How Bill Foss Grows An Award-Winning Pumpkin

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) -- One of the most popular attractions at the Minnesota State Fair is in the horticulture building.

The pumpkin contest has become a fair favorite with gourds tipping the scales at 1,400 pounds. WCCO's Rachel Slavik wanted to find out what it takes to grow a massive pumpkin.

If there's any doubt a lot of preparation goes into the State Fair, look no further than Bill Foss's pumpkin patch.

"They're called Atlantic Giants and we grow them as big as we can get them," Foss said.

Bill is hoping to take this year's title of largest pumpkin in the state of Minnesota.

"Last week this one put on 43 pounds per day," Foss said.

As the reigning champion, he knows how to produce an award winning gourd.

"I've won it seven times and there's something about winning State Fair, winning another weigh off you don't get the kick you get at the State Fair," Foss said.

The time consuming process takes months and Bill spends upwards of three hours a day in the garden.

"Weeds for me are my biggest problem," Foss said.

He positioned the pumpkin to get all possible nutrients. That means burying excess vines.

"That promotes root growth. What we're trying to do is get as many roots as we can," Foss said.

Each plant stays covered, allowing the skin to stretch and then there's the watering.

"The average is 75 gallons a day for each plant," Foss said.

Yet even when Bill takes every possible step to protect the pumpkins, nature charts its own course when a gourd averages 20 pounds a day.

"It's a disappointment if one doesn't make it through. They don't all make it through the end, they don't all make it and that can hurt once in a while," Foss said.

One down, five potential keepers. All growing towards another championship ribbon for Bill at the Minnesota State Fair.

"My goal isn't to win anymore. My goal is to show a beautiful pumpkin at the State Fair," Foss said.