Pumpkin Growing Contest Details

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Overview

Every year, Georgia 4-H’ers from across the state compete to grow the heaviest pumpkins. The Georgia 4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest is sponsored through the generous support of The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

The Georgia 4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest offers the opportunity to exhibit knowledge and the ability to cultivate and grow one or more pumpkins over a regulated period of time. Growing the heaviest pumpkin incorporates the basic aptitude of measurement concepts. Preparation skills, research abilities, and patience in this field of agricultural and environmental sciences enhance the ability to excel in this competition. In addition to learning the basic fundamentals of growing and caring for pumpkins, mathematical knowledge of space, depth, and irrigation will prepare participants for a successful harvest. Common problem solving, such as insect patrol, is an essential element gained throughout this experience.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, a sense of fair play, and other desirable character traits
• Experience the responsibility of planting, caring for, cultivating, and harvesting a pumpkin
• Increase knowledge of all aspects of agricultural and environmental science and management of a pumpkin
• Learn the skills of farm management and an understanding of the business and career opportunities.
• Demonstrate individual leadership abilities
• Develop leadership abilities, build character, assume citizenship responsibilities, and develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes for lifelong use

Contest Details and Deadlines

1. All weights must be submitted by Friday, October 23, 2026. Speak to your local Extension Office for assistance with submitting your pumpkin.
2. All 4-H’ers (Kindergarten through 12th grade) are eligible to compete.
3. Each 4-H’er may submit one pumpkin for the competition. Your pumpkin’s weight must be verified and weighed at your local Extension Office.
4. Pictures are required for the top three state awards.
5. Results are announced on National Pumpkin Day: Monday, October 26.

Awards and Recognition

Cash prizes will be awarded to participants as follows:
1st Place
$100.00
2nd Place
$50.00
3rd Place
$25.00

These prizes will be sent by the State 4-H Office. Prize money is graciously sponsored by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. We ask that you please send them a thank you card showing your appreciation for their support of this contest. Contacting the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association regarding prize money will result in disqualification.

Georgia Fruits and Vegetable Growers Association
P.O. Box 2945
LaGrange, GA 30241

For More Information

Please contact your local Extension Office for more information or visit georgia4h.org/pumpkin.