October is a month for giant gourds. For pumpkins, growers are testing the limits on just how giant these gourds can get. Growers everywhere spend their springs and summers prepping to grow a champion pumpkin.
Scientific studies have yet to explain the best ways to grow the giant pumpkins. However, to push a pumpkin's limits, growers must consider the seed's genetics, soil health, beneficial insects, fertilizer, and concoctions of beneficial bacteria. So, how might the next record be broken? What does it take to grow the biggest pumpkins in the world?
(Credit: Miramar Events)
When Was the First Giant Pumpkin Competition?
The first great big pumpkin competitions sprouted towards the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century after William Warnock grew a 406 pound "Mammoth" giant pumpkin.
