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ontario

Ok I am sure there is a mistake floating out there.....no new world record.......Bruce Whittiers achievement is truely amazing.....but I do believe Charlie Houghton still holds the World Record, at least till weigh-off time unless someone weighs a sound pumpkin before that....Charlie deserves the acknowledgement till someone takes that title away....( in memeory of Charlie).......wayne

9/12/2003 1:58:33 PM

Belgium/brussels

what ?
I tought bruce had an 1458 pounder ?!
stijn.

9/12/2003 2:53:41 PM

Belgium/brussels

what ?
I tought bruce had an 1458 pounder ?!
stijn.

9/12/2003 2:53:42 PM

Belgium/brussels

what ?
I tought bruce had an 1458 pounder ?!
stijn.

9/12/2003 2:53:42 PM

Belgium/brussels

what ?
I tought bruce had an 1458 pounder ?!
stijn.

9/12/2003 2:53:42 PM

Belgium/brussels

I'm very sorry for the recurrence !
I don't know hat happenend...

Sorry.

9/12/2003 2:55:42 PM

Nova Scotia

my feeling is when a world record is broken no matter when (like olimpics or high school track meet) then it is broken and the new one takes it's place. myself i would have liked to see charlie hold his record for another year but you have to acknoldge a new record when ever it is weighed, just my opinion (especially since i will never weigh in at the regular time of others. would you deny boily if he broke the record in march?)

9/12/2003 3:10:01 PM

Ankeny, Iowa

I feel the same way as Mr. T. When a world record is BROKEN it is BROKEN no ifs ands or buts about it. It is BROKEN BROKEN BROKEN.

9/12/2003 3:29:50 PM

Applegate, Oregon

The question should be: Was it sound? If so, then World Record. If not, no world record. Great Job Bruce no matter a record or not! Dale

9/12/2003 3:37:45 PM

Knopp, Germany

i do not think that there is a serious grower out there that would argue with you. but, what is your point? they are all just celebrating the great achievement of Bruce Whittier. The record will show that it is DMG, so give iy a break, enjoy the moment and give Bruce his due also.

9/12/2003 3:52:18 PM

Well said, Owen!!!

9/12/2003 3:57:59 PM

ontario

ok I think we need to determine one thing and one thing only here..was it a split pumpkin....don't get me wrong Bruce Whittier is a very fine grower, but not the New World Record Holder unless all reports about it being split are false.....as of right now Charlie Houghton is being done a disservice as he still holds the OFICIAL World Record for none split pumpkins.....once again Bruce has grown a monster but a UOW monster........oh yes look on the cover page of Big Pumpkins....still see Charlies name there.....come on.......

9/12/2003 3:58:02 PM

Nova Scotia

sorry 934 i did not know there was any contraversy as to the pumpkins soundness. can someone confirm one way or the other?

9/12/2003 4:23:34 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

FOr me the world record is the biggets pumpkin ever grown. DOesn't matter if it has split or not.

9/12/2003 4:29:41 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

I'm with Wayne. If it wasn't sound, it doesn't officially count as a world record. But then it becomes a 'de facto' champion, since many will still consider it the 'biggest ever grown.' But it'll all be irrelavent when I show up with my 1459 in a few weeks! lol
But wait, what if I take my 1459 to a non-sanctioned weigh-off site? Would that count as a world record?

9/12/2003 4:53:02 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I agree with Wayne on this one. 1458 is the biggest grown. Charlie's 1337 is the standing World Record. There are many reasons why a fruit has to be sound when weighed to be considered official.

9/12/2003 5:29:06 PM

Monrovia,CA

Does that mean that any size pumpkin that has a split in it, however small that may be, is DQ'ed as far as an official weigh-off is concerned?

9/12/2003 5:39:59 PM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

i talked to the offical weigher at the allardt tn weigh off yesterday, and he told me that the Guinness record folks will accept any new world record whether it is at a weigh off or not, it has to be on certified scales, x number of witnesses, and really needs to be video taped, i'm pretty sure all of the above criteria was met so i'm saying its a new world record...as to the point of it having a crack in it.. well who in the HE double hockey sticks cares??

9/12/2003 5:41:36 PM

Puyallup, WA

I just knew that the peace and tranquility wouldn't last!
Controversy, I believe, is inbred in AG growers. :>)

9/12/2003 5:42:49 PM

Syracuse, NY

well put, Rainydays! my question would be: are the world record organization and the weighoff site organizations
two separate entities, where the weighoff just provides a convenient place to obtain an official weight for the world record consideration? or, according to the rules of the Guinness book, does a pumpkin have to be 100% sound, crack, hole and soft spot-free and still have its intact stem in order to be a world record? regardless of whether or not it is weighed at an official PUMPKIN weighoff?

do i have to have my world record pumpkin weighed at an official PUMPKIN weighoff site in order to have grown the world record, or could i do it anywhere they have a certified scale and a photographer from the Guinness Book of World Records? let's just say that the 1458 is the heaviest pumpkin ever grown, an amazing achievment to say the least, but the 1337.6 is the standing world record until we all hear FOR SURE from an officiating body of
officials who can officially officiate this officiation.

hmmm. the problem for me is i agree with all of the above posts----but for now, for me, Charlie is still the CHAMP for the time being... 'pal

9/12/2003 5:54:34 PM

Knopp, Germany

I think the real question is , who wrote the book? Or, better yet, is there even a book?

9/12/2003 6:04:32 PM

Southern Sweden

A split or not a split, it doesn't matter as long as the split not have begun and rotten and leaking pumpkinjuice. A big pumpkin that is rotten inside, but you can't see it, is that pumkin ok? For me is a pumpkin, that I can eat, that pumpkin is for me ok, but when it have started and rotten, inside or outside, it's out of the game. If you study an old and big pumpkins surface in a microscope it have many many splits..... In the future we must also check the pumpkins inside and see if it rotten or not.

9/12/2003 6:09:09 PM

North Ga

In a few of the articles I've read, Mr. Whittier said he even thought it was the new world record as far as Guinness is concerned. I don't know if they go by the GPG rules or not. I think that's where the line is. It's not taking anything away from the late, great Mr. Houghton. He's just joining the elite pumpkin growers that have grown the biggest fruit on earth. My pennies worth.

9/12/2003 6:20:11 PM

North Ga

Sorry, I meant WPC.

9/12/2003 6:28:11 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

The WR's I saw last week had a letter signed by the judge and steward to say they were in sound condition and that they were the length or weight stated.The weight record also had a printed out ticket to accompany the letter.It was weighed on a Guiness approved scale made by Avery Berkel.

9/12/2003 6:43:58 PM

Midwest

To All. If it is or if it is not the new world record I am sure Charlie is smiling and very excited/happy for Bruce.
All the NH growers I have meet or talked to are more than willing to help any grower not just NH growers.They as a group are a "Class Act" and we all should try to follow in their foot steps.Look what they have done the last 2 years!
Clarence

9/12/2003 7:07:56 PM

Key West, FL

I agree with wayne, its a huge pumpkin but it was split so no official world record.

9/12/2003 7:13:10 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

It's *not* an official WR by the governing bodies of giant pumpkin related matters.
It *is* a WR by Guinness, who wins in the court of "world" public opinion.
Since Guinness says it is, that's what the world will believe.
...I'll post from the Guinness website what they have to say regarding their authority.

9/12/2003 8:11:33 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

In 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, then the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, went on a shooting party and became involved in an argument. Which was the fastest game bird in Europe – the golden plover or the grouse? He realized then that a book supplying the answers to this sort of question might prove popular. He was right!

Sir Hugh’s idea became reality when Norris and Ross McWhirter, who had been running a fact-finding agency in London, were commissioned to compile what became The Guinness Book of Records. The first edition was bound on August 27, 1955, and went to the top of the British bestseller lists by Christmas that year.

Since then, Guinness World Records™ has become a household name and the global leader in world records. No other enterprise collects, confirms, accredits and presents world record data with the same investment in comprehensiveness and authenticity.

As the Keeper of the Records, I maintain a vigilant watch to guarantee the accuracy and relevance of each and every Guinness World Record™, and my team of researchers operates with unswerving impartiality and commitment to veracity. A fact may only become a Guinness World Record™ when it’s tested, verified and elevated above all suspicion.

The book has gone on to become a record breaker in its own right. With sales of more than 94 million copies in 100 different countries and 37 languages, Guinness World Records™ is the world’s best ever selling copyright book!

Stewart Newport
Keeper of the Records

9/12/2003 8:13:03 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

So, the question shouldn't be IF it's a WR in the worlds mind, but if it's a WR in your mind, the growers.
The lines are forming....

9/12/2003 8:15:15 PM

Rhode Island

whats about the thousands of growers who abided by the "if an opening passes through to the inside" and decided that by the "rules" he/she disqualified the specimen on their own!!

9/12/2003 8:26:29 PM

Long Island,New York

tastes great !

9/12/2003 8:30:18 PM

KENTUCKY

less filling :-)

9/12/2003 8:34:05 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I say a new world record. If it was weighed on a certified scales and was sound and whole

9/12/2003 8:47:24 PM

new middletown ohio

Just because it didn't meet the requirments of the WPC or GPC doesn't mean its not a new world record. As long as they got it weighed on a certified scale, and had witnesses it is a new GUINESS record! I don't rember seeing WPC or any pumpkin grouops mentioned.
It may have been disq. at some club shows it was just fine with Guiness! Quit crying and try a little harder next year!! YOU THE MAN BRUCE!!! STEVE

9/12/2003 9:40:12 PM

ontario

ok was it without a crack....I guess we throw out all the rules.....rotten pumpkins splits....cracks serious soft spots all count now.....everything I have heard or read states the pumpkin was cracked at a rib....so if it were sound why not wait till October like the rest......and yes if weighed and verified for weight and soundness I agree it could be a record....but this was not the case from all the reports.........wonder how the AGGC will handle this pumpkin......dmg or official...????

9/12/2003 10:06:35 PM

Stouffville

what about steve hoult's 1995 1010lber uow! it cracked and wasn't considered a world record

9/12/2003 10:09:41 PM

Stouffville

this reply was for all those who consider the 1458 a world record

9/12/2003 10:10:28 PM

[email protected]

Didn't Bruce harvest early because he knew it was going down? Had the split had no relevance (& it does) then he would have waited for a sanctioned weigh off. Where upon the pumpkin would have been disqualified because of the split. I don't recall him claiming otherwise.

My two cents.

It is the worlds heaviest pumpkin.
It is not the world champion pumpkin.

IMHO as though that matters.

Steve

9/12/2003 10:30:52 PM

Stouffville

when a pumpkin has a hole in it, who's to say no one dumped water into it before weighing it... furthermore, giant pumpkins are really squash genetically speaking. so this whole giant pumpkin/ giant squash separation is really bogus.
green is nice I think... they have beautiful white stripes in the ribs too

9/12/2003 10:34:04 PM

ontario

well stated Steve........

9/12/2003 10:34:28 PM

Stouffville

1458 blows my mind though...i can't imagine adding 1000lbs to my fruit...hahaha

9/12/2003 10:36:19 PM

Stouffville

i'm not saying mr. Whittier dumped water in it. I honestly believe the weight is 1458. I'm just putting the idea up for discussion that perhaps pumkin growers should reconsider what is a world record. In which case history may need to be rewritten. Personally I think that the largest pumpkin grown, regardless of cracks, should be considered the world record.

Mr.Whittier, congratulations on your outstanding feat!!!
Maybe you don't want to give all your secrets away...but why did you plant the 582 hester in 2002? Was it just luck?

mike

Way to go

9/12/2003 10:47:11 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Bruce Whittier had it weighed because of the split/hole, whatever...and he can't be blamed. Ever had a pumpkin go down in a matter of a few hours? I have, it happens quick in the sun.
Nobody fills pumpkins with water, BB's, sand, or the like because it would be caught at a weigh-off AND the Guinness people check thoroughly because their reputation is at stake.
He grew it because of the cross, it's a killer ya' know.

It *is* a WR, in the court of public opinion and the world's eyes.
It is not the WPC, GPC, ACC, or NCAA champion, which outside of the circle of AG growers, means nothing.

It's the world record...look outside the box.

Hey Wayne..I bet if it was yours you'd be singing a different tune.

9/12/2003 10:58:31 PM

Stouffville

hey southern, out of pure curiosity, why is the cross so killa? Obiviously I know it works now!

9/12/2003 11:09:46 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Well Mike, look what it's done!
I'd say a 582 putting out a 1186, and then a 1458, the world record, qualifies as a killa cross, wouldn't you?

9/12/2003 11:14:18 PM

Stouffville

I know it's a killer. But without being proven, you wouldn't have planted it, right southern?

9/12/2003 11:17:35 PM

ontario

no I would not...would be in my eyes biggest fruit grown thats all......I already have had one go down.its listed on AGGC as est.......I guess we can kiss all the local.state.....provincal....country records good bye now.OUW's count right.....if someone grew a 1216 UOW in Canada he or she would now hold the Canadian record.....not...this has nothing to do with the WPC or GPC or any other organization.....it has to due with a sound fruit.....or have we thrown that out now....

9/12/2003 11:17:39 PM

Stouffville

haha bitter aren't you 934... well i grew a big one in '93 that could've gone a way

what did you grow the 1216 on? for curiousity sake

I think we should all work together.

9/12/2003 11:34:38 PM

Ontario

I really don't think that a pumpkin needs to be weighed at a sanctioned event on a particular day to qualify for a record. However the pumpkin must be sound i.e. no passage through to the cavity to qualify for a record. If we want to start changing the rules then I certainly wouldn't be holding back with the fertilizer. I would just keep feeding them until they blow up and then weigh them. Charlie is still the record holder for another three weeks anyway.

9/12/2003 11:37:16 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

This is a 1458 pound pumpkin.
It outweighs last years best by 121 pounds.
This size and weight are not in the same class as local, state, provincial...it is in it's own class.
Sometimes in life there are exceptions, this is one of them.
Just because it's the Guinness WR, that doesn't mean it would nullify previous pumpkin-oriented organizational records. These are 2 seperate entities that share no co-organization.
This is a Guinness World record, that's all that's being claimed.

Mike....I planted a 120, 310, 350, 414, 470, 500, 503, 650, and 659 this year. Yea, I would've planted it but it wasn't on my short list. It obviously should've been.

9/12/2003 11:41:45 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

well...actually I was stupid enough to trade mine away. (sigh)

9/12/2003 11:45:44 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

1230 Daletas controversy? Fair?

9/12/2003 11:53:53 PM

Southeast

Is Bruce claiming a new world record?

9/12/2003 11:55:01 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

A *Guinness* World Record.
Geez you guys...it's not gonna be a part of any weigh-off record so therefore it can't be "official" in the pumpkin community. If you feel the Guinness standard stinks, then believe in the 1337.

Besides, I think it'll be a moot point soon anyway. I know personally of a likely 1300# in Canada that will probably place third in it's competition. The one's ahead of it are gonna shake things up.

9/13/2003 12:11:37 AM

Key West, FL

Whats wrong with the 1230? It was solid.

The 1458 was split into the cavity. No one has recognized a split pumpkin for records before, how can we change that now? It is still an amazing pumpkin. No amount of fertilizer you give your plant is gonna grow you a 1500 pound pumpkin, infact I think fertilizers play a very very small part in growing a Giant Pumpkin. Congrats Bruce, sorry you lost it.

9/13/2003 12:37:15 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

The 1230 was visibly leaking from the blossom end as it was on the scale. That's solid?

9/13/2003 12:44:27 AM

Stouffville

it's all genetics...which means to a large extent, that it's all luck
nevertheless a man must make it reality
congrats Mr.Whittier

9/13/2003 12:48:39 AM

Key West, FL

You've got your facts mixed up Kyle. The 1230 was sound and solid and remained at the Hoffman Farm for the entire month.

9/13/2003 1:29:52 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

I am with Steve.
It is a World Record
It isn't the Official World Record Pumpkin.
In my opinion, Guinnes has nothing to say here (sorry Kyle), even if their book was the world’s best ever selling copyright book -which is not, as it is the Red Book of Mao-, they aren't who makes the giant pumpkin contest rules.
There are so many heavy hitters who say nothing but to a few friends about their huge monsters that split.

9/13/2003 1:49:42 AM

Utah ([email protected])

Ben maybe yours are mixed up too. Do you know it was a split into the cavity?

JimB's initial note read "...It was still growing but developed a small crack so he decided to cut it off, have it officialy weighed..."

A SMALL crack. As I read that, Bruce was just playing it safe. When you have one that big and can get a record... does it say somewhere that a pumpkin has to be weighed on Oct 5th to count?

If I knew the split was into the cavity I may think differently. No worries there as I am sure there were plenty of persons inspecting the pumpkin as it was weighed. Let's hear from someone that was there.

9/13/2003 4:05:36 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

I think two officials from one of your pumpkin bodies would have to certify that the pumpkin was sound and in good condition Guiness aren't stupid they don't want world records with low credibility.

9/13/2003 4:48:11 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

the debate continues.....this winter oughta' be fun :0)

9/13/2003 5:40:54 AM

Goffstown,nh

To all interested: The 1458 developed a small pin hole at the blossum end on August 23rd. This was the day of the NHGPGA Patch Tour. Bruce showed it to all those in attendance,he wasn't hiding anything. It tapped just over 1200lbs. on that day. He patched it with wax and let it continue it's growth of over 20lbs a day. His thoughts were to keep an eye on it and see just how big it would get.If he saw any signs of it going down he would weigh it immediatly.On sept 7th he noticed a small crack developing in the rib... It's time had come to be weighed.
The whole process was official scales, witneses,and completely videotaped. Bruce's intentions were not to take anything away from Charlie Houghton. He was mearly doing what any of us would do, weigh it to find out just how big it was. I think it is obvious it will only be recognized as the largest uow pumpkin grown to date. Charlie Houghton is and will remain the holder of the largest official giant pumpkin ever grown. (unless NH or someone else can pull one more trick out of there hat on Oct. 4th)Until then, we'll see everyone at the scales.
Jim-B NHGPGA

9/13/2003 7:31:10 AM

Sancoins / Cher / FRANCE

I think that on weights like that one is obliged to have cracks, Bruce merite is title of record of the world because it(he) all the same cultivated a magnificent fruit and we know however it is a lot of work for it arrived
Félicitation still in Bruce;
Jean louis

9/13/2003 7:34:02 AM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

Well there you have it, if Bruce and the fellow growers of NH know it's not any more than the largest unofficial pumpkin, then all this bantering about it should cease and you guys should get back out into your patch.
We go though this every year..it's simple..solid=official,
split to cavity=unofficial...thats the rule, nothings changed..rules are rules..Just like a law is a law and even though you may not like some of them, everyone abides by them. Charlie is the official world record holder, Bruce has the largest unofficial (or damaged by aggc class) pumpkin. It ain't rocket science.

9/13/2003 7:57:27 AM

ontario

well said Jim B. Phil Joyson and Stunner .....largest UOW ever grown...thanks Jim for clearing up about the blossom-end split and rib split.......once again great effort Bruce Whittier.....

9/13/2003 8:33:23 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

I even say: It is the most unbelievable fruit human kind has ever grown and seen... so far... Maybe we are going to see some even more incredible soon.

9/13/2003 2:16:08 PM

Parts Unknown

Offical or unoffical the pumpkin weighed what it weighed. Official digital scales the same one's used at all the local fairs and to be used at Topsfield this year. Good job Bruce!

9/13/2003 5:11:58 PM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

I strongly agree with Carts.

9/13/2003 7:34:24 PM

Ontario

Don't you think it's funny that Guinness won't recognize records for track or swimming or things of that nature, set during training. It seems a double standard there to me. It has to be under a highly scrutinized environment. You can argue that a giant pumpkin that is the largest ever grown is just that, the largest ever grown, period. Therefore a record. However why then is the fastest time ever run in the 100 meters not count if it was run during training? It is what it is. The fastest time ever run, period. I for one am doing my part to drain Guinness of all their product until they answer this Earth shattering issue. Thank-you.....hic...hic...burp...

9/13/2003 8:47:47 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

You are not right, not right at all my friend.
Around here it's called "touched in the head".
:0>

9/13/2003 9:53:40 PM

ontario

Phil I agree......and your not touched in the head.....I think maybe the air is abit thin up there in the Mtns...:0)

9/13/2003 10:11:02 PM

Ontario

Thanks for the imput Southern. You know how much I value your opinion. Yawn. I'm on a one man mission though. I will not rest while there's a full Guinness can in Ontario! Maybe I'll make more sense to you after 10 or so. ;0)

BTW isn't that tetched in the head to you Southern folk?

9/13/2003 10:12:17 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Wipe your nose off Wayne...

9/13/2003 10:23:51 PM

Whidbey Island

Just think, all this yammering and there could be a 1459+ out there that will put an end to it all. Someone is probably grinning right now knowing it will all come to an end soon

9/13/2003 10:54:47 PM

ontario

Phil...Paul MCIntyres saying is so true.....all the bullshit stops when the tailgate drops :0)

9/13/2003 10:59:24 PM

Salt Lake City, UT

I may have missed it somewhere in this chain but what are the genetics of the 1458 Whittier?

9/14/2003 2:45:26 AM

Long Island,New York

How come noone ever finishes a sentence around here? Guiness World record.......what? 1458 is certainly the heaviest fruit ever grown. A world record for heaviest fruit ever grown.(certified scales and ample witnesses make that argument float).Charle Houghtons 1337 is currently the heaviest GPC sanctioned fruit ever grown to get to a GPC sanctioned event and is the current World Champion by GPC standards. I would imagine the WPC recognizes this too.And likely the IPA. Guiness World Book has nothing to do with contests.GPC is all about contests....set dates, etc. I'll never agree that if it aint wieghed at a contest on Oct 4 that it doesnt count as a fruit.Even the term "pumpkin" is a lie..lol. Oct 4 requirements exclude too many growing regions.Charlie is the current Champion and will always be the Champ. Bruce is the holder of the record for the heaviest fruit EVER grown and verified. Hats off to this man...........G

9/14/2003 9:02:28 AM

ontario

I wonder what all the weigh-offs that offer special prizes for World Record Pumpkins weighed at their sites are going to do.......pumpkin dsq from weigh-off, but take cash prize home for New World Record....hmmmm that should be interesting....so the 1458 could go to anyway weigh-off claiming a prize for New World Record and walk away with the cash.......WOW......nice idea.......wonder why know one thought of that one before........??????.....Port Elgin.....better re-write the rules......

9/14/2003 10:03:08 AM

Ankeny, Iowa

If any of you want to see the 1458 for your selves then look in the bigpumpkins.com photo gallery. There is nothing said about it being split or damaged. So the 1458 is an OFFICIAL NEW WORLD RECORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9/14/2003 10:46:33 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

"Guinness" World Record...it's for the world's population. Official for them, not the pumpkin world.
WPC, GPC, IPA, etc.....it's for the pumpkin world. Official for them, not the non-pumpkin world population.

It's that simple, it's all that's claimed, and there should be no controversy if everyone looks at it like that.

9/14/2003 12:36:26 PM

Itzetown City

I don´t care, so long as they don´t drop bombs on the patch of a non-membership-grower. ;-)

9/14/2003 1:35:04 PM

Ottawa

Well - The reason UOW are not recognized as world records is because the integrity of the fruit has been compromised. The pope could witness the weighing but the true weight could be questioned and tampering could be suspected. That is why they are UOW, this eliminates any controversy. Or so you would think.

Guiness can recognize who ever they want but I thought they too demanded that the pumpkin be sound. For now they still have Gerry Checkon on their web page. So much for being the ultimate judge. http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/index.asp

Bruce - As of this date you have grown the largest pumpkin ever grown. Congratulations on this feat. It is amazing

As long as the integrity of a pumpkin has been compromised there will always be people who question whether it has been tampered with.

Now for my opinion - If the pumpkin had a hole or split through to the cavity then it is not a WR. If it had a split that was starting to look bad but it did go through to the cavity, long live the King.

Hopefully someone will make this a moot before the end of the year.
ever as

9/14/2003 9:31:34 PM

So. Maine

Here is my 2 cents worth. I visited Bruce Whittiers patch in late July and saw a large pumpkin growing for that time of year, ( fruit set was July 1st ) and I was with the growers on August 23rd who visited Whittiers monster pumpkin. He showed us where he patched the first small crack and showed us the two tiny holes in the blossum and has told me he has patched a few more tiny holes since then. I've known Bruce for many years and I would bet my paycheck that the weight of that giant pumpkin when put on certified, calabrated scales was pumpkin weight and only pumpkin weight.If you don't think a sound pumpkin can be compromised without much notice , look on page 31 of Don Langevin's first"how to grow giant pumpkins"book and see where a giant was cut open and hundreds of pounds of water was dumped out of a pumpkin of suspicious entry. Al Berard

9/14/2003 10:34:27 PM

ontario

Al don't think anyone suggested that at all........but you have further clarified about the blossom-end holes that were patched.....

9/14/2003 10:57:09 PM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

so which is fastest?? the golden plover or the grouse?

9/15/2003 12:01:56 PM