
Jim Ford with his 2023 Giant Pumpkin weighing in at 2,177 lbs.
Many aspects of our society move forward because of individuals that step up to the plate and take a challenge. The national psychology is attracted to greatness and victory, including the victory of giant pumpkins. It provides inspiration for society to press constructively forward. For Jim Ford, the challenge is giant pumpkins. The tangible results become numerous from pursuing soil science, the nature of plants and seasons, and unwavering commitment.
When it comes to giant pumpkins, it is not a one-time challenge. The challenge happens every year and the sights are constantly being set higher. Over time, knowledge from giant pumpkin growers permeates into the larger realms of plant and soil knowledge.
For Ford, the action begins early in spring as timely and important decisions must be made as the clock starts ticking to the times already set in the fall for certified pumpkin weigh offs. When do I plant? What pumpkin flower do I pollinate and then focus all efforts on that one pumpkin? Within the first 20 days of a pumpkin’s life, it produces all the cells the pumpkin is going to have to work with. When preparation for planting starts all the way to weigh off, Ford explains there is barely one, maybe two days that he is not in the patch. But certainly, no days that his mind is off the victory of a giant pumpkin.
In terms of the success of the pumpkin, what happens on the surface and what happens underground is a constant effort with the contribution of soils adding slightly more victory.
The reward for growing giant pumpkins goes beyond money. Ford Explains: “Anyone who wants to grow giant pumpkins for money is an idiot.” This then is a testament to all the other benefits that make the giant pumpkin challenge of value.
“Techniques, products and genetics are getting better.” Ford explains. The State of Wisconsin, Ford’s state of residence, produces the most giant pumpkins over 2,000 lbs. In part this may be aided by the fact that the State is in what is referred to as the Pumpkin Belt, a belt of land at a latitude conducive to grow pumpkins. However, Ford believes that it is more about the camaraderie and interfacing amongst the pumpkin growers and their clubs that contribute the most to pumpkins growing over 2,000 lbs.
Ford is also an author, having recently published the second edition of his book “Ponderings from the Pumpkin Patch.” The book includes how Jim’s journey from city to garden made him fall in love with the soil, a love that evolved from nurturing backyard vegetables to growing over 2,000-pound Giant Pumpkins. The byline of the book is “A Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Pursuit of Greatness and God’s Grace.” The book is available on Amazon and the direct link is referenced below.
Competition for winning giant pumpkin contests is intense with pumpkin growers from around the world taking part. The primary metric to winning a giant pumpkin contest is the weight of the pumpkin. An international organization called the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) certifies organizations to be officially recognized to weigh pumpkins for the world championships.

Jim Ford’s 2024 Giant Pumpkin weighing in at 2,551 lbs. with a Kelp4Less cap on the top.
Pumpkin weigh-offs began in the 1970s with pumpkins weighing a few hundred pounds. The milestone increased every few years to where the largest pumpkins are now over 2,500 pounds. When asked if the world will see a 3,000-pound pumpkin one day, Ford explained that it will happen as contestants keep pushing the envelope.
With pumpkin weigh-offs complete for 2024, Ford had the number six spot with a pumpkin weighing in at 2,551 pound. Competition is intense as the next pumpkin up was only six pounds more. All official 2024 results from the GPC are now posted on bigpumpkins.com with the direct link listed below.
Ford also maintains a seed store portal on a platform called World Class Gardening where pumpkin growers can get seeds with above average genetics including those of his winning pumpkins. The store is a great place to visit for those wanting to get into giant pumpkin growing (see the link below). Also supporting the giant pumpkin effort is Pumpkin Rick, a platform that supports growers of all types from heavy hitters to new enthusiasts (see the link below). ∞
Relevant Links Supporting the Story:
Link to the official GPC pumpkin weigh off for 2024:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/WeighoffResultsGPC.aspx?c=P&y=2024
Video of Jim Ford winning the 2024 Giant Pumpkin contest in Wisconsin:
https://www.tmj4.com/news/kenosha-county/2-551-pound-giant-pumpkin-sets-new-wisconsin-state-record
Link to Jim Ford’s seed portal on World Class Gardening:
https://www.worldclassgardening.com/grower/jim_ford
Link to Pumpkin Rick:
Link to Amazon for the book: “Ponderings from the Pumpkin Patch.”
https://www.amazon.com/Ponderings-Pumpkin-Patch-Growers-Greatness/dp/B0CZCPRM2B
YouTube of Jim Ford Giant Pumpkins: