UGA Cooperative Extension
Walker County Cooperative Extension Office:
4-H Youth Development
4-H Pumpkin Contest
What is the Pumpkin Contest?
Participate in the Georgia 4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest and compete for money and other prizes! This contest is for all 4-H’ers in grades 1-12 and runs from March-September.
4-H’ers participating in this project must register with the 4-H office, grow their own pumpkin and have it weighed by the Extension office in the fall. The heaviest pumpkin will then be named and awards determined.
The top county winner will be entered in the state contest. The state winner will receive $100 cash. The second and third place winners will receive $50 and $25.
Any variety of pumpkin may be used, but some of the larger growing types recommended are: Atlantic Giant, Big Max, Big Moon, Prizewinner, and Connecticut Field. You will need at least 120 days to grow the pumpkin to full size.
How do I grow a Giant Pumpkin?
4-H Pumpkin Contest Information
http://georgia4horg.caes.uga.edu/public/edops/nationalfair/pumpkincontest/
Other Helpful Webpages
www.bigpumpkins.com
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1646.html
http://www.backyardgardener.com/wcgp/tips/10steps/10steps.html
http://www.backyardgardener.com/secert.html
http://www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/B1180.htm
http://www.organicgardening.com/featureprint/1,7759,s1-5-16-164,00.html
Pumpkin Growing Tips
A growing season of 90 to 120 days will be required for most pumpkins. The actual amount of time to produce the crop will vary based on selected pumpkin variety grown as well as the time of year.
Pumpkins are fully mature when they resist penetration with your thumbnail or when they will not scratch easily when you drag your fingernail across the outer surface.
The fruit surface can be quite hard at maturity and often turns from a shiny to a dull appearance.
When harvesting leave a few inches of dry stem attached to each fruit. Never pick up freshly harvested fruit by this stem since it may separate from the fruit.
Fruit color can aid in harvest decisions. Many pumpkins and gourds have characteristic colors at maturity. Know the species and/or variety you are growing to know what color it should have at maturity. For example, many pumpkin varieties will have a bright orange color at maturity, but, depending on the variety, color can range from green, white, or red to brown.
When harvested, gourds should be washed in a non-bleaching disinfectant (such as vinegar) and wiped dry. Wiping with a vinegar-dampened cloth may be sufficient if they are only slightly dirty. If excessive dirt is present, wash in warm, soapy water and rinse with clean water; then dry with a soft cloth.
In handling gourds and pumpkins take care to avoid rough handling. Avoid excessive cuts and bruises on fruit, since this can be an entry point for decay organisms. Cut fruit from the vine with a sharp knife or snips and use patience in handling and loading.
Southern grown pumpkins and gourds do not generally store well. Pumpkins and gourds should be well matured and free from injury and decay when placed in storage. They should be kept dry, and storage areas should have good air circulation.
