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Location

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Date Posted

Billings, MT

Hello all, I've enjoyed re-familiarizing myself with BP.com I feel compelled to post a re-introduction!

I joined this site as early as 2006 as a 13-year-old kid from Great Falls, Montana who was absolutely fascinated by the prospect of growing a giant pumpkin. I have been able to find old posts in forums from my 13-year-old perspective. It has been pure comedy for me reading through them, let's just say I could have used some help in english/grammar before attempting to grow a giant pumpkin. For all the growers that respectfully answered my questions and sent me seeds all those years ago I thank you. I would hope many are still active on this site. I've since lost the account info and have created a new one.

I was never successful in my young pursuits but have never lost the "itch" to grow.

Fast forward 17 years...

My wife and I reside in Billings, MT with our 3 kiddos and our current season of life keeps us home much of the time. With my 2 oldest able to somewhat participate in all that is involved with agriculture and gardening the timing was just right to put a garden in this year...*light bulb* I began remembering I had kept all the information from so long ago that I had gathered regarding big pumpkins. I dug in our storage and found "How to grow world class pumpkins III" as well as print outs, old seeds, etc - Essentially a 13-year old's user guide to growing. I ordered some seeds this spring from the Howard Dill website and threw them in the backyard along with an assortment of varieties to have a patch for the kids this fall.

With that said, the fever is back, they say timing is everything and the timing is right.

I've ordered 3 seeds of 1375 Connolly 2022 and I am already prepping a game plan for 24'.

Glad to be back.

Zach McKinley
(formely known as 'pumpkin fanatic')

8/18/2023 4:59:36 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Welcome back and into the madness!

That itch is going to turn into a large scratch come next year!

I took the year off for the first time in 15 years, so I'll be joining you next year and that itch is bad!:)

8/18/2023 6:05:14 PM

West Virginia

I’ve been out 10 years myself, last grew 2013. Grew regularly garden this year, but going to get back to growing giant tomatoes next year. Just need to find seeds. I grew the state record tomato for my state in 2013 ( it lasted 7 years.) also in 2012 grew an estimated 650 pound pumpkin, I’d say it would of weighted heavy, but my state of wv then had no real weight off. Just one that if you placed. It seized rights to your pumpkin and your seeds. So I wasn’t going to do that. That I still to this day don’t feel is right. By the way I wish you and everyone the best luck this coming year

8/18/2023 9:30:38 PM

The goal next year is to learn and see what happens, but I feel like with the genetic potential of seeds now a days your odds to hit a 1,000 lbs are pretty good if all other factors are in order. Even being in MT I’m located in kind of the sunbelt for our state, so who knows! Absence makes the heart grow fonder I suppose in this hobby sport.

8/19/2023 6:33:03 AM

Bethlehem CT

Welcome back, I remember you from back in the day. I had no idea you were a kid!

8/19/2023 7:54:01 AM

Grittyville, WA

Welcome back. Good seed choice!

8/19/2023 9:06:55 AM

Torrance, Ca.

I was thinking the same thing moon!

8/19/2023 12:08:16 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Welcome back, I also remember you as I joined this crazy hobby and website about the same time. Hope you are well, wow you are 30 now!!

Your kids will love the giant pumpkins.

8/19/2023 9:46:17 PM

Thanks all for the welcome. And yes, 30 so I can complain about back pain if I want to after working in the patch.

1375 Connolly selfed again Should make for good orange color and good shape.

8/19/2023 10:33:45 PM

Sharon, MA

Welcome back Dan. You will get some beautiful bright Orange Pumpkins from the 1375. -Steve

8/20/2023 10:03:20 AM

Sharon, MA

Meant to say Zach, not Dan.... was Watching the tomato you tube video and had Dan's name stuck in my mind...lol

8/20/2023 10:05:12 AM

Billings, MT

Thanks Steve. I see it championed the 150 sqft contest last year. nice work.

8/20/2023 4:39:35 PM

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

Welcome back Zach! I'm still frequenting this wonderful site. My personal best pumpkin is still that monster I grew off the 603.5 Muller 03 seed back in 2007.

8/22/2023 12:58:33 AM