaps add a different award like the Dill award for the best orange and make an award for the best true green color with a pay out like the Dill award has ? that way there is no confusion on what category they fit in since there is only one category - Yet the purists that want to grow for that true Green or Orange color still have an award to go after thus keeping the true green lines going along with the true orange

12/14/2010 8:39:24 PM

Long Island,New York

My first thought on that JD is that then theres no competition for growing the largest squash. Color has nothing to do with skill really and squash cannot compete with pumpkins for size so then what do we have? And as far as a Dill award to go after ever try and nail down the rules on Dill awards?...puleeez !!!...lol

12/14/2010 8:48:45 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

Glenn is right there, Dill awards seem to be given without regard to the guide lines

12/14/2010 9:39:42 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Oh PapZ.....Why did you kick the sleeping Giant Jack Dog.....I hope he doeZnt wake.....well have to put him down if he doeZ.....

I love green squash...they are indeed unique to themselves....looking like a giant olive...beautiful in color just as the big orange all too...both unique unto themselves...

12/15/2010 5:32:02 AM

Saegertown Pa.

If your going to go at this from a purest stand point and not try to bring in questionable lines to bring the weights up and then bring the dark green back into them your going to have less and less people trying to grow squash and only the die hard pure dark green people growing them. And that's fine and I see nothing wrong with that but if you wont more money and more people growing them the weights have to go up. I can't speak for anyone else but I stopped growing them because the genetics' aren't there for the bigger weights and I was not willing to make the commitment to change that, it had nothing to do with money and I find that very insulting. If it was about the money I would stop growing and get a part time job and have a lot more free time and a lot more money.

12/15/2010 6:02:14 AM

Marion,IN

"If it was about the money I would stop growing and get a part time job and have a lot more free time and a lot more money. " Quinn Werner 2010


Great quote Quinn! Truer words were never spoken.........

12/15/2010 1:48:50 PM

Minnesota

That is why I posted there should be some kind of hall of fame, a plaque maybe shaped like a pumkin with hall of fame seeds, seeds that have earned it and one for growers. Voted in the Niagra falls weekend.
It could give growers something to aim for or a seed they grown to be on the plaque, not all growers are in this to win the 1st place prize, some growers are doing it for the love of the sport, or have money is not such a big issue with them.

12/15/2010 2:10:42 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

What is the definition of "Close Proximity"? Is there an answer or is it up for interpretation by the judges at each individual site? And wiz I don't even know who Giant Jack is. And I don't know who you are either G. Thanks for the comments though. I mean you no harm. But I am free to give my opinions - Ryan Ewing

12/15/2010 2:16:23 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

1st, MG if you don't know Giant Jack...count yer self lucky!!!
2nd, G, tell em the truth!!! There IS a Green award!!!
3rd, I agree!!! Eddy Z ROCKS!!!
4th, I disagree w/ the invitation only thing!!!
Peace, Wayne

12/15/2010 9:49:34 PM

Redmond, W.A. U.S.A.

Does this mean Wiz is going to grow them Green in 2011? Monster Grower, it is what it is...3.1425". Sorry to say I won't be sitting in Niagara discussing the rules for squash this year, but let me know what you guys come up with and I will grow one. Manure Man--Peace Out!

12/17/2010 12:21:06 AM

Long Island,New York

"To me its got to be almost entirely green,blue,grey or its not a squash, no exceptions."----monster grower


How much is "almost entirely" ?

12/17/2010 9:06:10 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Go quote yourself

12/18/2010 12:22:57 AM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

100%

12/18/2010 12:49:36 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Monster....lol your not missing anything not knowing about the GJ....believe me....I just might grow me a greenie again in 2011.....I but then I would have to grow two...cuZ I would need to have a great pollinator as well. I love having diverZification at the weigh offs..as I said they are unique in themselveZ....and hear the comments like...Oh...itZ not ripe yet...or look at that giant olive......

12/18/2010 8:08:53 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

I grew the
F 527 Hester Seed 2005

M 738 Stellpflug 1997 X
F 895 Hester 2000................in 2010
I crossed it with the 1236 VIncent/McGill seed....
the 527 grew fast wonderful plant....for going in so late...It would be hard not to plant it again if I had a few.....BRETT>...lol. but this year I have a special project going on.....concentrating on BIG....and also beautiful ORANGE......1016 Daletas X 993 VIncent/McGill....I hope to that I have another BIG OLLIE and a special 1016 again..time will tell...and April cannot come soon enough.

12/18/2010 8:15:13 AM

Long Island,New York

Go quote yourself? Thats not nice. Its a nice calm discussion and then this, shame on you.

12/18/2010 9:13:05 AM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

This has been a good discusion, and my it continue in good spirit, to the betterment of all growers, be it greens, oranges (Dill Award type) or BIG. There is at many venues an award for Biggest, an award for Orangest(with nice shape),and biggest Squash. Now I'm a newby so correct me if I'm wrong, but is there an equivalent to the Howard Dill award for the Squash community? Hats off to Howard Dill, this is a contest of it's own, and promoted the giant pumpkin growers community greatly. I just hope I can grow some that will get someone to want to "I want to try to grow one of those BIG PUMPKINS"!! BSD, David

12/18/2010 11:02:59 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Personally, I would love to see an award for the prettiest, most perfect, truest whatever squash. The Howard Dill Award was genius, at Windsor we introduced the "Hilda Dill" award, similar but only a minimum 300 lb. fruit is required. A "Truest" squash award would be another way for the little guy to compete and expand the squash line at the same time. My 2 cents.

12/18/2010 12:26:43 PM

Muddy Waters

TO Lipumpkin & Swdesert,Maybe cause 3 out of 8 and a possible 4th are refering to Squash.I dont know,eddy or Jack I definetly DONT KNOW JACK!! LOL!!!

12/19/2010 8:08:12 AM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Li pumpkin. Take it easy buddy. You need to understand that your opinions are regarded just the same as everyone else. And you need to show respect. You won't even show your full name. Don't qoute greatness if you don't know it. Chill. No shame in my game. I'd like to see you say that in person.

12/19/2010 7:11:27 PM

canal winchester ohio

Saying Glen doesn't show his full name is kinda funny. After posting for 12 years on this site everyone knows who it is.

12/19/2010 7:18:27 PM

canal winchester ohio

I'm sorry I forgot to put my name.
Paul Huffer, no shame in my game & will say anything in person

12/19/2010 7:19:24 PM

canal winchester ohio

And all opinions are not regarded as equals. I would put Glen in the top 15% of people on this site who's opinion I value.
Paul Huffer, no shame in my game & will say anything in person.
I don't like signing like that but monster grower ( who didn't seem to sign any of his posts on here) prefers it that way.

12/19/2010 7:23:28 PM

canal winchester ohio

My bad you did sign two of them. I didn't see theat at first as I dozed off half way thru the post.
Paul Huffer, no shame in my game & will say anything in person.

12/19/2010 7:28:30 PM

canal winchester ohio

And after 16 years serving as a sergeant at arms for the Teamsters I've found that most folks who repeat the phrase "I'd like to see you say that in person" usually doesn't mean it when the crap hits the fan...LOL

12/19/2010 7:32:04 PM

Long Island,New York

I'm having problems following your comments Monster Grower..say WHAT in person? And what greatness did I quote?

12/19/2010 7:33:29 PM

Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

Okay, Paul's really tough. We've got that down, hi Paul. And still don't know who Glenn is and don't care anymore. Probably just a troll. I won't be commenting any more on this thread. Later Fella's. Oh by the way whats the definition of 'Close Proximity'. Lol

12/20/2010 1:29:47 PM

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not really tough hoss, it just looked as though you were attacking a friend & I can't just watch & do nothing. I'm sure you have folks you would do the same for.

12/20/2010 2:51:05 PM

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I'll post what is my interpertation of close proximity. First I'll say I saw your squash in your diary & having judged some competions that would not be a squash "but" that is from the pic & what you see in a pic might differ from seeing it in person. On yours I saw "from the pic" that there was almost 2 complete ribs on each side that was not blue or green but cream white & that would dq it from what I judge a squash.
And as for 'Close Proximity' here's how I judge that. first you can't have a set number of inches up because pumpkins come in all shapes & the most I have seen in 'Close Proximity' was 3 " up from the ground. Here is how I look at it, at the bottom most part of the squash is a area that turns in towards the ground & if you was to place a piece of cardboard at that lowest part the area where it sharply turns inward to ground level is close proximity. If you measure straight down it may be 2" & if you measure the curvature of the pumpkin it may be 3".
Now I'm not talking about where the tape hits the side of the squash when taking a OTT. If we were at a weighoff together it would be easy to point out & I'm sure if you get 3 people together to find that spot you would easily see where the curvature starts.
Thats how I judge close proximity.
And for the overall coloring I know a lot of weighoffs use the grid system when determining % of color.

12/20/2010 3:17:22 PM

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I wish I could have one long train of thought & then I wouldn't make 4-5 posts in a row.
I feel the close proximity is usually white for the same reason that the bottom is white most of the time. If a grower uses a lot of sand the bottom 2" may be buried & thus causing it to be the same color as the bottom & why it's usually only the bottom most part you see is white. And this is the same reason the GPC couldn't set a hard & fast number of inches up. The grower might over do it on the sand & cause the bottom 3" to be white & if the rules said 2" then it would be dq for no other reason than over protection of the base of the squash.

12/20/2010 3:38:13 PM