Update from Bill M.: Monopolizing the Path

Good afternoon, Growers!

Here's the latest from Bill M., a fellow UCCE Certified Master Gardener who is probably re-thinking his decision to take a giant pumpkin seedling home in May.

"Stuart, As you can see Helen's pumpkin is making a spectacle of itself by the sidewalk on the street adjacent to our home. It is currently about 80" in circumfrance (9/22) and still growing. Any ideas on how I get this into the back of Helen's Explorer on 10/22 so I can get it to the weigh off? Bill M."

Dear Bill,

Truly, the advantages of growing one's pumpkin on a pallet become very apparent this time of year, n'est ce pas? Transporting giant pumpkin entries to weigh-offs is just one of the joys having a pumpkin make it through the season.

Speaking of which, I have an unconfirmed report that Michelle Lofthouse, 2004 and 2005 first-place finisher, had a pumpkin that weighed 885 pounds before discovering that it had developed a disqualifying hole! I would have loved to see an 800-pounder in person! I also have heard that Michelle has a healthy 500-pound plus "back-up" pumpkin, so she's still in the runnning!

Have a great afternoon!

Stuart