World's Biggest Pumpkin

World's biggest pumpkin AG WORLD Ag World 9-3-18 FARM SHOW reported in Vol. 8, No. 4, about the race to grow the first 500 lb. pumpkin. In last year's competition, all previous records were shattered by Norman Gallagher, Chelan, Wash., whose pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 612 lbs. and had a 145 in. circumference. Four other pumpkins topped the 500 lb. goal but the next largest pumpkin in the contest, sponsored by the World Pumpkin Confederation, weighed in at 564¢ lbs. Location didn't seem to be a factor in growing heavyweight pumpkins as the top finishers were grown in California, Washington, New Jersey and Nova Scotia. Ironically, Gallagher purchased the seed for his champion pumpkin from Howard Dill ù who held the previous world record of 493¢ lbs. Gallagher plans on using seed from Dill again this year since he lost the seeds from his champion pumpkin. He says he used manure and other fertilizers to nourish the pumpkin, which grew 7 lbs. a day at one point. When first starting the plant, he put a little hothouse over it to keep it warm at night. For best results, he advises preparing the soil two years ahead of time and using top quality seed. For growing the record-breaking pumpkin, Gallagher received $10,000 and a trip to Hawaii. The pumpkin also made it to Hawaii as a store display. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Norman Gallagher, P.O. Box X, Chelan, Wash. 98816 (ph 509 682-4244). For more information on this year's contest, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, World Pumpkin Confederation, 14050 Gowanda St. Road, Collins, N.Y. 14034.

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