Calling all GURUS...Marrows, I want to win!!

[ginger ninger]

It's that time of year again when I get challenged to grow something BIG, this year it's marrows, I've grown them before for fun but not for competition, I'm up against some stiff opposition, there's 3 peeps in who grow veg to show and my best friend who's sooooo competitive, and it pains me to say this, but she's great at growing BIG veg , she's the one who threw the gardening glove down so to speak.
The variety is "Long green bush", we're allowed 2 seed only, if they don't germinate...your out of the comp .

So as you can tell, I'm the under dog, I was thinking of planting mine in the compost bin, with the lid off of course that's if I can get them to germinate...No pressure.
What I'm really trying to say is...HEEEEEELP!, I WANT TO WIN .

Any advice from anyone would be very much appreciated, Thanks.

[snuffer]

I have never grown 'big marrow' before but here is what I would do unless a giant veg. specialist told me otherwise.

Dig a nice big trench and fill it with good rich compost, then cover it over with a layer of soil. I would grow at ground level rather than on the compost heap so as to avoid any problems with supporting trailing fruit and to give the plant loads of room to expand. (Theory being that bigger leaf area can absorb more of the suns energy that the plant can turn to food in order to feed the marrows).

Plant into the prepared site and place an inverted plastic pop bottle with its base cut off next to each of the plants. (This will allow you to get feed directly to where it can do the most good).

This is the bit I would be most apprehensive about. When you have enough marrows on the plants to ensure some good fruits at the end of the season remove all other flowers so that the plant concentrates on feeding your best and selected marrow / marrows.

Keep feeding, sit back and wait for the big wheigh off.

No doubt someone more knowledgable than me will be along soon but that's how I would approach it.

Good luck and have fun.

[Liza]

what snuffer said....but cheat and plant more than two seeds !

I have heard somewhere that marrows like beer, but dont quote me on it

Very best of luck, we will all be rooting for ya !

Keep us up to date.

[Caro]

what snuffer said....but cheat and plant more than two seeds !

I have heard somewhere that marrows like beer, but dont quote me on it

Very best of luck, we will all be rooting for ya !

Keep us up to date.

Well, beer might work, but I can confirm that a couple of glasses of wine in the evening can add inches over the months

[gojiberry]

Don't forget to take all precautions against slugs and snails as they love small plants of marrows and courgettes, especially the main stem at ground level. Good luck.

Ian

[SMT]

Really interested in what else comes back from this thread as I am planning on growing a giant Marrow or 2 this year. First time ever growing them so I can't help out by giving advice. If they grow like the giant pumpkins then I will be letting one or 2 grow on the main vine.

[SMT]

Actually this link may help you out.

European Giant Vegetable Grower's Association - Giant Marrows

The world record is actually 206.5lbs.

Oh btw, what happens if all 10 seeds fail to germinate? Just asking because that would be a very short competition!

[Snadger]

When the marrows fully grown, cut a plug out of the bottom. Scoop out the insides and fill the cavity with nails. Superglue the plug back in and yours should win the heaviest marrow competition!

[Pumpkin Becki]

When the marrows fully grown, cut a plug out of the bottom. Scoop out the insides and fill the cavity with nails. Superglue the plug back in and yours should win the heaviest marrow competition!

Snadge! You norty boy!! Off to the Norty Step with you!!

Our Garden Society don't do a biggest/heaviest marrow class anymore, they got fed up with the entries being left behind at the end of the show, and no one would buy them in the auction either

[Jeanied]

You could always try making marrow rum with the marrow at the end of the competition!http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/fa...rum-recipe-492