ABOUT JIM

Home gardening has always been a true passion to me since childhood. I was born and raised in the quaint suburbs of New Hampshire. I now make my home in Goffstown, a small community of about 18,000 residents.

It was by some unknown fortune that I lived only minutes away from a gentleman by the name of Jim Kuhn. He was in fact the undisputed New England Champion of Giant Pumpkin growing for three consecutive years in the late 90's. It was from him that I developed a desire to compete in this hobby.

In 1997 Jim hand delivered my first competitive pumpkin plant to my doorstep. As unsure as I was about taking on his challenge to grow a big one, I accepted the plant and the rest became history.

My first year efforts would result in a mere 91 lb. entry in the local fair. It was a far cry from the 500lb, and 600lb entries I was placed next to, however I vowed that I would be back the next year with a real eye opener.

My weights did increase from year to year but the elusive thousand pound spectacle was not coming my way.

In 2003 I finally broke the 1000 lb. mark as I proudly paraded a 1074 lb. entry through the gates of the Topsfield Fair. It was not an elite three entry, but it did net me the 9th place ribbon and $50 in prize money.

This past year I had my best season ever and came away from the Topsfield Fair with the 1st place pumpkin (1314.8 lbs.) as well as the 1st place squash (881 lbs.).