David Smith opened Arizona's 2015 giant pumpkin season on January 4 by planting four different pumpkins in his two greenhouse huts. David hopes to grow his Atlantic Giants big enough to break the Arizona record for AGs of 469 pounds set in 2007.
Because of the high temperatures that effect a growers ability to produce the giant pumpkins through the summer months, several enthusiasts have agreed to start the season early in hopes of growing larger pumpkins. The Scottsdale Community Garden Club has agreed to sponsor a Memorial Day Weigh-Off, on May 30, to give growers a chance to have their pumpkins officially weighed in competition.
David planted a variety of pumpkins, to include a 1,622 Young, 823 Gerhardt, 993 Vincent McGill, and a 968 (est) Shaw - grown from a 2032x2009 cross. The mounds were built-up, and amended, this past week in anticipation of planting on January 1. However, a severe cold front passed through the Phoenix area delaying the planting until temperatures were a bit more cooperative.
Greenhouse huts, made from PVC pipe and greenhouse plastic, were constructed on both of Davids garden plots. The huts are designed to keep the wind from rolling the plants and help produce higher growing temperatures during the early months of the season. To further protect the plants, 4x4 styrofoam insulation boxes were built to house the plants during the cold evenings. Because the garden does not have electricity, the hot boxes will be heated by one or two candles - depending upon the overnight temperatures.
Here's hoping David, and all the other growers, have great success in this first year of the Arizona Giant Pumpkin Growers spring season.
