Click here to see the Sept. 26, 2009, Neighbors section in its entirety
By Erica Bowlin / For the Times-Tribune
“Yeah, it sure is a big one,” said Tim Pennington as he pointed to the giant pumpkin in his back yard. His garden is a testament to his skills as a grower, and the great pumpkin that tips the scales at over a thousand pounds shows he takes gardening seriously.
“The process really started last year. My wife and I went down to Bear Wallow Farms, and saw a giant pumpkin. It was the state record holder at 1,212 pounds. That kind of inspired me to try to grow one of my own,” said Pennington.
Pennington said that growing his enormous pumpkin has been a painstaking process that started with soil preparation.
“Last October I started getting the soil ready, and that was just the beginning,” he said.
I germinated the seeds back in April and planted them outside on the fifth of May.”
Pennington said he tracked the growth of his little seedlings as they grew into giants.
“I have one that is close to a thousand pounds, and one that is over a thousand. Well I hope, all you can do is measure it and hope your estimates are close.”
The pumpkins grew at a rapid pace. Pennington measured the plants daily. One day in July he estimates that the big pumpkin grew over seven inches.
“That means it gained about 42 pounds overnight,” he said.
The giant pumpkin has quietly grown and grown and has required much care and effort.
A fan was kept going so the stem wouldn’t dry out and tarps provided shade from the hot summer sun.
“Pumpkins don’t like hot weather, and I guess that’s why it was such a good year for the garden,” he explained. “They say this is the eleventh coolest summer on record, and that is good news if you like growing pumpkins.”
Pennington has always enjoyed gardening, but only recently decided to try his hand at growing giants.
“I am really happy with how it has turned out, and we do have a chance to break the state record, which right now stands at 1,216 pounds.
“I know a few other people with really big pumpkins this year, so I have a good feeling that the record will be broken by someone — I just hope it’s me.”
The Penningtons have been busy preparing the giant pumpkin for competition.
The contest was held in Nancy on Saturday, Sept. 19, and according to Pennington, preparing for the event kept he and his wife quite busy.
“You have to make sure there aren’t any cracks, make sure the bugs stay off of it, that kind of thing,” said Pennington.
Then there is the job of transporting the humongous pumpkin from his home in Corbin to Nancy for the big contest.
“I just hope we can get this thing loaded up without it busting, and I hope it survives the trip.”
A small crowd formed at the Pennington home on Friday, as the great pumpkin was prepared for transport. A forklift was used to hoist the giant onto a truck for transport.
Pennington said whether or not he ended up breaking the state record, he has enjoyed growing the great pumpkin.
“The weather is a lot cooler up north, so the northerners usually win these contests. There will be growers from all over the country. We’ve kind of got a rivalry going on with the northerners. It sure would be great if someone from the south won.”
The great pumpkin did survive the trip to Nancy, and although he didn’t win the state record, Pennington’s pumpkin weighed even more than expected, coming in at a staggering 1,238 pounds. The Pennington’s took third place at the competition.
Pennington remains encouraged and said he plans to try again next year. All in all, it’s been a good year for gardening, and he has grown some impressive fruits and vegetables this season. Along with the great pumpkin, there were tomatoes, squash, and a 100 pound watermelon. Pennington also grew plenty of smaller pumpkins, including three 500 pounders.
“Those smaller ones will make great porch pumpkins,” he said. Thankfully, the Pennington’s have a very strong porch.
Pennington would like to thank his wife Sarah for all her help. Also, he would like to show his gratitude to Moonbow Coffee House in Corbin for providing coffee grounds which helped to enrich the soil for the great pumpkin.
Erica Bowlin is a former Miss Whitley County. She is a mother and homemaker currently living in Lily. She can be reached at ericalynnbowlin@yahoo.com
