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No Place Special

Martin Reiss

- Martin has succeded at doing what I have drempt of doing, growing a huge perfect pumpkin. He has had a break out year for sure!
- Before the 1233 hit the scales it was thought by many that big and orange fruit go way light to the chart. Then he follows that up with a second big orange fruit that ALSO goes heavy to the chart. Martins results will surely become a significant influence on the way we pick our seed stock and I think Martin will be very responsible for reintroducing orange back into giant pumpkins as a whole. I think the 1233 will find its place in history next to many famous seeds.
- Ok not only did he grow a 1233 but he grew a second pumpkin over 1000 lbs! Going off memory alone I think Martin was in the 500 maybe 600 lb range before this year. He has made a SERIOUS improvement to say the least. What I find impressive is that I think he produced these results with a very limited amount of space. Like both plants had 400 sqft I think. I hear Germany has very small yards. Martin, myself and many Americans and Canadians have HUGE parcels of land and can not accomplish what you have bud.
- One last amazing piece of info on Martin. I dont think he really has anyone there to learn from. I assume most of what he has done and learned he has picked up just over the net, email, and BP.com. Atleast when I got started I had other growers around to learn from. Firstly I had Dan Carlson only 40 minutes away and Dan was always willing to show me anything. I was able to visit the Ohio patches on one of their tours and even paid a visit or two to Tom Beachy's place. Reading something and SEEING something and how it is done in person is two totally different learning experiences. Martin, as far as I can tell you plowed the path, you were the first man to push his way through and had to do it almost all on your own.

My hat is off to Martin this year!

Does anyone else have any nominations?

10/22/2005 8:11:04 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Mike, very nicely put and I could not agree more. Martin's achievements are very impressive and I'm sure he will be honored just by the mention from you.

Glenn

10/22/2005 8:21:40 PM

Rhode Island

i would like to take this opportunity to nominate - myself
( but i cant l o l ) because i left my biggest in a puddle a couple days before the weigh off

instead, my nomination goes to those seven growers starting at 1,102 lbs and ending at a whopping 1,443 that put the sngpg in a position of respect within the giant pumpkin growing community

s.palmer, s.connolly, s.sperry, f.macari, j.jutras, j.nicholas and p.rondeau are collectivly my nomination for grower of the year ( they can fight it out for the trophy )

dick

10/22/2005 8:24:54 PM

[email protected]

Hey Mike, Martin still hasn't offered you seeds. LOL
I think Martin did extremely well and agree on him break out year. But Grower of the year has to go to the world record and Larry Checkon
And my runner up goes to Andy Wolf.

Eddy

10/22/2005 8:31:47 PM

Hayes, Virginia

Grower of thr year.
Larry Checkon.
His pumpkins get bigger & BIGGER every year.
Ed

10/22/2005 8:42:33 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Martin is a great nonmination! I just wonder what he attributes to his break through year? What factors led to such a dramatic imrovement? Do you care to share Martin? Or maybe Martin can be one of the feature growers here at BP.com, to answer our questions in the chatroom sometime. I agree with Mike, that Martin's pumpkins reinforces that big, orange, and heavy can go all together.
I'll make another nomination(not to take anything away from Martin's achievements) for Larry Checkon. A new world record! He's proven himself to be one of the very best growers during the last few years. Congats to both of these growers on their awesome accomplishments!

10/22/2005 8:49:46 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Agreed with Martin. I'll throw someone else into the hat Monty from WV. A first year grower having the weights that he had this year is awesome. Could have had two over 1K if the splits didn't happen.

10/22/2005 8:59:29 PM

No Place Special

Oh ya Martin, can I have one of your seeds....LOL! No Eddy, he offered me some 1233 and 1008 long ago, I was just in shock over his improvements this year and thought he deserved mention. Yes there are many well deserving of the grower of the year like Checkon, but Checkon rising to the top was not a surprise but just a matter of time. Although I knew Martin had the heart I didnt expect him to come this far so quickly. Hes the man! Oh ya, the orange thing kind of helped him, I like ORANGE pumpkins.

10/22/2005 9:09:05 PM

[email protected]

Martin did grow an unusaully beautiful fruit that went heavy. Well done.

But to be different I'll go ahead & nominate Dick Wallace for doing something not many people do....He has equipped all of his areas growers with the seeds & expertise to woop his butt all over the scales. And that is a very noble gesture indeed.

10/22/2005 9:25:51 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I guess my opinion on this topic might be different then most. I feel someone to be picked should be a grower who has given his heart and soul to growing a giant. Plus, offering advice, seeds and the know how to other growers who might want to know the simple things as to growing a giant.I have been to differnt weigh-offs and asked a top grow a few questions and they have walked right away from me. Then I have had many who will talk your ear off.Dick and Ron Wallace have never be affraid to help someone out. I got my 1068 from Dick this year. All season long I had asked Dick questions and he was always there to answer them. Plus what there club does, Great news letters.. I would have to pick Dick Wallace

10/22/2005 10:04:23 PM

Eugene,OR

Stan Pugh had 6 over 1000 pounds and a couple at 1200 pounds. Jack LaRue had better numbers last year, but I don't think anyone else has ever had a better overall year.

10/22/2005 11:18:09 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

The grower of the year is the grower who ends up with the Orange Jacket. This has always been about the biggest pumpkin. There are a lot of nice guys out there and we love them all, but there is only one biggest pumpkin and a world record at that. Come on guys, get real.

10/22/2005 11:39:41 PM

No Place Special

Lubadub are you in a bad mood today? We are just having fun and passing along some well deserved pats on the back and words of encouragement. This is not an "official" award of any kind, WE ALL KNOW CHECKON IS THE MAN! I for one would have to disagree with your criteria on Grower of the Year being restricted to just the biggest pumpkin. Why cant anything ever be said without someone twisting it all around and stiring up trouble. Man its going to be a LOOOOOOOONG winter.

10/22/2005 11:55:13 PM

No Place Special

Vineman i agree, Stan was my second choice. He is a man on a mission and i could se him fitting into an orange jacket very nicely someday soon!

10/22/2005 11:56:52 PM

No Place Special

And the 1407 from Andy Wolf was a shocker to me! Sorry Andy you dont get the orange jacket so i guess your a nobody!

10/22/2005 11:59:12 PM

Pumpkintown, SC

So Grower of The Year always equals the guy with the biggest fruit? Wouldn't that be Pumpkin of The Year? Really, I'm asking...
I'm going with Stan Pugh. He's been working at it for years. His success gets better and better. He's accessible and contributes and comments right here on BP. And hasn't recessed back into a snail's shell like so many other so-called HHs. He's a nice guy, and oh by-the-way, just happened to pump out 6 @ 1000+, 2 of which are in the 1200s. I thought Jack last year. This year, Stan's The Man!

10/23/2005 12:13:43 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Grower of the Year? Pumpkin of the Year? Seed of the year? Lady Grower of the year. Grower of the Year under Age 10. Grower of the Year in Clay. I know it is going to be a long winter. It already is. These are just a few ideas to help make it through the winter. Anyone got any other ideas? Maybe Pumpkin Pie Recipe of the year?

10/23/2005 8:50:07 AM

Massillon, Ohio

pumpkin boater of the year

NStranslants got it in the bag LOL

you guys seriously crack me up

10/23/2005 9:14:58 AM

Massillon, Ohio

but back to the topic: i'd go with andy or martin

10/23/2005 9:16:59 AM

New Hampshire

Lubadub, I nominate myself as the best pumpkin pie maker of all time. I dabble in growing Giant Pumpkins but I take my pies seriously. :)

10/23/2005 9:42:08 AM

Montoursville, PA

May I suggest a Humpty Dumpty Award, for the grower, that fell the furthest, from the past years success.

The costume would be easy, to mimic, would upstage the Orange Coat and could be awarded right behind the Orange Coat at the Niagara gathering, of the clan.

10/23/2005 10:18:18 AM

Maine

Martin reiss
Andy wolf
larry checkon
Tom lishness-first time grower this year with two pumpkins over 1000lbs

10/23/2005 10:20:08 AM

Halifax, Nova Scotia

I can't even beat an old guy, how can I be pumpkin boater of the year? But thanks for the vote!

Not to take anything away from Larry's pumpkin, because it was impressive, but another world record from North America was kind of expected, and will be again next year. Nobody expected a 1200 pounder to come from Germany, and I'm sure nobody expected it to be so darn nice looking. My vote for grower of the year is definitely Martin, for setting records, and doing it in style.

10/23/2005 10:38:02 AM

Coventry, RI

I would have to nominate one of the growers from the SNGPG club in RI. Without the help of Dick & Ron Wallace, Steve Sperry, Fred Macari, Joe Jutras, John Nicholas, Pete Rondeau, to name a few, I would never have had the success I did this year in growing my 1443. The guys in the club are outstanding, whenever you have a question or concern and call any of these guys they are there for you. The SNGPG club has taken giant pumpkin growing in RI to a new level.
Scott (The Bomber Palmer)

10/23/2005 11:00:50 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I nominate Randy and Deb Sundstrom, even after their Patch was sabotaged and sprayed with an herbacide(sp)they still managed to still have hope and nurse a plant back and grow an 1194!

10/23/2005 11:03:12 AM

Ohio

I gotta go with the person that has grown the biggest pumpkin of all time,even if some expect that from Larry it still should not take anything away from them growing a world record pumpkin, its the goal mostly everyone is looking for, .Not to take anything away from the other growers but how can you not give grower of the year to the guy that grown the biggest pumpkin ever grown off all time?

My vote goes to "Larry the Giant Grower Checkon".

10/23/2005 12:09:09 PM

Massillon, Ohio

NS, that old guy isnt on bigpumpkins.com so i didnt want to nominated him LOL

10/23/2005 12:28:51 PM

Hilpoltstein, Bavaria, Germany

Thanks for the nice words, my friends! I truly appreciate it!
And yes, Mike, what you say is all absolutely correct. My situation is just like you described it.

As far as I'm concerned I'd like to mention the Swarts family. Chad and especially Todd Swarts had GREAT results this year. Todd alone grew 6 pumpkins over 1000 lbs, many more in the 700 to 900 lbs range and he also had the Squash world record for a few days.

10/23/2005 1:10:42 PM

Huntsburg,Ohio

Christy yes larry is he is Lckeckon. I would also have to go with martin. He did great.Clinton

10/23/2005 1:15:45 PM

Claysburg , PA

Larry Checkon gets my vote. Everybody knows he can get a big one, but keeps getting them bigger every year. Also he always has time to answer any of my stupid questions along with being a good person.
2nd. Martin Reiss, great year. Look out for him again in 2006.

10/23/2005 2:42:25 PM

Roanoke Il

My choice would be andy wolf his 1407 lber very impressive also his efforts with collecting soil tests for the past 3-4 years. Quite a gain 500lbs from his personal best. He has always willing to help. mark

10/23/2005 2:43:02 PM

Central Connecticut

I would like to nominate John Williams 1057.6 for being the first to break the 1000lb mark in Connecticut and Ray Leonzi 1081 for hitting the half ton mark and setting a new CT record...Great Job guys! Chris

10/23/2005 3:11:36 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

there too many to choose from...Quinn,joe p,Andy..All pushed there weights up...so i'm going with 2 groups the RI and NY

10/23/2005 3:25:16 PM

Rhode Island

with out a doubt the grower of the year award should go to ------- sal lomi and his partner mike hunt

ahhhhhh what the hell

10/23/2005 3:44:20 PM

Streator ,Illinois

how about them white sox

10/23/2005 3:51:09 PM

Napa Valley, CA

My vote for grower of the year goes to Jack Borel.
Who is Jack Borel you ask.......... Jack brought his 127 pound pumpkin to the Borchard Farms California Weigh-Off yesterday. He got up on stage and told us how he planted the seed himself and did all the watering and plant care himself. He was the proudest grower that I have ever seen. His pumpkin won $150 at the weigh-off.
He could not come up on stage to pick up his check.....he was taking his nap.
Jack is 4 years old.
He gets my vote for grower of the year !

10/23/2005 4:41:47 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

lol love it!

10/23/2005 5:20:58 PM

Aloha, Oregon

larry checkon

10/23/2005 5:22:36 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Hey Biggie:
You really are trying to get some seeds from Checkon, right??

10/23/2005 6:23:19 PM

Ohio

Mike, I gotta agree with ya on where just having fun,I dont think anyone is brown-nosing for seeds or anything of that sort what so ever. So I vote for Bill Bobier, Al Eaton,Brett Hester,Jack Larue,Andy Wolf,Dick Wallace, Craig Weir,Quinn,Jerry Rose and Lubadub,,,,,,,,*Cough* LOL

10/23/2005 6:47:24 PM

canal winchester ohio

I'll give him credit, the kids like a pitbull hanging on a ropeknot....LOL

10/23/2005 6:48:04 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

lol

10/23/2005 7:03:48 PM

Indiana

Quinn Werner

10/23/2005 7:38:31 PM

Butler, Ohio

wow, so many growers with so many achievements this year and so many great stories!! I would definately have to agree with Martin Reiss as grower of the year, what a great year he had!! Lets not forget Chip and Heidi Brunst and the mosters they hauled into canfield this year and the way the crowd went nuts when Heidi's pumpkin beat Chips and placed her in the top 3!! I'd also have to Nominate Christy Dieffenbaugher. She had 2 pumpkins over 1000 this year and finally sealed her place on the varsity squad!!

10/23/2005 7:39:03 PM

Hayes, Virginia

lol Brooks

10/23/2005 8:35:49 PM

caro mi.

i vote for ...the next biggie

10/23/2005 8:36:06 PM

Massillon, Ohio

clinton, i know larry is on here, and i was simply replying to NS on this comment of his: "I can't even beat an old guy, how can I be pumpkin boater of the year? But thanks for the vote!". there is a 73 yr old that has won the NS boating event like a billion times now and no one ever has a chance. i was just saying that he isnt on here so i couldnt nominate him for boater of the year. (and PS i dont think larry checkon is old ).

10/23/2005 8:57:02 PM

Rhode Island

joe pukos for grower of the year

he needs cheering up after that bills loss at oakland

dick

10/23/2005 10:12:26 PM

Pumpkintown, SC

RRRRRaiders...
Sorry, but we may not win another...

10/23/2005 11:35:31 PM

Netherlands

My pick is Martin Reiss. Without wanting to degrade Checkon's marvelous achievement, he only beat last year's record by a few pounds. Martin Reiss is growing in pretty bad conditions here in Europe and beat the European record by about two hundred pounds and it looks like a pumpkin.

10/24/2005 2:02:59 AM

Ohio

lol@Buckhorn

10/24/2005 5:40:53 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Many growers had a great year, but I have to go with Todd Swarts of Clare Michigan. Before this year only two fruit were ever grown over 1000# in Michigan. This year Todd grew six. He's definitely taken it up a few notches in the state of Michigan.

10/24/2005 7:12:47 AM

Michigan

I agree whole heartedly Todd Swarts not only had a unbelievable growing season but does a lot to promote the the sport and pass on his wealth of knowledge about AG's
my hats off to him.

10/26/2005 7:27:17 PM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Martin Reiss, no doubt.

10/27/2005 1:27:28 AM