The 2025 giant pumpkin grow has concluded, and it’s time to summarize the insights I’ve gained before they fade from memory. Each year of growing giant pumpkins brings new lessons and presents unique challenges. No two years have the same weather, and no two seeds are alike. Additionally, I test new equipment, amendments, and products each season.
Good Things About My Pumpkin Grow
- The pumpkin plant and the pumpkin itself respond well to daily feeding. Each day offers an opportunity to provide seaweed, compost tea, hydrolyzed fish, and basic organic fertilizer.
- Plant tissue tests can identify lacking micronutrients and help add missing nutrients, promoting larger pumpkin growth.
- Soil testing should be done before adding anything to the patch, preferably in December.
- It is helpful to wait for the pumpkin plant to grow larger before pollinating.
- It is recommended to pollinate at least 15 feet away from the base of the main vine.
- Bacilus blend is an easy adjunct that can be added to nearly any foliar mixture, and it feeds the soil, enabling better nutrient uptake.
Bad Things About My Pumpkin Grow
- Overcrowding of secondary vines causes airflow issues, leading to late-season aphid infestations.
- Using only organic methods to control aphids delays the invasion of various aphid species later in the season. Comprehensive pest management strategies (systemics) should be implemented. Additionally, products based on bifenthrin appear to be the most effective for aphid control.
- Do not reveal the pumpkin too soon to keep the skin pliable as long as possible.
- Pumpkins that weigh more than 1,500 pounds pose unique challenges for transportation.
What is my biggest takeaway from 2025? First, I learned that I can grow a 1,600-pound pumpkin in my small 500-square-foot patch mainly using organic methods. Equally important, I discovered that moving a 1,600-pound pumpkin from my backyard is exceptionally challenging. As a result, I will have the opportunity to grow pumpkins in more accessible and spacious locations next year, which could enable me to pursue even larger pumpkins. The backyard patch can continue to be used to produce pretty giant pumpkins!
Unfortunately, my pumpkin developed some significant cracks in September, and I should have taken it to an early competition as it likely would have passed inspection. However, I wanted to wait for the Elk Grove weigh-off, and by then, the cracks had worsened. The Elk Grove weigh-off results are here.
Be sure to check out my Blog and book, Backyard Big: Growing Atlantic Giant Pumpkins in Your Backyard.
