Giant Pumpkins

Giant Pumpkins

Giant Pumpkins Have you ever seen a giant pumpkin- one so big it would not fit in a car? People all over the world have taken up the hobby of growing giant pumpkins. Growers compete against one another, hoping to break the record for the world's biggest pumpkin. In 2013, Tim Mathison from Napa, California, won the title with a pumpkin that weighed 2, 032 pounds (922 kg). That's how much a walrus or a small car weighs! The gigantic squash measured more than 17 feet (5. 2 m) around.

World's Biggest Pumpkin Tim grew three giant pumpkins over six months in 2013. His pumpkins set world records for the first-, third-, and fourth-largest pumpkins ever grown. At fifty-seven years old, Tim has won more than $50, 000 in prizes for his pumpkins. He showed his record- breaking pumpkin to the world on a national television show. Tim's daughter, Tara, cannot walk or talk because of a rare medical problem. Tara joined her dad in the pumpkin patch every evening. " She is my inspiration, " Tim said. " I took her out to the patch every night for two hours, and she'd be smiling. "

Tim started growing giant pumpkins seven years ago. They have gotten bigger every year. He said using the best seeds, soil, and plant food is his secret. He is now sharing the seeds from his prize-winning pumpkins with growers all over the world. He hopes kids will grow their own giant pumpkins. “ It's amazing to watch the pumpkins grow. Some days they put on 53 pounds (24 kg). It's a lot of fun. "

Growing a Winner According to Tim, anyone can grow giant pumpkins if they understand what pumpkins need. Pumpkin growers make sure their soil is rich with nutrients. They use compost and other organic matter in the soil. Rich soil helps pumpkins grow quickly. Growers use seeds that are known to produce giant pumpkins. They plant them indoors in the spring, often in April. The plants can be hurt by cold or heat, so they must be protected.

Tim used heaters to give his pumpkins a " head start" in the spring of 2013. Once it was warmer, the plants were moved to a sunny spot in the garden and carefully watered and fertilized. Growers prune the plants-or cut away extra vines-at least every other day. When flowers appear, they are pollinated, and the pumpkins start to grow. The best pumpkins grow on strong, healthy vines. Growers are careful not to use too much plant food. Pumpkins can grow too big and burst.