Some really big pumpkins are being prepared for entry into this year’s Topsfield Fair Giant Pumpkin Competition. One local gourd grower has quite the track record — despite his age. “Right now, it’s estimated at 1,020 pounds,” said Henry Swenson. At just 20, Swenson has a passion for pumpkins.”During my days off, I’m out here usually 10 hours a day,” Swenson said of the pumpkin patch. Growing up in Topsfield, attending the annual fall fair was part of his childhood.Early on he knew he wanted in on the giant pumpkin growing competition.“I went into the arena, into the weigh off, and I saw how big the pumpkins were and I immediately knew I wanted to grow one,” he said. His current gourd is growing 10 pounds a day. It’s slowed a bit from its peak of 35 pounds a day.Although disease and mother nature has worked against him this summer, he’s not deterred from toiling in the soil.“It’s been tough. It’s definitely been tough, so dry that the leaves burn a little more than what they should. It’s been tough to keep the soil moist,” he said of the summer drought.Over the years, Swenson has had a few whoppers. His 65-pound butternut squash is a Guinness World Record holder. He’s growing a second pumpkin for a Vermont competition.“You need to get the right seed, the right soil, right weather. It’s a lot of prep,” he said. Swenson said he actually likes to name his giant pumpkins, but because it’s still growing, the Topsfield one doesn’t have a name yet. He said he’ll have one when the fair opens up Sept. 30.
Some really big pumpkins are being prepared for entry into this year’s Topsfield Fair Giant Pumpkin Competition. One local gourd grower has quite the track record — despite his age.
“Right now, it’s estimated at 1,020 pounds,” said Henry Swenson.
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At just 20, Swenson has a passion for pumpkins.
“During my days off, I’m out here usually 10 hours a day,” Swenson said of the pumpkin patch.
Growing up in Topsfield, attending the annual fall fair was part of his childhood.
Early on he knew he wanted in on the giant pumpkin growing competition.
“I went into the arena, into the weigh off, and I saw how big the pumpkins were and I immediately knew I wanted to grow one,” he said.
His current gourd is growing 10 pounds a day. It’s slowed a bit from its peak of 35 pounds a day.
Although disease and mother nature has worked against him this summer, he’s not deterred from toiling in the soil.
“It’s been tough. It’s definitely been tough, so dry that the leaves burn a little more than what they should. It’s been tough to keep the soil moist,” he said of the summer drought.
Over the years, Swenson has had a few whoppers. His 65-pound butternut squash is a Guinness World Record holder. He’s growing a second pumpkin for a Vermont competition.
“You need to get the right seed, the right soil, right weather. It’s a lot of prep,” he said.
Swenson said he actually likes to name his giant pumpkins, but because it’s still growing, the Topsfield one doesn’t have a name yet. He said he’ll have one when the fair opens up Sept. 30.