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Ontario, Canada.

In this episode, journalist Susan Warren, author of the new book Backyard Giants, talks about the art and science involved in the Quixotic quest to grow the world's biggest pumpkins.

http://www.sciam.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=F665B9FB-E7F2-99DF-3E93FAE0DEDB4E96

Susan: Sure. You know, it was amazing to see the diversity of people who have tried to do this as a hobby. There are airline pilots, there are engineers, Wall Street analysts, bankers, truck drivers, country club managers and, you know, your mom could be a giant pumpkin grower. What they seem to have in common is a kind of a type—a personality where they are overachievers. They are the kind of people, who work a[at] 110 percent all day long, and then they come home and sitting in front of the television isn't enough for these guys and gals. They want to keep working. They go out into the garden and they put in another few hours. That kind of person who is constantly trying to do better and sees every challenge as something that they have got to try to defeat;

1/3/2008 12:23:22 PM

Ohio

Ill tell ya Russ, every time you have a post I make sure I click on it,cause you always come up with some interesting topics.
That was a nice read.

Brooks

1/3/2008 2:00:44 PM

Delaware, Ohio

Now that is cool!! Anyone have her book?

1/3/2008 2:16:41 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Take a few minutes to read this.......very enjoyable!
I must agree with Susan - in spite of our diversities we have a lot in common. Along with over-achievers, I'll add independent.....determined......optimistic......and obsessive!!!!

1/3/2008 2:47:42 PM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

My wife would agree with the term obsessive.
But a nicer bunch of people you'll never meet!

1/3/2008 3:31:55 PM

ordinary,VA

Have her book-Christmas present from my brother-great read.

1/3/2008 5:23:48 PM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

Almost done the book, have enjoyed it greatly.

Kirk

1/3/2008 5:28:01 PM

Ri

Susan was great whenshe was here researching for the book. It was interesting and a little too accurate. LOL Peteer

1/3/2008 5:49:14 PM

Santa Rosa, CA

City Girl,

Backyard Giants is a "must read" for those of us who grow giant pumpkins. I read it and loved it. Susan Warren did an excellent job of researching her book. The details she had about specific parts of growing(like pollination)were dead-on. There are also some nice color photos in the book.

1/3/2008 6:53:49 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

awesome read

1/3/2008 9:06:27 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Thanks Brooks, Now if I could only grow these things. I am pretty focused on the research end of things but that is only part of the game.

I started off this morning by researching a molecule called super-oxide that is being used by some to reduce plant stress. I quickly became bored by the topic and decided to punch in a Google search for pumpkin research. Up comes the Susan Warren interview in of all places Scientific American. I couldn't believe no one had posted this yet. I really like the audio file on that link, it was very well done by the interviewer too.

Oh did I tell you I wanted desperately a 1068 Wallace. you should come up to Barrie next spring (April 6th) for the GVGO seminar. I'll serve you green eggs and ham for breakfast...LOL.... Thanks for the Stats on your 1402.

1/3/2008 9:53:56 PM

Middleton, WI

Farmer Chuck said it well.. Backyard Giants is a great read. Susan Warren is an exceptional writer and did her homework. I highly recommend reading it. George Poirier

1/3/2008 10:25:40 PM

Got the book for Christmas also... Second chapter in and good so far.

1/3/2008 11:03:49 PM

Apple Hill. CA.

Awesome! Thanks!

1/3/2008 11:07:41 PM

Cincinnati,OH

And I thought I was was the only one who could hear my pumpkin growing. lol

1/4/2008 12:37:43 AM

Belmont, NH

I've heard them grow, twice. I have no other explaination for what I heard. Susan's book is as good as everyone says it is.

Bruce

1/4/2008 6:49:21 AM

Goffstown,nh

Many hobbies require the hobbiest to purchase his way to the top. It may be the slickest looking corvette at the show or the shinniest looking coin in a collection. Winning a Giant pumpkin contest is achieved by one's individual efforts and ability to go the extra mile. You get what you put into it, not what you can bargin for. I think Susans book conveys this very fact to it's readers. Excellent job Susan and the entire Rhode Island gang, i enjoyed the read...
Jim

1/4/2008 10:01:46 PM

North Smithfield, RI USA

Santa brought the book here and just finished reading it a few minutes ago. Fabulous book Susan Warren !!!

1/5/2008 4:26:08 PM

North Smithfield, RI USA

Santa brought the book here and just finished reading it a few minutes ago. Fabulous book Susan Warren !!!

1/5/2008 4:26:46 PM