Circleville – Just under the North Side Circleville water tank on Nicolas drive, Ray Anderson is growing Huge Pumpkins, he says that it has become a community thing.
Ray Anderson is gearing up for this year’s pumpkin-growing competition, where he aims to showcase his impressive harvest despite a challenging season. With two large pumpkins, affectionately named “Humpty Dumpty,” and “Double Trouble.”
My daughter who is a school teacher at Circleville helped me with Humpty Dumpty she named it because it was really a beautiful orange pumpkin, then it kinda got ugly, so she named it Humpty Dumpty, but it got pretty again I think. Double Trouble is named because that pumpkin has given me a lot of trouble this year with its odd size and the way it grew.” Anderson reflects on his journey over the past four years of cultivation.
“This year, we’ve got two pumpkins, and one of them is really big,” Anderson shared. “I’ve put in more care and time, along with some help and expertise from others in the community.”
Anderson’s dedication has paid off; last year, he turned in a pumpkin weighing 1,410.5 pounds, and he’s optimistic about surpassing that weight this year. However, it hasn’t been without its difficulties. This season has been marked by a drought, leading to sunburn on the leaves and damage from a recent storm that wiped out much of his crop.
“The sunburn killed the outside leaves, and anything not shaded burnt up,” he explained. Despite these setbacks, Anderson managed to cultivate a couple of strong pumpkins, utilizing both rainwater and city water for irrigation.” He noted that he believes rainwater is superior due to the absence of chemicals, but that didn’t stop him from growing two pumpkins that may push the 2,000-pound mark.
Learning from seasoned growers has been instrumental in Anderson’s development as a pumpkin farmer. “Having 35 years of experience shared with me in just four years is invaluable,” he remarked. “It’s important to know how much you can push the plants and when to step back.”
Anderson’s passion for pumpkin growing was sparked by his daughter, and he admits that it can be addictive. “I enjoy the camaraderie; it’s amazing how many people want to talk about pumpkins,” he said, adding that the community aspect of the hobby makes it all the more enjoyable.
“I have people just walking by on Nicolas Drive that ask how the pumpkins are doing. I sometimes see people on my cameras, walk down over the hill, and look over the fence to check on the progress. My elderly neighbor checks on me and asks about the pumpkins. I restore vintage and antique vehicles, but people stop and talk to me about Pumpkins,” Ray laughed.
As he prepares for the upcoming weigh-in, Anderson is hopeful for a podium finish. “Making it to the podium would be great, but winning would be a bonus,” he said, pointing out the size of his pumpkins—one measuring about 50 inches tall.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the pumpkins as the season winds down. “We’re in maintenance mode now—keeping the ground damp and ensuring the plants stay alive,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Anderson plans to grow more pumpkins next year, with help from his daughter, who assisted him throughout the growing season.
As the community eagerly anticipates the upcoming pumpkin competition, Anderson remains focused on nurturing his harvest while enjoying the support and enthusiasm of fellow growers.
