From

Location

Message

Date Posted

SW Ohio

Several of you have asked what the OTT was on my bushel gourd so I taped it this morning for data purposes. Weight was 194 pounds.
Circumference 85.5
Side to side 53
Side to side 53.5
I come up with 192 inches. I dont have a chart so i cant say how it measured up. Grown on the blossom end.
Seed was 200 Lariviere.

9/17/2018 9:21:46 AM

Zimmerman, Minnesota

If I did the math right you were 9.6% over the new bushel gourd chart....congratulations Sue! Very nice gourd!

9/17/2018 10:25:48 AM

Pittsburgh, PA

There seems to be a bunch of opinions regarding how to measure a bushel gourds cc. I believe the new BG chart is meant for BGs that are measured when the BG is grown on its side like most AGs are.

Not sure why the GPC is listing estimated weights based on the watermelon chart when they have the new BG chart on the GPC page. This is very confusing and almost all BG go light when using the watermelon chart. I hope this gets updated asap.

9/17/2018 11:52:29 AM

SW Ohio

My bushel gourd is heading to my county fair next week. Once i get it back home, I will try to lay it down and take an ott like you want. Im afraid to scratch it up if I lay it down now lol

9/17/2018 12:03:47 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Jay this whole measuring thing has me baffled. If you measure a 3 dimensional object in 3 perpendicular locations it shouldn’t matter. If you lay a glass on its side and measure the OTT the individual measurements will change but the overall OTT should be the same. I don’t think it really matters with gourds or pumpkins

9/17/2018 9:57:25 PM

Lexington, Ky

Mike F. answered this pretty well last year.....

"If I was to turn my gourd on its side from the way it's growing now. The overall height would give me a different side to side measurement than I get now with it being at a 45 deg. My last side to side was 56" but if I turn it on its side it would much higher because it is rounder so would appear taller. I hope I explained that right. We can take some different measurements at Topsfield and see what the difference will be."

9/18/2018 9:04:24 AM

Lexington, Ky

And another reply from Mike F.

"There was a 10” difference when we measured my 189.5. Blossom down vs on its side. It actually grew kind of at 45deg. angle. The others we measured were not as much but the were a little different."

9/18/2018 9:09:04 AM

Lexington, Ky

BG's aren't spheres, they are spearoids or oblate spears. Basic geometry folks.

9/18/2018 9:19:22 AM

Pittsburgh, PA

I'm not so worried about how we are taking cc measurements. My biggest complaint is that the GPC is using the watermelon chart when we have a new bushel gourd chart we should be using.

9/18/2018 10:24:19 AM

Lexington, Ky

Ah, we're probably putting up too much of a stink over a category that will be forgotten about in a few years.

9/18/2018 11:24:16 AM

Lexington, Ky

Sue, awesome BG!

9/18/2018 11:24:45 AM

Mulino, Oregon

I agree Jamie. By the way, thanks for the 250 seed last year. I think you'll be happy when she hits the scales! (I hope)

9/18/2018 2:00:37 PM

Bethlehem CT

Jamie I think bushel gourds are here to stay. (as long as people are still growing giant veggies) I thought that the giant tomato thing would fizzle out but it's still going strong today.

9/18/2018 5:26:25 PM

President - GPC

Dont see BG going away unless folks stop growing them...Doesnt look like it, we already have a new WR. I will send email to Ken asking him to use the new chart, GPC doesnt configure that. GROW BIG

9/18/2018 5:37:53 PM

Putnam Ct.

Go Sue!!

9/18/2018 8:46:03 PM

Bottom of ohio

Nice job Sue

9/18/2018 9:24:52 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks Wiz and Ken.

9/18/2018 11:16:05 PM

Lexington, Ky

Many thanks Wizz

9/19/2018 9:17:55 AM

Sharon, MA

Appreciate that Wiz. Our newest GPC category Is certainly gaining interest. and it's such a durable fruit. Lots of fun to grow.

9/19/2018 11:37:49 PM

Zimmerman, Minnesota

Yes thanks Wiz and Ken for all you do.

9/20/2018 10:29:29 AM

Hanson Ma

Yup. Bite your tounge Team Wexler. BG’s are the new green. LOL!

P.s. thanks for quoting me.

10/8/2018 7:46:34 PM