The Giant Pumpkin Experiment: A Seed Giveaway
Posted on 25. Apr, 2009 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in Outdoors
As Spring approaches, we’ve started a garden. We will also attempt to grow a giant pumpkin, but I need your help. And maybe you can grow your own pumpkin, too, because I have seeds to give away.
I’ve been encouraged to grow pumpkins thanks to my good friends Christy and Nick of Country is a State of Mind, who are kind, pumpkin-crazed people. Every year Christy and Nick grow giant pumpkins, enter their pumpkins in giant pumpkin competitions, and then they get inside their giant pumpkins and use them as boats. (I told you! They are pumpkin people!)
Here are two photos of Christy and Nick, taken by Christy and Nick:
Christy sent me a ton of giant pumpkin seeds, and she encouraged me to send some of them to you!
If I try to grow a giant pumpkin, will you try to grow one too?
I need six people who are silly enough to attempt to grow a giant pumpkin in their garden this summer. I’ll send seeds to you in the mail.
In order to enter, please leave a comment below letting me know you want to grow a pumpkin this summer.
What does it take to grow a giant pumpkin? Good directions are here, as recommended by Christy. But you don’t have to take it really seriously. If you want, you can just do what I’m sure I’ll do:
- Dig a hole.
- Throw the seed in.
- Attempt to follow the directions.
- Keep to the rules for a few days.
- Forget about my pumpkin for a week.
- Forget about my pumpkin for another week.
- Think of Christy’s passion for pumpkins. Feel guilty and do some pumpkin maintenance.
- Ignore my pumpkin for the rest of the season.
- Write a sad blog post about how I killed my pumpkin.
Are you with us? All you need is somewhere to grow the thing.
Christy starts her seeds in the house on May 1st, transplants them outside on May 15th, and keeps a styrofoam cooler over them until the danger of frost has passed. (I bet a bucket would work, too? Christy, you have to guide us!)
I haven’t started growing my giant pumpkin yet. I plan to start my seed(s) in a week or two. Is anybody with me??
Edit: People kinda involved in the Giant Pumpkin Experiment are as follows:
I’m plumb out of seeds. That’s it for pumpkins! Thanks, participants!!
Cameron
Apr 25th, 2009
Bucket won’t help much because it’s the styrofoam in the styrofoam cooler that acts as an insulator for the plants… come on Laura-Jane, why do you think we stuffed all that styrofoam into the house?
I do wonder how the plants get light if they’re covered in a cooler though, perhaps it only goes on at night??
Phil
Apr 25th, 2009
Great idea — There’s a section of soil outside my back door about the size of this web browser just crying out for a Victory Garden of some kind.
I’m totally in (but only if the offer stands for U.S. addresses, too). You can email me your thoughts…
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 25th, 2009
But of course! I’ll send these anywhere and gladly to you. But, Phil, the pumpkin could get huge. Can your web browser sized stoop take it?? I guess it could be disconnected from the greenery at any point though, right? See, a gardener I am not. (Giant pumpkins scare me a little.) I’ll email you asking for your mailing address shortly. Glad to have an excuse to send you something interesting in the mail, Phil.
Gary Gray
Apr 26th, 2009
Hi L-J
Just noticed your Twitter post that you had a new blog post. Although I don’t have a ton of space beside my patio is there any reason why a giant pumpkin wouldn’t grow there?
My nephew Gordie in North Vancouver and my uncle Everett (93) in Charlottetown have both grown giant pumpkins but I never have.
Sounds really easy enough. If you would like I could try one for you. ( my former neighbor used to grow regular sized pumpkins and the vines would creep over to my side but he always kept the pumpkins over on his side)
Do you need the event to be documented and photographed as the growing happens?
Now if you were to decide to give me seeds I can’t imagine why you would send them in the mail. Much easier to bring them to the next MLWG meeting on Wednesday (or whatever)
I meant to let you know that the butterfly marketing package came last week.
Smiles :o)
Gary
Gary Gray
Apr 26th, 2009
Hi L-J
Took a quick look on Google for growing giant pumpkins.
Tips for Growing Giant Pumpkins
Seeds:
Store your giant pumpkin seeds in a dry location until spring.
Garden Preparation:
Select a garden location that is sunny and well-drained.
Add plenty of compost or manure in fall and or spring.
Have your soil tested and apply the recommended dosage of fertilizer.
Adjust your soil ph to 6.5 – 7.0.
Planting Your Giant Pumpkin Seeds:
Start giant pumpkin seeds indoors in the second or third week of May.
Plant each seed 1″ deep in 4″ – 8″ pots with a good, moist potting soil.
Place pots in a sunny, warm location (80 – 85 F). Plants will emerge in 5 to 10 days. (A greenhouse is ideal.)
Transplant giant pumpkin plants outdoors after the last frost in hills of mixed compost, manure, and soil (usually after May 24th).
Space required for each plant should be a minimum of 20 X 20 feet.
Caring For Your Plants:
Fertilize plants weekly with a good liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) until harvest.
Keep soil moist but well-drained.
Remove all weeds with a hoe.
After pumpkins set, water heavily. They should receive the equivalent of 1-2″ of rainfall per week.
When pumpkins reach basketball size, select 1 or 2
pumpkins per plant and remove all others.
Step back and watch them grow!
Remember, the size of your pumpkin is directly proportional to the amount of work put into it. If you get a big pumpkin, don’t forget to enter it in your local fall fair.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
Gary, you’re in! If it suits you, I’d love to read your blog post about it once it starts growing. It’ll be interesting to see how we all fare.
Yes indeed, I’ll bring the seeds to the next meeting!
Amanda
Apr 26th, 2009
Laura-Jane, I have 160 acres. Do you think that’s big enough for a gigantic pumpkin to grow?
If so, then pick me! Coast to coast, we’ll be growing giant pumpkins, and if mine makes it big enough, I’ll take a picture of my rowing across my pond in a pumpkin just to be as cool as Christy!
Haha. Send it on over. I’ll start a pumpkin patch beside the blueberry fields.
Naomi
Apr 26th, 2009
Yes! We want to enter the competition! This is a competition, isn’t it? Are they easy to grow? Do they need super duper soil and tons of sun? Do they need a lot of attention? So many questions…
Naomi
Apr 26th, 2009
Oh, okay. I just read some of the previous comments… Yes, they do need LOTS of attention. I think I’m still willing to try though…
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
Amanda and Naomi, you’re on. Thanks for getting involved in this crazy endeavour!
Is it a competition? I don’t know! It’s a…collaborative experiment? I’m sure we’d all like to see photos of everybody’s pumpkins, if possible. If you don’t have a blog, you can just email me a photo or post it on the Facebook group or wherever.
It’s all very random. I honestly predict that our future pumpkin will not survive for very long. But hopefully you will do better, especially if the directions are followed like good gardeners would do.
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
Oh! Naomi, yes. it does seem like they need lots of attention. BUT whether you give it attention is up to you! No pressure though.
Phil
Apr 26th, 2009
Hmmm..yeah, you know what, I didn’t catch the GIANT part. I was thinking of the regular pumpkins I used to grow in my regular garden for 4-H (do they have 4-H up north?). Looks like I might have to politely decline (though I’m totally appreciative of the offer, and was really looking forward to it! Darn these rental houses with their “lawns” filled with “grass” that I can’t “till up any time I feel like it!”
In addition to the web-browser-sized Victory Garden, there was a backup spot I had in mind that would be perfect for other things that I might have just been inspired to try…thanks!
Rain
Apr 26th, 2009
I’ve been in a pumpkin boat before! It was really scary but a lot of fun. I won’t participate since I can’t garden here, and I’d have to rent a truck to haul the pumpkin with me when I move…maybe next summer!
:-)
Danielle Chitty
Apr 26th, 2009
We’re starting a garden this year too! I’m totally in if you want to send me seeds. I just started my other seeds indoors a week ago and they’re popping up now. My kids would LOVE to grow a giant pumpkin.
Arenda
Apr 26th, 2009
Hah, I have this barespot in my yard where the prev. owners had a shed (that they of course took before the closing date of the house, grrr) Anywho, I’m sure a giant pumkin, or two! could fit in there, it gets lots of sun too… though I’m not much of a gardener and this would be my first experiment…so it might be interesting… If there’s still a package left I’d be happy to be one of the six!
Andrea >> Become a Consultant
Apr 26th, 2009
Note that you cannot mail seeds across the border.
Melissa
Apr 26th, 2009
Hi Laura-Jane!
So I have been blog stalking for sometime now (sounds creepy I know, but I swear it’s not meant to). I always look forward to hearing about your adventures – I think I originally found this blog because I was looking for pictures of PEI blueberry fields and your blog popped up with pictures of fields from the same community I grew up in.
Anywho, I am moving into my very own new-to-me home in the country on Tuesday and am dreaming of gardening – are there still giant pumpkin seeds to be had?
Love your posts! Keep em’ coming!
Melissa
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
News bulletin:
Christy, aka Pumpkin Goddess, confirms that the cooler should only be placed on at night. Cam, you’re right. Are you happy now??
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
(I say that with love, of course. Love!)
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
OK, pumpkin people, you are on!
Phil: Even though you’re not sure I have a few extras and I’ll send you some. You don’t have to plant them. (It’s just an excuse for me to send something to you, really.)
Gary Gray: I’ll give you seeds in person!
Amanda: You’re getting seeds.
Naomi: You’re getting seeds. You can handle them. Just do what I’m gonna do. Dig hole. Forget.
Danielle Chitty: Yes indeedy! Kids will love ‘em. You’re getting seeds.
Arenda: Your goal, should you choose to accept it, is to have a giant pumpkin that you can carve a door into and place a hammer inside. You will grow a pumpkin shed. I will send you seeds.
Melissa! Welcome! Don’t you think a giant pumpkin will be a good christening at your new digs? You’re getting seeds. And you should also start a blog because you’re at the beginning of a new adventure. (I’m just sayin’.)
Andrea: This is a good point. To be discussed via email with participants. Thanks for the heads up.
So.. I will email you all so you can send me your mailing addresses. Thanks again for participating. This is fun!
PS: I still have seeds for two more people.
Chad
Apr 26th, 2009
Hi Laura-Jane,
I’m another of your blog follower enthusiasts. Can’t recall how I found your blog but now look forward to your updates. I’m in awe of your escapades and hope your garden does well. I was recently thinking about what to put in my own garden. We’re almost at the point of planting a hearty crop of turf grass and relying solely on the local farmers market for our veggies–they grow such amazing things and it saves us from the disappointment that comes from our own efforts! If you’re willing to share a seed, I’m willing to give my garden one more try. Who knows, this could be my calling!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 26th, 2009
Chad, your wish is my command! Emailing you now.
Lindsay
Apr 26th, 2009
Hi there! I’ve been following your blog for ages – I came across it while googling something about road-trips and I read through your story of roughing it across Canada (which sounds like so much fun! I am definitely going to try it someday :]), so I’ve been hooked ever since. I love hearing about your and Cameron’s adventures with your house and the snow and everything, you two seem to be quite wonderful people! Now, this pumpkin growing experiment sounds like loads of fun, and I’d love to try it if you’ve got a seed left for me(and if pumpkins can grow in GA, USA! I’ll have to maybe look that up…)! :]
Melissa
Apr 27th, 2009
Whahoo! My pumpkin is SO going to be bigger than your pumpkin…I mean…may the best pumpkin win *internet handshake*.
Yes, Laura-Jane you are right – this WILL be an adventure – I do have a blog…just haven’t updated since oh…February. I think this new adventure will warrant an update for sure. Still unsure about my whole internet situation. I’m moving to about 10 minutes from you…so no HIGH SPEED *GASP*.
When I moved away from my parents house to the big city (Halifax then Charlottetown), I vowed NEVER again to be submitted to the doom of dial up. Now I am faced with that as my only option – I’m holding out as a boycott…or to prove a one person point…or just out of stubbornness I guess would be more like it. I’m giving myself a week before I give in and will need SOME form of internet be it cave age internet. I’m imagining withdrawal with drug like symptoms….oh dear….
Now that I have totally taken over your comment section, I will do what I came to do! Can’t wait for the seeds! :) Thanks so much! I promise a blog post soon and will share when it’s done! :)
RazorFamilyFarms.com
Apr 27th, 2009
Giant pumpkin?
Bring it on.
I love this giveaway!!
Thank you!
Love your blog… you know that. I still need to write you a guest post. Ugh! I’m rotten about that!
Blessings!
Lacy
LJ
Apr 27th, 2009
What an awesome idea!!! I can’t wait to read of your progress! And I’m also glad to hear the spring is peeping its head up for you. Slow coming to the west coast this year too!
LJ
Apr 27th, 2009
L-J – are you wearing a engagement/wedding ring???
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 27th, 2009
Lindsay in Georgia, you’re on! Thanks for saying hi! I wonder where you were/are roadtripping to?
Melissa, my soon to be neighbour, re: the lack of high speed, have you found out whether Aliant is available? Within the last month high-speed became available on our road, anyway. And if that doesn’t pan out, perhaps you could try Ruranet (also known as ISN Wireless)? I mention this because no one should move into the country without internet. That’s *too* country. :) Oh, and….um, no, *my* pumpkin is SO going to be bigger than your pumpkin.
Lacy — pumpkin seeds for you!
LJ, re: wedding rings, I’ve started calling Cam my husband even though he’s not really my husband. And then once you start calling someone your husband it’s a good excuse to buy yourself a new ring.
OK, I am now plumb out of pumpkin seeds.
Thanks, this is going to be fun!
Lindsay
Apr 28th, 2009
And I also wonder where I’m roadtripping to! It’s completely up in the air at the moment, but I want to try the western ~half of the US this summer because I’m about to be tied down at Vanderbilt University for the next four years. Hopefully I’ll still fit in quite a lot of travelling during holiday breaks and over the summers.
Andy Collier
Apr 28th, 2009
Sounds like fun!
We can get our own seeds though, I am sure they are all spoken for now!
RazorFamilyFarms.com
Apr 28th, 2009
This is just too cool! I am so excited! Now to tell Josh that our entire backyard will be consumed by PUMPKIN!! I suppose that means less mowing. Right?
Thank you so much! This is really neat! I never win anything and I am so thrilled!
Blessings!
Lacy
Andy Collier
Apr 28th, 2009
By the way Cameron, a bucket would work, you are just keeping the frost off the plants, the insulation value is secondary, the frost falling out of the air is blocked with the bucket. And yes you just put them on at night.
Nora
Apr 28th, 2009
Oh no I missed the competition………okay where do you buy giant pumpkin seeds……….I’d love to do it.
Barry
Apr 28th, 2009
I’m in. Thanks for the idea. I’ll go to the store and buy some “magic” seeds as we don’t want them all from the same genetic stock!!
If there is a SE Kings County team in this competition, I’ll pair up with Laura Jane and we’ll need flat bed trucks to haul them around they’ll be so huge!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 28th, 2009
Lindsay, travel away!!! Road trips are fun. I like the freedom they allow. I wonder what you’re studying at Vanderbilt.
Andy, you are a well-connected, ingenius sort. I do believe that you could locate giant pumpkin seeds in 24 hours if given a telephone, some copper wire, and a rubber duckie.
Lacy, yes, sell him on the no mowing factor. Accentuate the positive, as they say. :P
Nora and Barry, I hate to leave you out! I think that the original giant pumpkins hailed from Nova Scotia and were invented by a man named Dill. Or something like that. Oh, I googled him. Perhaps seeds can be procured from him: http://www.howarddill.com/ But…maybe I’ll have leftovers or something. I am not one to exclude. I dream of a world where there will be giant pumpkin seeds for all.
warren
Apr 29th, 2009
The boat-pumpkin looks like a blast! I hope you have success just so we can see you paddling your pumpkin!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Apr 29th, 2009
Hehe, I am not sure whether I would actually be as gung-ho about it once it came time to actually get in the pumpkin boat. I am a bit of a worrier. It does look fun though!
Freda
Apr 30th, 2009
Good luck to all on the great giant growing pumpkin adventure. Have fun and keep posted.
Sorry, I was out of commission being face down for a week after eye surgery.
Freda
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
May 1st, 2009
Freda,
Oh dear! Was your surgery unexpected? How is your recovery progressing?
Warm wishes,
Laura-Jane
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
May 10th, 2009
Pumpkin seeds are on their way in the mail!!! Check out the Facebook group for status updates.
Amanda
May 17th, 2009
I got mine!!