Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Grace Kirchner A squash grown by Ken Williamson, of Marion, set a state record, weighing in at 1,183 pounds.
A squash grown by a Marion man recently set a state record at a Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers weigh-in in Mishicot.
Ken Williamson’s squash, on display in his front yard on Main Street, tipped the scale at 1,183 pounds, 15 pounds heavier than the previous state record.
Williamson said he weighed in his squash on the last day of the group’s competition because he knew a man from Gays Mills would be entering a big one. The waiting paid off, because his rival’s squash weighed 1,168 pounds.
Williamson started growing large pumpkins with a neighbor and the hobby grew from there. He plants the seed “somewhere in the town of Dupont.” This year the seed was planted on April 28. He spent about an hour each day working with the squash until it was harvested.
To grow the big vegetables you need good seed, soil and weather, Williamson said. He uses fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides, and spends time watering, pruning and other tasks.
The timing for adding fertilizer must be just right or the squash could explode, Williamson said.
The Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers organization was formed to support the state’s fruit and vegetable growers. Members grow large squash, pumpkins, watermelon, tomatoes, field pumpkins and long gourds.
The growers get together socially, serve on committees, teach others, and share information on growing giant fruits and vegetables. There is plenty of friendly competition. There are entries from the U.S., Germany, Austria, Canada, Finland, United Kingdon, Spain and elsewhere.
Williamson has been a member since 2010. In addition to his record squash, he had a tomato this year that weighed 4 pounds, 6 ounces.
It’s a hobby that has definitely taken root for Williamson. He says it’s something to do!