Guess who won the giant pumpkin competition

[Squash64]

It took 3 men to roll it into the wheelbarrow

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and get the wheelbarrow upright

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and then tip it out.

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More help was needed at the scales

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But it won! 

186lb 8oz.

Hope Dave's back is ok!

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[Squash64]

[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!  :o That is a beast, congratulations!

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

[Squash64]

Wowser!  :o 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  ;)  ::)  ;D

[Digeroo]

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