Giant Pumpkin Strategies

The calendar might say summer, but there are many growers who are planning to spice up their Halloween with one of those giant pumpikins.

Oregon State University Vegetable Breeder Jim Myers said it’s important to pick the right variety depending on what you want, and then providing the right growing conditions.

“Good growing temperatures, if you can control the conditions where you have these growing. They generally like 70-90 degree temperatures. Too hot and they shut down, too cool and they’re not going to do very well. Good deep soil, well fertilized, starting out with a lot of compost in that soil.”

Five to six cubic yards of compost per plant is the recommended depth.

Myers said you can warm the soil beforehand with plastic, make sure the soil is well drained, plenty of sunshine though have shading capabilities, and start those composting practices in the fall.

“Anybody can do this. If you just follow basic techniques for growing plants, you’ll get something. You’ll get enjoyment out of it, if nothing else, doing the project.”

The record for the largest pumpkin ever grown is 2,624.6 pounds, or almost as much as a VW Bug.

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