GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — Fall has officially arrived, which is why this week on GO-HIO we thought it was only fitting to explore a unique pumpkin patch.
Located in Huntsburg Township, Jerry Rose has been growing large pumpkins since he was only about 10 years old.
“I can still remember when I first submitted my first pumpkin, it was only a few pounds,” Rose said.
As time went on, the pumpkins only got bigger. Rose averages about 1,900 to 2,000 thousand pounds in pumpkin weight. That’s equivalent to the size of a full-grown moose or black bear.
After growing these pumpkins all year long, he hoists them up with a massive tractor and uses a trailer to bring them to local competitions where Rose himself has won a few.
Growing these giants is no easy task.
“First off, it actually starts in this coming fall for next year. I’ll start getting soil tests done, getting the ground prepared and everything. ... Through the winter I’ll gather up the seeds I want to grow, I usually try to get some seeds out of the best pumpkins in the world. Then, you’re off to the races come summertime.”
Editor's note: Video in above player was originally published in an unrelated story.
Rose couldn’t stop at just large pumpkins. He grows large vegetables and plants of all kinds. He currently holds the record in the state of Ohio for the largest tomato.
If you are ready to jump into the fall spirit, the 51st annual Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival kicks off next weekend. This free celebration runs from Oct. 2-3.
For more information on the fest click here.
