Tips for growing giant pumpkins

Growing a 1000-pound pumpkin is no easy task. That's why fifteen residents of northeast Iowa are taking advice from master pumpkin grower Jeff Morris.

Morris, who started growing giant pumpkins after a suggestion from a friend, reminded his audience that it's not as simple as sticking a seed in the ground and waiting.

After distributing some sample seeds to the attendees, which came from a 1175-pound pumpkin grown last year, Morris revealed some of his expert tips.

The seeds must be prepared by filing around the edges, with the exception of the pointed tip. According to Morris, this process helps the seeds toward germination.

Morris also emphasized the importance of maintaining good water levels for the growing pumpkin. During the peak growing season, a pumpkin can grow up to 40-pounds a day. Keeping the plant properly hydrated during this period of growth is a demanding task.

Morris shared his pumpkin growing knowledge in preparation for the Giant Pumpkin Festival, which will be held in Lansing in September.