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N.e. Ct.

I will try and keep this short.
In the last 5 years 06-10 there have been 7736 pkn's wieghed at GPC wiegh offs, take from GPC site.
Useing the 05 top wieght of 1,469LB as a line in the sand. There have only been 78 pkn's out of 7736 heavier than that, Just a tiny bit over 1% of the total.
all 78 were grown by 56 growers from all over.
Of the 156 moms and dads there were 86 different seeds.
Those 86 seeds where grown by 35 different growers.
That 35 are all in the group of 56 that grew the 78 big pkn's
The seeds used most often
1161 Rondonis 9 times F, 6 times M
1385 Jutras 8 times F, 4 times M
1421 Stelts 4 times F
998.6 Pukos 4 times male
3 others used 3 times as F
5 others used 3 times as M
6 others used 2 times as F
11 others used 2 times as M
Take from this what u will.
It indicates to me that there is a small grooup of 35-56 growers that have figured out how to grow them right.

2/26/2011 6:43:37 PM

Rhode Island

fire fly, thanks for putting that work into the research

as i see it one of the biggest reasons there is such a small minority of top growers contributing to the top spots over the last five years? is because these growers year in and year out compete on the highest levels.
while many growers wish for a big pumpkin but have not the knowledge or experience these top growers improve their odds by making sure everything is done as need be.

this small goup puts a lot of research, money, and networking with other top growers into their winters activities.they also seek out professional experts in soil sciences.

we must also take into acccount that thousands and thousands of people get into and out of the hobby each and every year.

also not everyone has the goal of being a world champion. by their own admission they just want to grow a pumpkin.
the desire for bigger and better comes after if they stick around long enough and get the bug.
unfortunately many do not. id be curious to see how many growers have come and gone just here on big pumpkins these last five years? im sure the number would be quite high.

most of the so called heavy hitters have earned their stripes from years of work.
they have made most of the mistakes many of the newer growers are still making and,they learned from them.

good post

pap

2/26/2011 10:41:47 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Those numbers are fun! As a new grower (that hopes to be around a while) I agree Pap, and I don't expect to grow much of one for the next five years. I believe it will take that long to get my soil built up and stabilized, and for me to learn good growing habits! Some times more experianced growers assume that all the newbie grower needs to do to grow a big one is learn everything first get the soil sample, fork out the moola for all the ammendments, that state of the art watering system, build the compost tea brewer, establish and produce perfect compost, purchase those exceptional top of the chart seed at the auctionand build that no holes bard gemination station! The new grower maybe well advised that it is the exception to the odds that you'll grow a pumpkin close to 1K. No matter how prepared you may think you are! If your fortunate to have an experianced mentor close by to oversee your progress, count your blessings, chances are not in your favor. My ammendments, composting, teas, watering systems will all have to come with time. Sweat is going to be the major supliment my patch will get!
Thanks for being quick to reply to us newbies and encouraging us along! BSD, David

2/27/2011 1:11:00 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

BSD what you mention in the final part of your post is the key: sweat is the #1 ammendment. If what you're after is a big pumpkin pretty much all modern seeds have that potential in them. If you're after a huge orange pumpkin, the choices get more difficult.

2/27/2011 1:31:33 AM

Rhode Island

being successful in this hobby is no different tham any other undertaking in life.

you get out of it what you put in ( most times --lol ) and the growers who work hard making progress and gettin better?usually do.

i always like to tell the story of big and little scotti palmer. they came into my patct many years ago when little scotti was probably 6 or 7 years old. scott wanted to see the pumpkins and was interested in growing them.

fast forward a short three seasons and guess what? big and little scotti came second in the world with a 1443 pounder in 2005. and they did it with limited knowledge and limited budget. but they did the right things to insure a healthy plant and a well balanced soil.

it can happen to you as well folks. stick with it.

pap

2/27/2011 8:34:48 AM

Mt Vernon Ky

i feel so much better thanks

2/27/2011 10:58:19 AM

Cameron

A good quote from the past that really sticks with us is

The harder you work, the luckier you'll be come weigh off day

With the knowledge available to today's newer growers, I'm sure we'll see many more growers join the ranks of 1400# + club. Good luck to all of you.

Jane & Phil

2/28/2011 8:22:32 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

P&J Hunt...let me guess? a quote from Pap? You's guy's (P&J) are now part of the inspiration that are making this thing grow!!!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...Grow BSD...Grow!!!!!!!
PPS...Vic, lookin for 75# Lope in '11 !!!!!!!

3/1/2011 3:22:54 AM