Guess who won the giant pumpkin competition

[Squash64]

It took 3 men to roll it into the wheelbarrow



and get the wheelbarrow upright



and then tip it out.



More help was needed at the scales



But it won! 

186lb 8oz.

Hope Dave's back is ok!

[caroline7758]

Wow! Congratulations! What will you do with it now?

[ceres]

That's a monster, well done!  Isn't it amazing what nature can do in such a short period, with a bit of expert help of course!

[shirlton]

I knew that you would win Betty. I just couldn't believe how big it was a fortnight ago. Congratulations

[Jayb]

Wow, what a beauty and a monster at the same time!
Can it be eaten, carved or what?

Well done

[Robert_Brenchley]

What sort of scales do you use?

[Squash64]

Wow! Congratulations! What will you do with it now?

Thanks

I thought that it might be a good idea to sell slices (complete with seeds) with the money going to our charities. 
I've already given 4 big ones to Sikh temples in Birmingham.

[reddyreddy]

Wow!! What variety was it? Any top tips for growing them huge? (I live miles away so don;t worry, no threat for next year!!) 

[Squash64]

That's a monster, well done!  Isn't it amazing what nature can do in such a short period, with a bit of expert help of course!

I don't know about the expert help, I just let it grow!  But you are right, to go from seed to monster in less than six months is amazing!

[Squash64]

I knew that you would win Betty. I just couldn't believe how big it was a fortnight ago. Congratulations

Thanks Shirl
It was 50lbs heavier than the one that came second.

[shirlton]

Wow!!!!!

[Squash64]

Wow, what a beauty and a monster at the same time!
Can it be eaten, carved or what?

Well done

Thanks
There are so many other varieties which don't grow huge but taste delicious that I don't think the giants are worth eating.  BUT, I am going to sell slices of it for anyone who wants to try.

[Squash64]

What sort of scales do you use?

I don't know what make they are Robert, but you can see them in the fourth photo above.

[Squash64]

Wow!! What variety was it? Any top tips for growing them huge? (I live miles away so don;t worry, no threat for next year!!) 

It is Sumo from www.mammothonion.co.uk
I grew it on a heap of last year's horse manure and bedding.  Once the first fruit had set and was growing well, I removed all the other fruits which appeared.
When I remembered, I fed it with Maxicrop.  Only watered it in the last month when we didn't have much rain.

[lorna]

Congratulations, now that's what I cal a WHOPPER!!

[Squash64]

Congratulations, now that's what I cal a WHOPPER!!

Thank you 

[Sholls]

Wowser!   That is a beast, congratulations!

I wish you luck cutting it up, what's the plan of attack?  

[Squash64]

Wowser!   That is a beast, congratulations!

I wish you luck cutting it up, what's the plan of attack?  

Thanks 
I've never cut one of the giants before, they are usually given away whole. I'm sure there will be plenty of help (and advice) when I try to cut it up.

[1066]

well done!! I'm surpirsed anyone else bothers to enter     

[Digeroo]

Are you selling the seeds?  They are much more valuable than the flesh.