From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Long Island,New York

I'm lost. Please remind me why its so important that this hobby grow. I mean, we grow for the challenge, because they are odd-different,etc. Because it puts smiles on faces because they are different. If everyone grew them they both wouldn't be odd and they wouldn't be different....please explain what it is if it isn't all about the money.

12/4/2011 9:31:01 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Growing your own personal best every year!

12/4/2011 9:37:08 PM

So. Maine

So. Cal. Or at least TRY to , Lol

12/4/2011 9:55:48 PM

Muddy Waters

We want to share our Joy & love of this great sport with all!

12/4/2011 10:14:08 PM

Muddy Waters

We will also break the next barrier's faster 2000 lb & 300 lbs. & squash 2000???

12/4/2011 10:26:56 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Don't all sports starts as a hobby.

12/4/2011 10:43:07 PM

Western PA

Hey LIPumpkin,

I think we are floating in the same boat. I hear ya.

12/4/2011 11:08:14 PM

Upa Creek, MO

I'm with you, I like being unique in my area. Put me in Northern Illinois with the rest of my family and their cool temps great for pumpkin growing and I am just another average Joe.

12/4/2011 11:33:40 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Dint basketball start, as a hobby/game by some guy nailing a bushel basket/with bottom cut out, onto a slab o wood, up in the air? Sorta think, most folks thought basketball was a bit odd-different!!!! I don't think he nailed the basket to the slab o wood for money!!!! It grows!!!! Such is life?!!!
If it's a kul beans, type of thing...like growin GIANTS is!!! It will grow!!!Sorta thinkin we have a ways to go, to catch up w/ NBA!!! Know what I mean? Peace, Wayne

12/4/2011 11:36:08 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

LI, if folks like you stay on this site, it will certainly continue to grow!!! Serious Peace, Wayne

12/4/2011 11:36:51 PM

Usa

Sounds like my dad was right,with clubs its all about the money. Money is the root of all evil and it sounds like the roots are spreading. I'm glad some people on here still give seeds out for free and are not all about the money.

12/4/2011 11:48:31 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Watching that plant turn into a forest, watching that fruit turn into a whalloper... setting a kid down next to that big ol lump and watching their face... weeding with another grower and cheering them on... Watching all that sweat, hard work, and pride, swinging gently on the forklift on the way to the date with the scale--whether you grew it or not. Sharing the ups, the downs, the awe, and the 'thrill of victory and agony of defeat' ... and the camradarie, with your fellow growers.

And getting people to grow, to garden, and to enjoy the nuances of getting a little dirty, all in the name of growing! Growing a big pumpkin is a good family affair... a thing to do with your kids, too.

That's why I hope the (hobby) continues to grow.

12/5/2011 3:40:41 AM

New Brunswick

To compete with and meet new growers. After all it's the people that make the hobby.

12/5/2011 7:53:46 AM

Muddy Waters

Money is not the root of all Evil. The Love of money is.Nobody is in this for the money.The HH spend thousands to grow these great fruits,to at best break even.Truly most all growers would have to the LOVE the hobby(sport) more then money.I could spend my time growing my business instead of the GWG,could make another 30 to 50 grand a year!No I love growing,as do all the others.Do people join a bowling or golf league then approach every body in the club and say,its all about the money?I think you would get tarred & feathered if you kept doing that.I think the Clubs are doing Great Job at growing these memberships to make it a fun ,exciting event each year for all! KUDOS TO THE CLUBS & HH who help in a lot of ways!

12/5/2011 7:58:44 AM

St. Thomas Ontario

Right or wrong, good or bad most of us here are trying to grow a big pumpkin (those who can't grow a big squash;).

As a hobby, gardening can be all that's been stated before, a beautiful thing.

There is a competition at the end of the season though with trophies, ribbons and prizes on the table and yes money too.

If a competition is to be won, there are some who are going to try to win...that means having the biggest/heaviest on the scale or tape.

Can you become 'un-ballanced' in this quest? Oh yes. I've seen it, I've done it. I have a 9 lb. bundle of joy on my lap as I type, but don't be crying when it's vine burying time, you'll go to your mom;)

I love growing these things, but I think reminders
to keep perspective like the preceeding posts are good.
These are not feeding the world, stopping wars or curring the sick, we'll have to join somewhere else to see that happen.

So lets have fun, grow a personal best or break those scales in 2012. We may be sailing our ships for different reasons, but we're all in the same waters.

Happy growing

12/5/2011 8:00:51 AM

Joliet, IL

Why not get more families and kooks like us involved in something as rewarding in every aspect as this hobby can be. Hard work, dedication, excepting failure, healthy competition, research, science, joy, and
flat out pure amazement. Who wouldn't want someone else to experience this? Who amoung us that still grow competitively hasn't tried to encourage other people we know to try their hand at this hobby. Why do we do that? Because it is cool. It is whacky. It defies logic.

I personally try to grow the hobby everyday and send over 40 bubbles of seeds each year to people I meet at work or in life that find out that I grow giant pumpkins and ask for seeds. I do this with costs out of my own pocket. Last year I started and gave away 60 plants and asked for nothing in return. Some bought me beers which worked out nice but the point is to get new people involved in something fun. I think wanting this hobby to grow is just an extension of wanting others to also enjoy the feeling of getting one to scale....the joy....the fun.

I always say the more the merrier. And I do not grow pumpkins to be unique or to be the cool guy on the block, I was already that guy before growing giant pumpkins. Lol.

12/5/2011 8:40:41 AM

Western NY

If it weren't for the growth in this hobby, nobody in this thread would be posting, with the exception of Joel and Al. Where would things be if it were still the same 3 dozen guys that were growing in the 80's?

Don't worry about diluting the community - the weak ones drop out after the first try anyway.

12/5/2011 9:15:38 AM

Joliet, IL

Amen Andy!

12/5/2011 9:20:31 AM

Webster, NY

For the big Jack O Lantern on Halloween :)

12/5/2011 9:27:33 AM

Johnston, Iowa

For me its Not about the money. I've put a heck of a lot of my own time and money into this hobby, and never won a cent at a weigh-off. I love gardening, and there is no where I'd rather be than out in my pumpkin patch, working on growing a personal best. I would love to place at a weigh-off someday, but that is secondary to the everyday enjoyment and excitement that one gets coming home from work and seeing that your pumpkin has put on 20 pounds over the course of one day.

12/5/2011 9:44:49 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I grow because I enjoy growing pumpkins...

12/5/2011 10:14:29 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

It's not about the money...why would you ever think that. If it where about the money you'd see guys like the Wallace's sell seeds. I think the hobby should grow new members and new growers. if only a select few people decided to grow over time the hobby would die out. That's why. the hobby needs new idea's and new members that have a fresh perspective on things.If it where about the money seeds wouldn't be available like they are now. If a new grower wants seeds he can just post a message on the board and he'll get a ton of people wanting to give him seeds to my understanding in the past seeds where pretty hard to come by unless you knew somebody or had access to a club. So as the older growers retire or decide to not grow anymore more members are the future of the hobby. Money is needed to continue to recruit and draw future Heavy hitters into the hobby. if sights like Bigpumpkins.com didn't come about the availability of seeds and different genetics would be difficult at best. lets not forget about the AGGC. So the hobby has and will continue to grow for some of those reasons. If we didn't have access to such information then we'd never be at where we are today. thats why the hobby needs growth. growth just to maintain the current interest. for every 10 people that decide to grow I guarentee that 9 out of those 10 will decide the hobbies to difficult and they'll quit.

12/5/2011 12:17:45 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Andy, I hope my A.D.D. holds off for another year or two, anyway!!!!! Hang in there First year growers! We can do it!BSD, David

12/5/2011 12:45:53 PM

Muddy Waters

Very Good post's Guys & Gal

12/5/2011 3:21:35 PM

Westford, MA

I'm with amelio.

Give me a bag of CO2, and throw a hail net over me.

12/5/2011 3:21:47 PM

Deer Park, WI

No condescension intended, but very few are speaking directly to G's point. Please re-read his question and consider how to best answer it. "Please remind me why its so important that this hobby grow"

This is not to ask why we personally grow pumpkins, it seems to ask what is to be gained by the folks out there (admittedly myself included) who place emphasis on expanding the hobby to an ever-larger audience.

Shazzy nailed it for me. There are individuals who's contribution to humanity comes through the sharing of the fulfillment/excitement this hobby offers.

Further, I want the hobby to grow because it brings with it more minds with perspective & expertise. It brings more neighbors with whom I can socialize & compete. It brings more resources that can be pooled and shared.

And to expand on Andy's succinctly stated point, our own selfish successes are, in many ways, dependent upon the personalities who come and go as a result of hobby growth.

12/5/2011 4:16:19 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Joze...to answer G's question direct...I could give a rat's arse whether this hobby grows or not...my wife and I grow for ourselves...to decorate at Halloween and to try and grow our first 1000 lb pumpkin.

Like Norm said, when it stops being fun is when I will stop growing...for now...it is alot of fun and our community has come accustomed to our giant pumpkins displays at Halloween...plain and simple.

Our Province does not even have a club...thank goodness for that...no drama...no greed...no politics.

Great job GPC...I will continue to support you!!

12/5/2011 4:42:01 PM

Colorado

I think the hobby grows initially from the publicity(shock and awe) of really big pumpkins.Contests,internet(bigp.com),clubs and newsletters have created the interest.Look how far europe has come in a short time.The sport hobby is going to continue to grow.Does it need too?I dont know

12/5/2011 5:23:23 PM

Upa Creek, MO

After re-reading my post, I'd like to clarify I wasn't intending to take a shot at Illinois growers. It was poorly worded, and I should have included where I am as a grower (~500lbs), I would be average up there due to more growers and much higher weights.

12/5/2011 6:32:20 PM

Minnesota

For the thrill of it, people think I'm crazy tell I am finished growing them, then they are amazed.

12/5/2011 6:49:12 PM

Midwest

let me tell a story.. i'm not one of the big names in this HOBBY,(yet) my biggest is 1149 lbs. me and my "darling" wife took my 1149 on a road trip down to Branson Missouri one year. the people blocked us in at every gas station along the way and at every show to take pictures and talk about that thing. complete amazement in their eyes. young and old and in between. we spent hours of our vacation showing that thing. i spend about 600 dollars a year for sprays and compost and other stuff to grow these goofy things. probably always will try to grow them. prize money doesn't even come close to what we have in this project..i never will make a living at this. if you are in this for the money............good luck......if you are in this for the fun and heart............ I LOVE YOU MAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12/5/2011 7:17:14 PM

Midwest

To finish that story, we gave that pumpkin to two little girls in southeast Kansas. they loved it and had half the school over to see it. not to mention we made it home in half the time it took to get down there

12/5/2011 7:26:25 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Just like fishing. I do it for the bragging rights.

12/5/2011 7:31:41 PM

Muddy Waters

Yep I caught a 7 lb.largemouth on Lk Okeechobee.I was only on lake for about 30 minutes!lol Drove to Fla,just for that reason.What a BuZZZZZZZ

12/5/2011 9:01:21 PM

Glosta

has the growth of this hobby be directly correlated with the actions of it's growers?
I know I got my start growing because my kids saw dills seeds at the store and wanted to grow a big pumpkin. Then by my own research i found BP.com and made some of the best friendships because of this hobby. I have seen the giant pumpkins at topsfield fair since I can remember, i always thought it would be cool to grow them but i never had desire to grow them like i do now
SO sit back and remember how you came in to this hobby. Did a club have direct effect on you entering or was it the generosity of a grower, the want of your kids or just you're own insanity.
Growth will happen, why force it.

12/5/2011 9:04:25 PM

Glosta

Sorry should say:
has the growth of this hobby be directly correlated with the actions of it's clubs.

12/5/2011 9:14:31 PM

Omaha, Ne.

It was Dill's seed that started me to. His profiteering gave me a new hobby. But if my hobby could benefit my family. I would do it. You see I am not as well off as some, who would look down there noses at man or club adding to there ability to provide a living

12/5/2011 9:48:01 PM

Littleton, Colorado

Glenn, you hit the nail on the head( for me)in your first sentence----It's all about seeing how giant pumpkins put smiles on people's faces. That's always been my #1 why. As for the hobby's growth, it has always been puzzling to me that even though William Warnoch of Goderich, Ontario grew a number of impressive pumpkins in the 1890's and the first few years of the 20th century, and even though he took one that was just over 400 pounds to the Saint Louis World's Fair---I think the year was 1903. Then, as far as I know, the world record was not raised again until Bob Ford (from Pennsylvania) grew his 450# in 1976. Maybe Mr. Warnoch didn't share seeds like Howard did when Howard began growing them. I can vouch for the fact that Howard shared seeds freely with me in the early 1980's. Kind generosity like his has probably done more (and continues to) grow the hobby more than any other single factor. Since growing a really big one isn't just dumb luck---it's a lot of hard work!---I don't think there will ever be so many people doing it that it's no longer an oddity!

12/6/2011 12:12:53 AM

Littleton, Colorado

Correction: Your fourth sentence!

12/6/2011 1:44:18 AM

Somers, CT

I agree with Amelio. It is not all about the money, it is about adding extra C02 to the earth to create more oxygen to breathe. We are contributing to the sustainability of life on earth. What could be more rewarding than that so close to Christmas!

12/6/2011 9:07:14 AM

Eastern Washington State

If it feels good, then do it!

Giant pumpkins and Squash make me smile. They make other non-gardeners smile. They are SO COOL! I leave them out front till they start rotting. Also giving them away to other people with kids is the best. This fall one really big one went to a nice guy who lost his wife this summer. His two kids were so happy! What could be better than that?

12/6/2011 12:07:55 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

If you are growing outside, then you are growing inside....

Really do beleive that...Get the kids back outside and growing.. in the dirt with the help of their parents. They learn to grow for themselves, learn about gardening, plants, something they can build upon for the rest of their lives. Pumpkins is the oddity, and the interests that growZ them. Money...well money helps spread the word, decals, postage, printer cartridges, bubbles.... and beer, the adult beverage of choice. Beer liberates the ideas....and makes playing in the dirt fun for the adults....

12/6/2011 2:50:32 PM

North Smithfield, RI

To me it's a fun hobby not a sport ! A-Rod gets 30 mil a yr for playing baseball. Some Movie stars get 20 mil a picture . If a guy or gal wins 2,500 at a weigh-off then subract the material cost and labor . If you wanna get rich then go to Hollywood, Politics, professional sports or Wall street !!!
You won't get rich growings ags .

12/6/2011 5:19:03 PM

Waquoit Mass

so the quality of the experience has gotten better in the last 15 years?

12/7/2011 8:56:36 AM

Somers, CT

THis is how NASCAR was started. A couple of guys decide to follow each other around a circle.

12/7/2011 11:41:18 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I thought NASCAR was started with bootleggers running from the law down south.

12/7/2011 12:18:30 PM

canal winchester ohio

Wasn't the origins of NASCAR when a bunch of bootleggers got together to see who had the fastest getaway car.

12/7/2011 1:52:39 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Mr. Wiz, sir...nice, so nice to see yer original post (theory) (idea)!!! Put into words again!!!! Peace, Wayne

12/8/2011 11:53:20 PM

Somers, CT

I like your version better. I made mine up.

12/9/2011 6:26:43 PM