Shelby resident grows state's largest pumpkin

Shelby resident grows state's largest pumpkin

GREAT FALLS (AP) — A Shelby man says he spent about $1,000 growing a state record 782-pound pumpkin this year.

Kyle Koschmeder says he bought special seeds costing about $15 each, built a 600-square foot structure to grow the pumpkin in and put heating cables in the soil to keep the gourd warm on cold days.

The Great Falls Tribune reports Koschmeder's was one of seven entries in the Big Sky Giant Pumpkin Growers Association weigh-off in Hamilton on Sept. 18. He broke the old state record of 666 pounds, which was set in 2008.

His reward — a plaque and trophy. Oh, and a command performance for the vegetable in Shelby's homecoming parade.

Koschmeder says he's still got two pumpkins on the vine — a 600-pounder and a 400-pounder.

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GREAT FALLS (AP) — A Shelby man says he spent about $1,000 growing a state record 782-pound pumpkin this year.

Kyle Koschmeder says he bought special seeds costing about $15 each, built a 600-square foot structure to grow the pumpkin in and put heating cables in the soil to keep the gourd warm on cold days.

Koschmeder's was one of seven entries in the Big Sky Giant Pumpkin Growers Association weigh-off in Hamilton on Sept. 18. He broke the old state record of 666 pounds, which was set in 2008.

His reward — a plaque and trophy. Oh, and a command performance for the vegetable in Shelby's homecoming parade.

Koschmeder says he's still got two pumpkins on the vine — a 600-pounder and a 400-pounder.

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