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Redmond, Washington; U.S.A.

At our local weigh-off on Sunday at Carpinito Bros farm, my friend Manure Man told me that he had heard that Joel Holland was retiring and that it was his last weigh-off. I’ve been growing pumpkins I think for around 20 years and I’m pretty sure that Joel has sat in the front row of almost every pumpkin Weigh-Off in Washington State during that time. I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge Joel and his contributions to the pumpkin growing community. When I started growing years ago I remember that I bought one of his pumpkin growing Videos. If you know me, you know that I’m a fan of the process, and as much as I love the big pumpkins, I love the gardening aspect, the growing techniques, the fellowship with all of the other growers that I’ve known for years and maybe only see once or twice a year. Joel, I will miss seeing your pumpkins at the weigh-offs and wish you and your family all of the best. -Ryan Ewing

10/3/2025 9:02:37 PM

Grittyville, WA

Sorry I missed that weigh off, so many years of pumpkin growing, and so often being the top grower bringing simply unbeatable pumpkins. Will miss the friendliness & wisdom, if this is truly the end of the pumpkin road...

10/3/2025 9:21:06 PM

seattle

Joel and Mary Lou were my inspiration for growing giant pumpkins back in the late 1990s. Their passion sparked such a deep interest in me that I began recording pumpkin-growing records for more than 20 years. I even created their very first internet page to help them showcase and sell their products.

That simple interest in giant pumpkins eventually opened the door to bigger opportunities. By building a gardening-focused domain, I was able to retire early and dedicate more time to the things I love.

If you’d like to see where pumpkin growers connected and shared ideas long before social media and modern websites, check out this section: Pumpkin Discussion Archive
. https://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/

10/4/2025 11:34:20 AM

Central Ca

Joel and his wife threw me a lifeline. Dialysis sucks less when he gives you amazing seeds. 20+ years ago, Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Holland!

10/4/2025 1:23:25 PM

Syracuse, NY

Ayup!
'Ring, ring...'
"Holland's!"
I dunno how many times I called Joel and Mari Lou to request seeds, videos and/or advice or to talk about what seed(s) of his I was going to plant that year. I regret having not planted more of them, but I'd never have done them justice! They were always great-looking crosses and he strove for the best techniques in closed pollinations, where even now, I think as though 'What would Joel think of THIS tactic?' if or when I improvise, lol. He even agreed to use my own original music in one of his videos - A great honor! Epic individuals, both of them and I met Joel at a Growers' Convention in I forget what year, but it was a very good day, that day, nonetheless. I hope they fully enjoy the rest of their amazing lives so far, especially for their contributions to us all. eric g

10/5/2025 1:07:21 AM