Growing giant pumpkins can be sport for entire family

One of his best memories of this year (season) is "driving down from our home in Mountain Green to our pumpkin patch. The time I spent with my wife and daughter on the drive and working with the pumpkins was a highlight of the summer and a great family activity," Quigley said.

I don't know of very many sports that include the entire family like growing giant pumpkins. Try it — but be warned that it might be addictive.

Garden Tips

Don't think of fun with the giant pumpkins ends after their weight is recorded. The second Annual Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta 2012 is Saturday, Oct. 20 from noon-4 p.m. It is at the Sugar House Park Pond at 2199 South, 1400 East, Salt Lake City.

If you have a large enough pumpkin, you do not have to put Peter Pumpkin Eaters's wife in it. Bring your life jacket, hollow out your pumpkin, get in it yourself and use it as a canoe to race across the pond.

If you are more of an observer, visit the Giant Pumpkin Drop on October 27th at Hee Haw Farms. It is not a bird, a plane nor even superman but a great pumpkin dropping the sky and smashing the car underneath. Bring a giant pumpkin to drop and receive a free family pass.

Larry A. Sagers is a horticulture specialist for the Utah State University Extension Service at Thanksgiving Point.