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Chester Co., PA

There has been a lot of recent discussion on the subject of pumpkin measurement. Circumference measurement should be taken at the largest circumference and might not be parallel to the ground or through the stem and blossom. Here is the quote from www.backyardgardener.com for their estimated weight charts:

" The Circumference measurement should be taken where you have the LARGEST Circumference. It WILL NOT always be parallel to the ground. It may be above or below the stem and above or below the blossom point. On most large pumpkins the LARGEST Circumference IS NOT at the stem/blossom level. The LARGEST Circumference is necessary to obtain the most accurate Weight Estimate as most of the Circumference measurements used to obtain the Weight Equations were LARGEST Circumference."

Hope this helps. Wes

8/3/2003 3:33:25 PM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Thank you very much Wes for the explanation. It help me to clear my mind.
I have to say that I was measuring my two biggest pumpkins over the stem, but if I would have done it under, their circunferences would have been a little bigger. Nice to know.

Don, (still fighting against Saharian heat)

8/3/2003 3:51:26 PM

[email protected]

Thanks Wes. I found similar helpful instructions on this website from both Bart Toftness & Len Stellpfug in the "how to" section. It's a good thing too. It's been a while since winter & I hadn't looked at DL's books in a while. LOL
I had been measuring improperly!

Steve

8/3/2003 4:49:10 PM

Monrovia,CA

Wes, this helps me more than you can know!!! I've been getting a smaller measurement by trying to cross directly over the stem and blossom. Wow!
Day 19= 76" circ.! Now I hope I havn't rotted the poor thing with over-misting!<G>
Thankyou SO much!
Michelle

8/4/2003 12:53:42 AM