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Growing on the High Plains: Pumpkin Paradise

High Plains Public Radio | By Skip Mancini

Published June 29, 2017 at 8:13 AM CDT

Today we'll take a trip to a pumpkin paradise, thanks to Steve & Janet Weidner. These two are regional gourd royalty, tending a massive pumpkin and squash farm on the High Plains.

This will be the first in a three-part series about the Weidners' land and their process. From the fur-laden hedgehog gourd to the colossal "Sas-Squash," their farm yields a rich variety of pumpkin pals.
This visit was full of wonders, from the hand-built trebuchet (ahem, pumpkin chucker) to their one-at-a-time seed machine.

It goes to show you: with hard work and some creativity, no one can squash your dreams.

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Skip Mancini

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.

See stories by Skip Mancini