From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Is it possible to grow a world record pumpkin or squash using only organic methods? The reason I am asking is there is a nice space available 1 mile from my house. It has been in alfalfa for the last 4 years. But it is organic only. So, no Bifenthrin, Round-up, Daconil, or chemical fertilizers. Have there been any 1800+ fruit grown without any of these?

4/30/2015 3:37:46 PM

Austin MN

Chris Stevens world record 1810 was

4/30/2015 5:48:47 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Stevens was all organic? How did he control vine borers?

4/30/2015 6:00:47 PM

Home of happy lil plants

They all froze up there that winter luke

4/30/2015 6:02:55 PM

Central NY

I' vote no on a world record but yes to a big pumpkin...Don't know til you try

4/30/2015 6:37:26 PM

norway , maine

I think Alex McCracken (Pumpkin Jesus) grew a 1200 plus pounder all organic and used some type of netting/green house set up to do it...look up Pumpkin Jesus diary a few years back..could be more than a few ....pretty sure the netting or screen deal he used kept bugs out ....

4/30/2015 6:57:58 PM

South Hero, VT

I believe Mehdi Daho grew his 1611 organically a few years ago.

I'd have to check my SNGPG newsletters to verify that.

4/30/2015 8:21:56 PM

Torrance, Ca.

World record now days, no way.

A big pumpkin, yes.

4/30/2015 8:28:50 PM

South Hero, VT

Mehdi Daho did grow his 1611 organically in 2010. Verified by EGVGA newsletter.

4/30/2015 8:39:49 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

I've been to Alex McCrackens patch many times he has a huge greenhouse structure that is covered with a remay type material. It is not perfectly sealed but it works to keep 90% or so of bugs out.

Organic or not I think the bigger question should be can a world record be grown in a patch that is a mile away from your house. In my mind there is no way the plants would get the attention needed in order to compete at that level.

4/30/2015 11:31:32 PM

Netherlands

My 1234* WR squash was grown organically in 2007.

5/1/2015 4:19:43 AM

Wi

1810 was grown using only organic fertilizers.

1810 was grown using a lot of chemical pesticides and fungicides.

Trying to grow a world class pumpkin without chemical pesticides here would be very difficult with SVB. Just slightly north (less than 100 miles??) of here there are no SVB and you could definitely....DEFINITELY go world class 100% organic. I know you could. Organic everything.

5/1/2015 9:35:01 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for clarifying Chris, I knew that didn't sound right. SVBs are by far the hardest insect to control since they are in the plant.

5/1/2015 9:58:12 AM

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Thanks everybody for the feedback. Orangeneck, the 1 mile distance would be closer than my current 10 mile from work patch location. Unfortunately my backyard does not support big pumpkins.

5/1/2015 12:32:14 PM

Ely Mn

I agree with Chris s.....really no bugs to contend with up here.you might need a greenhouse though.....

5/1/2015 1:13:55 PM

France

Yep 1611lb in 2009 100% organic Steve.

5/1/2015 2:53:38 PM

Willamette Valley, Oregon

@orangeneck: 1578* Holub WR squash was grown at a patch just over 1 mile away from my house - not organic though - and not 10 miles away or over 1800+lbs, mshy.

5/1/2015 6:12:33 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Remote patches rock

5/2/2015 2:56:34 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I'd ask Mark Shymanski....he is a world class grower and if anyone could do it, it would be him. Haven't seen you post in awhile Mark, welcome back to the madness!!

5/4/2015 11:54:14 PM

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Thanks for the kind words Glenn. I can't keep up anymore with all the time and money it takes to grow the really big ones. But I still enjoy plant breeding, and will make some cool squash crosses, and just try to have fun. I hear burying vines is a good way to get in shape and get a good tan. :)

5/7/2015 5:16:16 PM