From

Location

Message

Date Posted

President - GPC

We havent done this in a long time. Growers come and GO, we have a wonderful Hobby...of sharing and caring. We have lots of new growers on BP with lots of new names.... It would be nice to know the person behind the fun names we have out here on BP.... Who are YOU? Thanks for participating.

Wizzy

3/3/2021 10:04:21 AM

President - GPC

My name is Gary Grande, I live in Littleton Colorado > Hail Capitol of the World. My friends call me Wizzy I have been on this since since 2006 and enjoy growing all types of flowers and vegetables. In my real job I am an IT System Administrator getting my education from the US Navy where I was a Data Systems Engineer on the USS Dace, Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine, I am a father of two, a daughter Candace, and a son Bryan. I enjoy helping folks Grow and love being part of this GPC Committee.

3/3/2021 10:04:54 AM

Benson, MN

My name is Jake Johnson, from Benson, Minnesota, which is in the west central part of the state. Anyone who knows/has met me would understand my BP name. It's the reason I hate pulling weeds and pruning vines. I started growing in 2010, but only got serious about it 4 years ago. In real life I am an operator at one of the largest propane facilities in the state, Alliance Midstream. My wife and I have a small hobby farm of a few cows and horses, which provides ample manure for the garden. We have a son Anders, and baby number 2 due at pollination time this summer, guess we didn't stay 6 feet apart. Good Luck to all in 2021!

3/3/2021 10:50:23 AM

Princeville, IL

My name is Joe House. I am a retired agriculture teacher from central Illinois. Retired in 2011. Started growing giants in 2013. I had a small decorative and jack-o-lantern pumpkin business before I retired which has grown into a full time 8 acres. So much for retirement. Orange is my focus.

3/3/2021 2:23:24 PM

Cape Breton Nova Scotia

My name is Jody Rendell. I'm a farmer from Cape Breton Nova Scotia. I've been growing Atlantic Giants since 2016.

3/3/2021 5:04:25 PM

Topsfield,ma.

My name is Woody Lancaster and we should all use our real names and this would not be necessary. I'm from Topsfield Mass. and I wish I was a Snow Bird.

3/3/2021 6:47:16 PM

Nova Scotia

I am Danny Dill aka "Howard" from Windsor, N.S. been around for awhile. And yes Woody good point and second the motion.

3/3/2021 7:00:25 PM

Grittyville, WA

Buzz K. Clayton here. I vote we post our Ss numbers on here in addition to using our full names.

3/3/2021 9:25:26 PM

Torrance, Ca.

My name is Chris Dunn and happy to be back after taking a long year off! Nothing better then mid August when the fruit are growing full speed and you see one of your fruit getting closer and closer to your personal best ott numbers!!! NOTHING BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!

3/3/2021 9:50:25 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

My name is Jeff Theil, I have been growing giant pumpkins since 2016. Earned my jacket this year, and not too happy I have to wait another year to get it. My real job is waterproofing basements. My wife and I are going to try growing and selling ornamental pumpkins this year, if it goes well, we'll add a greenhouse and flowers next year.

3/3/2021 9:54:18 PM

Syracuse, NY

Yeah, Gritty Buzz, anyone can go anywhere and find a plethora of personal information that should be kept private, hence companies like LifeLock making millions to 'keep your sensitive data safe' - but - 'In case anything happens' - lol; I think PBs, years growing and PUMPKIN goals would be appropriate, but, what's done is done; usernames and maybe occupations, but not

3/4/2021 5:10:41 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Joe Gerchy, secretary for the Southern Ohio Giant Pumpkin Growers Association

3/4/2021 6:41:32 AM

Centennial Colorado

Leif Ritter, 17 years old, Junior in high school and in 5 college classes the hardest 3 being physics, Calculus and statistics. I am the secretary of RMGVG and the a weighoff coordinator. I landscape to pay for this expensive, but fun hobby. I have gotten a pumpkin to the weighoffs and increased my pb every year since 2016. In 2012 at the age of 8 I started growing and for various reasons for 4 years my plants were killed early on. I have placed top 10 5 times and highest placing has been 9th at a weighoff. Hope to change that this year.

3/4/2021 10:37:21 AM

Colorado

Joe Scherber, long time grower. Love growing these crazy AG's. Nothing like having a big healthy plant pushing/ putting the pounds into the fruit-very addictive.

3/4/2021 1:40:53 PM

Deer Park, WI

Name to the left. Father of four, field agronomist for a major seed company by day, hobby farmist by nite/weekends. '21 will be my 21st season growing large orange globes. Current Prez of St. Croix Growers. Rhizosphere microbiology enthusiast. Soil fertility junkie. Occasional pot-stirrer.

3/4/2021 1:51:08 PM

Williamsport

paul, scott dimarco same as joe sherber, going for pa. state record

3/4/2021 4:45:38 PM

Brandon,WI.

Tom Montsma is the name,from Brandon,Wis., Picked up the nickname as a kid, showing cattle in 4-H,and growing veggies since i was knee high to a grasshopper,assist my brother on his 2500 acre cash crop operation in spring and fall as well, ,have a famous pumpkin grower only a mile down the road, aka, MobyMike Schmit.been growing pumpkins for bout 7 years,hoping for another PB this year. AND CONGRATS TO: TOOTALL Johnson and wife,met em this year up at Stillwater, awesome people ,BEST OF LUCK!!!!

3/4/2021 6:21:48 PM

my name is secret im pretty good at drinking beer..learning to grow pumpkins always .taking a big swing into new ways 2021

3/4/2021 6:34:34 PM

Peosta, Iowa

Pete Caspers, current Gpc central rep, treasurer. work in the mining industry, and try to grow monsters in my little bit of spare time i can find. As Don moves inside i'am moving back outside for the year. Anxiety and soil needs a break lol

3/4/2021 7:43:58 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I am Steve Strickler, live in Bloomington, IN. I’ve gardened nearly my entire life, originally fixated on growing the bewildering diversity of heirloom tomatoes. Saw giant tomatoes at the State Fair & started growing them. Then got sucked into growing AGs & Squash, started in 2015.
I am an Interventional Radiologist M.D.), retired Sept 2017.
Thought I would have more time for tending the plants but the number of things that needs to be done has exponentially increased.
I have so many people to thank for sharing their techniques & tips, also tremendously grateful to my wife for her support in this zany hobby.
Gasp! Incredibly, she has assisted me in weeding without me even asking!

3/4/2021 9:43:01 PM

Gourd Zone, WA

<- Gritty/Grinchy/Gkins here. Switching profile names... (block me if I bug you!!!) So yeah, I am the highly paranoid overposting pumpkin grower who is continually auditioning for character of "the grower who no one can stand" for the next Netflix pumpkin-grower documentary. (Every popcorn worthy reality show needs a bothersome antagonist??? Someone who is either a blathering fool or a longshot genius and you're not sure which until the end of the show.)
When I am not trolling or being trolled... I love all aspects of this sport/hobby and I want it to be enjoyed by all.

3/4/2021 9:46:11 PM

Torrance, Ca.

lol Pete,,, I hear you there! Taking a year off is the best thing in the world!
The only time it sucks is weigh off day when everyone has a fruit but you!;)

But even then, its a great day hanging with all your pumpkin friends!

3/4/2021 9:54:48 PM

Syracuse, NY

spobby

3/5/2021 6:02:11 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Shannon Engel...Quality Engineer for CURT. This will be my 20th season. I like them BIG and Orange. Married to Jodi the World's Most Famous Pumpkin Salted Caramel Cupcake Maker, and an OK pumpkin carver. I have been told I have a passion for pumpkins. :)

3/5/2021 7:50:52 AM

Merrimack NH

BarryL - Barry Leblanc, This will be my 15 season growing in New Hampshire. Great Hobby, great people. My wife loves the hobby as well and even enjoys helping me, especially with weeding, which never seems to end. Don, I'm fascinated by that new greenhouse set-up your doing, please keep posting more pic's on that!

3/5/2021 9:22:58 AM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

First I want to remember those we lost last since last year. May they rest in PEACE.

My name is Bill Foss of Buffalo, Minnesota USA
Grew my fist large field pumpkins of 115 pounds in 1983, and stated growing AGs in 1985 for porch sitters and just reusing the seeds. My brother was also growing and told me to go online for seeds. My first contact Was Shannon Engel and he told me all about Bigpumpkins.com. I owe all my success to other growers and all my failures to myself.

3/5/2021 4:04:17 PM

Los Molinos

Clint Dyson from Los molinos California. 2019 GPC rookie offers the year. Equipment operator. One trip to the little local hardware store while c working on a home project and there on a seed rack was a pack of prize winners. Went to YouTube for tips on growing a bigger pumpkin. And there i discovered this amazing word giant growers. That is filled with class act people. I have met and made friends for life. Grow on my friends

3/5/2021 10:21:27 PM

Upper Strasburg, PA

I'm Thomas Morgan. I started growing pumpkins when I was a kid in 2001. My personal best is 881 lbs, which was good for a 5th place finish at a GPC contest back when 881 was pretty respectable. I got back into growing a few years ago, after moving back to Pennsylvania. Some of the folks here remember me from back then, some other folks might know me from being the M.C. at the PGPGA weigh-off for the last couple of years. I worked in warehousing & logistics for about 8 years before going back to school last spring and now I am getting licensed as a realtor and finishing a degree in paralegal studies. I also enjoy sharing memes on facebook.

3/6/2021 1:00:56 AM

Jericho Vermont

John Young from Vermont. I have been attempting to grow giant pumpkins, long gourds and tomatoes since 1996 and have had a diary on this site since 2004. After the kids left the nest my wife Kerry has been a partner grower. Our Vermont club attempts to change Presidents every 2 years and I have been a President for two separate terms but am happy to say that I have a couple of years off now at least.

3/6/2021 9:07:25 AM

Sharon, MA

Steve Connolly from Sharon, MA

3/6/2021 6:29:24 PM

Bethlehem CT

John Ciesielski. Self employed gardener,landscaper. I have always had a desire to grow "giant" vegetables. I have been a vegetable gardener since the 1980's, I grew "big moon, Big Max and generic Atlantic Giant pumpkins. In 2005 or 2006 I met John Deary at the Bethlehem Fair and when I saw his and Adam Wheeler's huge pumpkins, I knew I had to figure out what the secret was and give them a try. John D told me about bigpumpkins.com, I got some real seed and good advice from some really helpful growers and I have been here ever since.

3/6/2021 6:46:07 PM

Ontario

Elmer J Fudd. Patch exterminator..especially dislike wabbits and such

3/6/2021 7:59:36 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Glenna Rea from Massillon, Ohio. I started growing in 2006 - just pumpkins. AG's, jack-o-lantern types and novelties to give away to family and friends. I hope for orange and big and a new PB. Screen name, Nana, is because of my 5 grandkids, that many of you have watched grow up in my diary. Baking is another thing I enjoy, to do and give. Making friends from across the world is the frosting of this hobby!

3/7/2021 11:18:57 AM

Shingle Springs, CA

Dave Shewmaker. I am an animal geneticist who is fairly new to Giant Pumpkins (just a few years). I grow them strictly for fun and I am not what you would call a good grower. My interest is in large but also well shaped kins with beautiful color. Email address is dave@shewmaker.com . I really enjoy this web site and the GP community!

3/8/2021 1:09:36 PM

San Diego

Jim Fredricks, been growing since 2001 on and off. Been growing with my two boys the last few years and having fun with them. Enjoy the hobby and fellow growers in southern california.

3/8/2021 9:01:07 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Marv Meisner. I started growing giant pumpkins in the early 90's. I was one of the founders of the PGPGA. At the time I wrote a letter to Hugh Wiberg, a really nice person, and got the go ahead. I got up to over 1000 pounds and switched to giant tomatoes. It was just too much work, especially getting those pumpkins to the weigh-off. I wrote a couple of books about giant tomato growing. Lately I have not been able to get a really big one but maybe this year.

3/8/2021 9:43:59 PM

Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Dustin Grubbs. One of the few growers in Nebraska. I've grown pumpkins all my life, but only started growing AGs a few years ago in 2016. My personal best is 981 which was good enough for 2nd place at my first ever weighoff in Rapid City in 2016. I'm hoping to finally top 1000lbs in 2021.

3/9/2021 12:02:58 AM

Columbia, Kentucky

My name is Scott Bayuk, I started growing giant pumpkins in 2014 in my small backyard in north east Illinois. I bought 7.5 acres 3 years ago in south central Kentucky. I have a beautiful and amazing wife and two children who are the original reasons I started to grow giant pumpkins.

3/9/2021 4:30:31 AM

Central NY

I showed up 9 yrs ago as an avid gardener.....with full intentions on finding out what size needles, hoses, and where exactly, on the vine, you stick the needles and hook up the milk. Now our gardens are awesome, we grow our biggest something or other just about every year and we have friends all over the world. This hobby is one of the best! Wishing everyone a great season!!
- the other white meat

3/10/2021 5:42:54 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Porkchop is Steve Marley. Not that anyone really cares.

3/10/2021 8:49:37 PM

South Dakota

My name is Lance Johnson, I am recently retired and live in a very small town in central South Dakota. I grew up on the family farm and always enjoyed helping my mother in the garden. Back then the garden was a big staple of the family food with canning and preservation enough to last the winter. I took up extreme gardening in 2018 and weighed in a 10th place, 337 lb AG and was hooked. My wife, Mary, is my partner in every aspect of our lives and assists in the garden doing most of the hard work.LOL

3/11/2021 9:22:37 AM

Emmetsburg, Iowa

My name is Joel Kibbie. I lam from north-west Iowa. I am a graduate of Iowa Stare University. I am a full time farmer. I grow corn and soybeans. I also raise cattle. I have a pumpkin patch at my brothers house on the farm. I also have a couple garden plots in town at a community garden. I enjoy growing giant pumpkins, field pumpkins, and spicy peppers. This year my goal is to grow a giant pumpkin over 1,000 pounds

3/11/2021 1:39:51 PM

Emmetsburg, Iowa

Iowa State**

3/11/2021 1:40:22 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Marv also is the only member of the CUCUMBER club but alas he doesn't have a big one of those either !!!!

3/11/2021 2:45:11 PM

Central NY

That’s why they call him “Lil pickle”....( I miss you eddy!!)

3/11/2021 3:35:24 PM

South Dakota

If this posting keeps getting hijacked, nobody else will post. I like getting to know a little about the people behind the screen names.

3/12/2021 8:57:56 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

If it is small, it's because I wore it out. Sorry LJ, I couldn't help it.

3/12/2021 3:14:22 PM

Sonora, CA

My name is Carla Suehowicz from Sonora CA. This year will be my 5th year growing giant pumpkins. First year my biggest was 67 pounds and I thought I had the biggest pumpkin ever until attending Elk Grove’s Festival and the following March’s seminar. I am hooked. Chris Dunn and Cecil Weston helped me with so many questions the second year. I went from 69 pounds the first year to over 800 pounds my second year. Cecil has helped me dial in my soul each year and my personal Brest is 1242. A great competitive hobby in retirement. There are so many unselfish growers willing to share their knowledge. Thank you so much.

3/13/2021 9:27:01 PM

Sonora, CA

My name is Carla Suehowicz from Sonora CA. This year will be my 5th year growing giant pumpkins. First year my biggest was 67 pounds and I thought I had the biggest pumpkin ever until attending Elk Grove’s Festival and the following March’s seminar. I am hooked. Chris Dunn and Cecil Weston helped me with so many questions the second year. I went from 69 pounds the first year to over 800 pounds my second year. Cecil has helped me dial in my soil each year and my personal best is 1242. A great competitive hobby in retirement. There are so many unselfish growers willing to share their knowledge. Thank you so much.

3/13/2021 9:33:24 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Luke, past Fisheries Biologist now in Bond Trading. I suck at growing pumpkins, and have been able to come up with an excuse each year from weather to kids. Porkchop for US President with Eddy Z as vice. Nanna Rea, Dale M and Norm G rule.

3/13/2021 10:26:25 PM

Littleton, Colorado

Mike Lee, Littleton, Colorado - RMGVG Treasurer

3/14/2021 5:36:26 PM

Petersburg, Mi

Joe Sheldon, took last year off from growing. Hope to get something to take for a bushel gourd and a giant pumpkin. This will be a good year to get my 3 year old involved. Started growing in 2009.

3/14/2021 7:24:50 PM

New Berlin,NY

Christopher MacDonald, Transplanted Canadian living in Central New York with my wife, Son, and a variety of Animals on a small hobby Farm. I grew for a year back in 1995, and got 3 pumpkins between 250-350 from a 5X3 patch of top soil and chicken Compost over Shale rock. Took 20 years off for life, then started growing in 2016, first weighoff in 2017. I strive for master gardener and have been making good progress over the last few years.

3/15/2021 3:24:19 PM

Leisha. I'm in Eastern NC where the hope for a huge one is as high as the humidity. :)
I build furniture for a living, well shit. Make that did. Just got a new job. Now I manage a factory that makes hand blown glass items. Lol. And. I try to grow giant &#127875; 's

3/18/2021 5:08:39 PM

Okay, picture failure. It was a little grinning pumpkin where all that gobbledygook is above. Sigh.

3/18/2021 5:09:51 PM

Diamond, Ohio

Doug Kisamore from Diamond, Ohio

3/18/2021 6:59:21 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

glenn peters started growing AG's in 1988

3/23/2021 6:51:14 AM