4-H Pumpkin Challenge

Event information

Location

Statewide activity - Grow your pumpkin at home all summer long.

Contact

Program questions

Cora Rost
rostx034@umn.edu

Denise Meis
barke332@umn.edu

Registration and payment questions

Lauren Backes
backes@umn.edu

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A close-up of a small orange pumpkin on a vine growing in a garden.

Learn how to grow pumpkins, even giant ones, with the Central Region 4-H Pumpkin Challenge.

Choose from three participation options:

All virtual - We will mail seeds to you and hold a virtual kickoff on May 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
In-person kickoff in Isanti on May 21, 5:30-7 p.m.
In-person kickoff in St. Michael on June 4, 6:30-8 p.m.

Some participants (virtual and in-person) will be randomly selected to receive giant pumpkin seeds from the 2020 world record-winning pumpkin "Tiger King" grown by Travis Gienger.

Virtual check-ins

Share your pumpkin's progress all summer long with virtual check-ins available for all participants.

Check-in dates and times

July 9, 6:30 -8 p.m.
Sept. 10, 6:30-8 p.m.

Zoom meeting information will be provided upon registration.

In-person kickoffs

In-person kickoff attendees will receive two started pumpkin seedlings (one normal pumpkin and one giant pumpkin), a greenhouse tour and education on caring for their pumpkins from Master Gardeners and volunteers.

Kickoff locations

May 21 kickoff - Green Barn Garden Center, 26501 MN-65, Isanti, MN 55040
June 4 kickoff - Schulte's Greenhouse & Nursery, 2960 Labeaux Ave NE, St Michael, MN 55376

Details for each kickoff will be provided to registered participants.

Audience

Youth in grades K and up in the central region.

Cost

$5 for all virtual
$10 for in-person kickoff

Scholarships are available upon request.

We accept credit cards, cash or check payments. Please make checks payable to “University of Minnesota” with “Pumpkin Challenge” in the memo line.

Mail checks to:
University of Minnesota Extension
Attn: Lauren Backes and Pumpkin Challenge
550 Bunker Lake Blvd Suite L-1
Andover, MN 55304

Registration

Registration deadline by participation option:

All virtual - Register by April 9.
In-person kickoff in Isanti - Register by May 14.
In-person kickoff in St. Michael - Register by May 28.

For registration assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact your local Extension educator.

Accessibility

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Cora Rost two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.