Allen Parish 4-H members have been provided with Cinderella and Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds, according to Brooke LaFargue, associate extension 4-H agent for the parish.
“These pumpkins are not going to grow into 200 pound pumpkins, but they can get quite large,” LaFargue said. “The main reason we chose them is that they are pretty disease tolerant and generally do well in Louisiana. We are not living in an ideal pumpkin growing area, so we need extra hardy pumpkins here.”
She said members were instructed to plant their pumpkin seeds by July 1, 2021.
“They will document and take photos of the growing process. The pumpkins will be submitted to the Allen Parish 4-H office on October 15, 2021. At that time, the pumpkins will be judged. Awards given based on heaviest pumpkin, smallest pumpkin (must be pollinated), most uniform shaped pumpkin, most unique pumpkin and best record keeper,” she said. “We hope to provide youth with the opportunity to grow a horticulture crop (pumpkins) enabling them to have a real-world farming experience.”
LaFargue said, “Good luck to our contest participants! Most importantly, have fun. We can’t wait to see what you grow. And even if you do not win this contest… think about how amazing your front door will look this Halloween and Thanksgiving season, with all your locally grown pumpkins!”
LaFargue said 4-H members participating in this growing contest are:
•Amelia Thomas: Home School 4-H Club
•Maddy Thomas: Home School 4-H Club
•Allison Savant: KMS 4-H Club
•Kodie Savant: KES 4-H Club
•Gillian Green: KMS 4-H Club
•Clark Green: KMS 4-H Club
•Della Bushnell: OKES 4-H Club
•Ava LaFargue: KMS 4-H Club
•Abby LaFargue: KMS 4-H Club
•Elie Manuel: KMS 4-H Club
If you know one of these 4-Hers, share a conversation with them about pumpkin growing. If you have questions regarding Allen Parish 4-H, please email your local 4-H Agent – Brooke LaFargue blafargue@agcenter.lsu.edu.
