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Location

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Alaska

Julia sparked my interest to try to grow large tomatoes on purpose. So far this year we got a 3.5lb non fused tomato, a 4.07lb, a 5.41lb, and a 5.51lb. The varieties are Delicious, Terhune, and Big Zac. I took cutting from the plants so I will get another shot at a bigger tomato this year.
We grew these hydroponically in 10 gallon pots in a media of pro mix HP, the cuttings are rooted and growing in 20 gallon smart pots, I think I am going to top dress these with compost, I haven't burned any up yet, so we will see what happens.
Anyway, I'm all ears for any suggestions, thanks for having me.
AkMark

6/16/2015 3:30:16 AM

Allentown, PA

Well hello Mark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Julia.

I'm very happy your here!!
Your accomplishments in growing giants will speak for you here.

You have joined a group of giant growers that are very serious and dedicated to the pursuit.

Welcome my friend!!!!!

6/16/2015 6:24:32 AM

Allentown, PA

Oh hey start a diary here Mark to show your accomplishments.

Just go to the grower diaries page. Click on "" Submit to my own diary "" then upload and briefly describe the tomatoes and growing setup you have. Many growers here will be extremely interested in seeing what you have!!!

6/16/2015 6:27:32 AM

Central NY

My suggestion is you start a diary and start spillin yer secrets!!...nice maters !!

6/16/2015 7:42:03 AM

valparaiso, in

Those are great weights for being grown in pots.

6/16/2015 11:50:44 PM

Germany

Hi I am Daniel from Germany, this is my first year growing maters in my own garden, we have seven plants the best one is shown in my diary

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=239515

6/17/2015 12:49:48 AM

Allentown, PA

Hi Daniel!! Welcome!!

6/17/2015 6:19:48 AM

Going Green

Welcome Daniel and Alaska. Already a great year for you Alaska. Julia is a great grower. You can learn a lot from her.

6/17/2015 11:29:12 AM

Corbin, KY

Welcome, hope you get another Personial best this year!
Uncle Dunkel

6/17/2015 9:49:52 PM

Lebanon , Tn

So my question is where do we have the tomatoes weighed that will actually count...if you can get one to that size :)

6/23/2015 2:42:51 PM

Allentown, PA

Karen,

If you get a sizable tomato rules dictate that you are able to take the tomato and have it weighed on any scale that is certified by your state weight and measures department. Any grocery store scale will be certified by the state that it has been calibrated and is legal to use for official trade.

The process goes somewhat like this; Take your tomato to the grocery store and ask the manager on duty if they would allow you to weigh your tomato on one of their produce scales. Once you have permission you then weigh the tomato while taking a photograph of it and the read out showing the weight. You will also need to take a photo of the official calibration decal placed somewhere visible on the scale showing the valid year that it has been calibrated.

You would also have an employee or the manager you gained permission from be a witness to you weighing the tomato.

He or she would then sign the official paperwork from the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth that you can download from this site.

Once that has occurred you are now done officially weighing your tomato.

You would then email the paperwork and the photo's to the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth for acceptance.

6/23/2015 4:36:53 PM

Central NY

I think it has to be mailed within 24 hrs .. I turned my paper in at a weigh-off well after the tomato was gone.. Didn't count

6/23/2015 7:21:49 PM

Central NY

I think it has to be mailed within 24 hrs .. I turned my paper in at a weigh-off well after the tomato was gone.. Didn't count (didn't give pics though .. Wasn't to clear in the process...thanks pa j... Always informative ).. I'm just gonna grow a bigger one this year...

6/23/2015 7:23:49 PM

Allentown, PA

I think you are correct Porkchop concerning having to e-mail the results within a 24 hour time frame.

Thank you for bringing that up.

6/24/2015 6:33:24 AM

Lebanon , Tn

Thanks PA_J but having trouble finding the link for the official paper work

6/24/2015 12:38:32 PM

Allentown, PA

Here you go Karen. :O)

http://greatpumpkincommonwealth.com/PDF/GPC%20Tomato%20Entry%20Form.pdf

6/24/2015 4:55:17 PM

Lebanon , Tn

Probably wont need it BUT just in case the tomato Gods are with me:)

6/25/2015 1:39:44 PM

Allentown, PA

Karen,

Never sell yourself short.

6/25/2015 2:12:22 PM