For unclear reasons, it’s become hip this year in garden design circles to plant a mini decorative farm in front of million dollar houses in exclusive neighborhoods, a giant pumpkin, some sunflowers, maybe a gourd. Whatever the reason, there’s really only one thing to do with those giant pumpkins and it’s best to do it before you have 300 lbs of moldy orange stuff – enter it in a giant pumpkin contest.  Of course if just really into pumpkins as opposed to nouvelle jardin that’s cool too.

California offers Pumpkinmania on Oct 25, complete with a blog so you can get an idea of the competition (it’s pretty fierce) or maybe order the t-shirt if you can’t make it there in person.

Or just check out the entire list of pumpkin weigh-offs, it’s extensive and note that the places that get cold early have already done theirs in September (everyone else is hoping for an extra couple of pounds)

Okay, so like me you probably have been putting off growing giant pumpkins until a few other things get done, but if 2010 is going to be your year – here’s a directory of seed sources and growing tips (good luck!)