Here's how to get free seeds, grow pumpkin for San Angelo fall contest
A San Angelo non-profit is mailing free seeds to anyone who wants to grow their own pumpkin and participate in its 10th Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest this fall.
The People/Plant Connection, local non-profit organization, distributes two free seeds every year to anyone who would like to try growing giant pumpkins.
The seeds will be mailed to each contestant and will include instructions for how to get the most from the seeds, according to a news release.
"Contestants plant their seeds and grow their pumpkins all summer and into the fall to let them get as big as possible," the release stated. "Whether you have a giant beauty or a pumpkin that qualifies for the other categories make plans to attend the weigh-in. Even if you don’t have an entry, come for the fun watching the pumpkins as they arrive for the registration."
Ribbons will be awarded to the three biggest pumpkins as well as the other catetogies.
"The PPC is excited about celebrating their 10th anniversary for the contest," according to the release. "Since it’s beginning the largest pumpkin weighed in at 103 pounds. The pumpkins since have been in the 50-80 pound range. The size of the pumpkins is unpredictable depending on the weather and amount of rain during the growing season. To celebrate, they have added more categories: smallest, ugliest, most perfect shaped and most odd color. All of these new categories are in addition to the largest pumpkin. There are no age categories."
The location for the weigh-in will be at the PPC garden location at the West Branch Library, 3013 Vista del Arroyo. The weigh-in will be Saturday, November 4 at 2 p.m. Registration starts at 1:30 p.m.
"Giant pumpkins are fun to grow because they grow fast," the release stated. "The PPC Giant Pumpkin Contest is for families, youth groups, businesses and organizations. The variety of pumpkins used is First Prize Hybrid and they can weigh up to 300 pounds. Melons, in general, like hot, dry weather so this should be a good year for the pumpkins.
If you would like to participate, call 325-656-3104 and give your name and address to receive seeds. You can also go to the PPC website: www.peopleplantconnection.org/contact.html and leave your mailing address.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Here's how to get free seeds, grow pumpkin for San Angelo fall contest
