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Trinity River Bottom

The WR will be broken again this year..at least once
The top 10 melons this year will all be over 250 lbs.
At least 1 melon will be over 300 lbs.
And none of these will be from Texas.

7/12/2011 4:18:36 PM

Trinity River Bottom

Should not have said from Texas i was just talking about my garden!!!! There are several Texas growers still in the running.. Sorry Yall..

7/12/2011 4:23:58 PM

Muddy Waters

I think there will be 2 melons over 300 this year & a couple over 280!!

7/12/2011 6:18:00 PM

Garner, NC

Y'all both have lost your minds. That's my prediction!

7/12/2011 7:14:07 PM

Muddy Waters

Just wait & see I think you will be surprised just like the kin growers were!!

7/12/2011 10:06:51 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

M. Hill, I sorta thinkin the same...and the congrats go to the group that have started this EXTREME Melon thing!!! I also think we wil see 300# er, soonly!!! The entire GWG Team, are offering up incredible...stuff...for so many to use, to start into this project...that I truly believe that 300#'s and up will get dun soonly!!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...Kudo's to the TEAM!!!!!

7/13/2011 12:17:05 AM

Garner, NC

I hope ya'll are right, but I'm not buying in this year, but maybe in a few years. What are you thinking is going to cause this huge growth in the melons this year? In the past there has only been a handful of melons that went 267 or over, now your saying you think more than one will be over 300 lbs. I was lucky enough to see the 291 at the Elkin weigh in, and it was big, and I mean REAL BIG, even freaky big. So why all of a sudden are melons going to leap that much in one year, I know pumpkin growers do it, but isn't it baby steps, or did they just start growing 1800lbs pumpkins overnight.
I don't want to start anything bad or stir the pot, but what are you basing your predictions on, a group that formed, more growers, weather, some new super juice or did Chris sent out some informative email I didn't get(LOL).

7/13/2011 10:08:40 AM

Trinity River Bottom

You didn't get the memo Todd?

7/13/2011 10:17:58 AM

Garner, NC

Must be in my spam box, please resend!LOL

7/13/2011 10:31:17 AM

Bowdon, GA

Hey HHG, already got some problems with mine so your going to have to change that prediction to one 300 pounder LOL!

7/13/2011 2:34:16 PM

sevierville, Tn

I thought those 300 lbs were all going to be in your patch Todd ! Keep em growing and they will be.

Ok, i think the 270 mark will be broken at a minium, lots of good growers & seeds out there.

Looks like i lost my 291 plant(stump prob), so i hope someone grows the big one off the 291 ! I had the biggest baby melon on the plant, would have gone over 70 girth if it had made it. Oh well :(

7/13/2011 3:32:24 PM

Lexington, Ky

Ice Man has made very good points and I side with him. Wishful thinking. Same can be said about the cantaloupe prediction as well.

7/13/2011 4:04:27 PM

formerly RGG

It will be whatever it will be; and no one knows either way at this point. If I had to take a guess I would tend to agree with Chris' last statement about 270 ponds being broken.

7/13/2011 6:41:06 PM

Muddy Waters

This is a game of #s you have never had 117 people trying to grow these for a prize of 1000$.The kins surprised the majority when Zehrs grew the 1061.they were saying I didnt think they were ever going to do it!They did it much sooner than expected it was my first year growing,I was bummed I wanted a shot at 50,000 dollars.Oh Well.I could be wrong but it could be next year before we see 2-300s,if the weather doesnt work with us.I really think you will see 2 this year 1 in my patch & 1 in Chris Kents!& maybe a third in Texas!LOL

7/13/2011 10:03:44 PM

Muddy Waters

Were headed into the High 80s & low 90s this weekend & all next week with nite time lows in the 70S WOOT WOOT!!,If we can keep the creeping crud away somebodys going to hit 300!
Oh Yee of little Faith!!

7/14/2011 6:06:04 AM

Lexington, Ky

Last year there were 117 growers growing watermelons for no prize money......

7/14/2011 9:36:26 AM

Muddy Waters

I dont think so 1320 we have a lot of first time melon growers in the club but are highly exp. growers & the money means the plants get more care & a better spot in the patch I had kins in my green house last year!!I think tenth place will be 240 to 250 lbs.No Im not smoking Crack cocaine!lol

7/14/2011 6:14:56 PM

Muddy Waters

we also have the 291 kent & 239 Zurener among other seed lines which will up the weights this year!

7/14/2011 9:59:46 PM

Lexington, Ky

What are the odds a first time melon grower is gonna bust 200 pounds? Never mind 250+. Most "highly exp" growers would give the plant the care and position that you refer to without the lure of prize money. Last years record was grown without the bounty wasn't it?! LOL.

I think the prize money will cause some if not most growers to over do it. If 2 melons go over 300 pounds this year it's likely not to be a first time melon grower, even if they are proven growers of other large fruit.

I think it's a discredit to the melon growers like Edwards, Mudd and the like, growers that have done this for years and years to say they can't do it but a new grower can and will all because a group was formed that offers a prize.

Now, give this club a few years and yes, I'll buy into all of the predicitions. I think the club and the bounty is a great leap in that direction and I commend all that are affiliated, it was long overdue.

7/15/2011 10:08:40 AM

Garner, NC

Well said..1320

7/15/2011 11:46:02 AM

Trinity River Bottom

Your wright this will be my second year growing giants...

7/15/2011 2:36:47 PM

Pataskala,OH

It could be a first time grower because they probably have grown pumpkins before and have some knowledge about growing watermelon. It is pretty much the same thing except a few minor differences.

7/15/2011 2:44:59 PM

sevierville, Tn

Well I vote for who ever is growing in the dry areas. All the rain i'm having is knocking my chances down. :(

7/15/2011 3:33:30 PM

Muddy Waters

Wow!!We will wait & see its only 2 1/2 months to go.You guys are real sensitive,Im not discrediting anybody & I didnt say Bill & Marvin couldnt do it ,Im saying theres always a come from nowhere grower or 2 like Sussie with great success,Why are you being negative? Im just keeping it real!!Time will prove me right,Good Luck!Chris is doing real Good only growing for 4 years now!!This is my first year giving the Melons the front burner on my stove,you maybe real surprised at what I grow!!

7/15/2011 4:10:12 PM

Muddy Waters

You try to be positive & negative people always jump your ass!
NO LOL!!!

7/15/2011 4:13:20 PM

Lexington, Ky

I agree, time will prove you right, just not this year. Not trying to be negative or overly sensitive, just realistic. My commments won't affect anyone's growing effort except positively :} No where growers don't grow 300 pound watermelons or 1800 pound pumpkins, that's all I'm saying. I would love to see 300 pound melons this year, that would be awesome.

7/15/2011 4:17:06 PM

Lexington, Ky

You're right hhg, I will be surprised at what you grow, I've seen you're diary and all those gremlins running around your patch ;} LOL

7/15/2011 4:18:39 PM

Muddy Waters

If you cant be postive like my mother always said Shut -up

7/15/2011 4:27:13 PM

Muddy Waters

Im a betting man I got 100$ 300lbs. is hit this year!! Any negative people want a pc. of this LMAO!LOL!LMAO!!

7/15/2011 4:32:02 PM

Garner, NC

I was pondering weather to reply, and I choose not to, because momma said.."if you can't say something nice, don't say anything".

7/15/2011 4:47:39 PM

Muddy Waters

Where did I say Frank & bill & marvin couldnt do it 1320?

7/15/2011 9:45:44 PM

Muddy Waters

your putting words in my mouth 1320 aint liking it!

7/15/2011 9:51:23 PM

Muddy Waters

Im having Fun growing these Monsters,just walked into a cosignment shop and sold a Melon for 100$ for a store party in the fall.This is a good time every summer,The only sad part Im finding is coming on here,& having people twist what I say and get all defensive when Im being up beat making positive statements about growing& showing.Now I know why most hide in the shadows & dont comment on posts,they dont want conflict!Well I wont stop for a few bad apples!Just like I didnt stop in till the Club was formed.Im dedicated to this Hobby & I hope all you bad apples get medicated.Im hope you get all the help you need.

7/16/2011 5:08:52 AM

Somerset,Ky

This is too funny

7/16/2011 7:58:28 AM

Lexington, Ky

What's wrong with this guy?

7/16/2011 8:01:39 AM

Garner, NC

This thread needs to end.

7/16/2011 9:07:44 AM

Lexington,IN

Wow, what an entertaining read. Grown men arguing on how big the melons will get this year. It will depend on 2 things, how well the grower cares for his plants and LUCK. Good luck, not bad luck such as I've had this year. It's very possible for a first time grower to grow 200+ Lbs. I did in 2000, first year, only one melon plant, missed #1 in GPC by ONE Lb. I didn't know what I was doing then,(Prolly still don't) but I listened to experienced growers and they helped me through. I don't know if we'll see 300 lbs this year, but I bet the margins between the top spots will be smaller, maybe as close as it was in 2000...

7/16/2011 10:43:40 AM

Waynesboro, Virginia

Yep. Too funny...I think this is under-estimating the feat Chris pulled off last year.291 pounds...now that's quite a watermelon in my book.May be wrong, wouldn't be the first time,lol, record holds, my guess.

7/16/2011 11:46:21 AM

Muddy Waters

LOL 1320 put words in my mouth & then say "Whats wrong with this guy? Your something special arent You??I cant wait to say I told you so Chris has brought the genectics up so we can grow a 300,Im sorry you have no vision LOL!!

7/16/2011 12:10:47 PM

Muddy Waters

Im sorry 1320 It just dawned on me that you might be Special needs!Im really sorry Please forgive me !

7/16/2011 12:24:30 PM

formerly RGG

1320 & HH, if I was your mother I would put both of you in time out.Play nice now!

7/16/2011 12:55:25 PM

formerly RGG

I think we need to learn to take the high road and either silently disagree or do so in a respectful manner.This isn't a good place for trash talk; at least not if it starts sounding seriously confrontational.Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.

7/16/2011 12:58:27 PM

Lexington,IN

I agree with TD, be respectful of each other, we all have the same goal, to grow big ass melons! Nothing wrong with debating an issue, but no need to get defensive. I also don't believe one person is responsible for getting genetics where they are today. That started bout 10 years ago. NO disrespect to Chris at all, he is a killer grower and knows his stuff, but the process that got us where we are today started awhile back...Chris just picked up the pace better than the rest of us last few years :)

7/17/2011 11:13:49 AM

Jamul

What is the biggest percent gain year over year nationally in pumpkins? What is the biggest percent gain year over year in nationally in watermelons? I won't predict anything,but my guess is that the higher of those two numbers won't be exceeded by much, if at all, in any given year. Unless Wall Street gets involved.

7/17/2011 12:06:51 PM

Jamul

My question should probably be; What is the big percentage gains, record over record, for pumpkins and melons?

7/17/2011 1:53:00 PM

formerly RGG

Dewight, you are absolutely right. If you want to give thanks to the family genetically responsible for the leap forward in melon size we would have to thank the Leonards. Chris did not produce the seed that grew his world record. Of course Chris has done some excellent crosses and has grown several melons whose seeds have produced monster size progeny. I'm just saying the Leonards get credit for the cross that produced the seed that grew the world record melon; that being the 197 Leonard x 211 Leonard to yield the 239 Leonard.

7/17/2011 1:55:26 PM

Muddy Waters

lol

7/17/2011 3:36:27 PM

sevierville, Tn

There was some data on the boards about pumpkins, they have been increasing around 8% a year on average, give or take, i don't remember the exact number.
We know melons have gone from 260 in 1985, to 262 in 1990, to 268 in 2005. I don't know the % per year but its not much.

7/17/2011 5:50:38 PM

Lexington,IN

The percentage wasn't much at all until the 291 hit the scales! Sure that brought the percentage up a bit. This years results will be interesting, it seems it's either too much rain or not near enough all over the country. Crazy weather this year. Heck the biggest melon may come from overseas! TD, I was thinking even farther back than what you were on the genetics, but I'll gladly take any extra 239's off your hands...LOL!

7/17/2011 8:04:46 PM