More and more pumpkin weighing championships are springing up all over Germany. For example, there is a pumpkin weighing championship in Kaiserslautern in the Rhineland-Palatinate and the Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt weighing championships at the asparagus farm in Klaistow near Berlin. This all culminates in the German pumpkin weighing championship in Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart.

However, there is currently no pumpkin weighing competition in Hesse. Reiner Paul and his team from Pauls Bauernhof have therefore decided to bring this competition to Hesse for the first time this year. Not only professional growers can take part in the competition, but also nurseries, schools, sports groups, clubs and anyone else who is interested in the giant vegetable. Here, for example, the heaviest pumpkin is sought in the category for nurseries or schools. But the heaviest pumpkin in the various Hessian districts will also be awarded a prize.

Paul is offering all participants the seeds for the Atlantic Giant pumpkins. These are available on request by e-mail or at selected strawberry sales stands in the Rhine-Main region. Customers receive seeds from so-called parents, i.e. giant pumpkins from the previous year that have weighed at least 400 kg. In addition to the giant pumpkin seeds, participants receive cultivation instructions on how to grow the optimum giant pumpkin. According to the farmer, it is important to provide the optimum amount of water and fertilizer. However, the pruning of individual shoots of the plant is also extremely important in order to achieve the optimum growth of a giant pumpkin. Sowing the seeds begins in mid-May. The farmer does not recommend an earlier date, as the risk of frost is still too great for the small and delicate pumpkin plant. Otherwise, the hobby gardener can also keep the plant in a warm place if there is a risk of frost or cover it with a so-called frost protection fleece.

With the start of the fall vacations on October 3, 2025, the 1st Hessian Giant Pumpkin Wiege Championship will take place for the first time on Paul's farm. This will take place as part of the corn maze and pumpkin adventure world in Wallau. Here there is an adventure farm with fun activities for the whole family to explore. This year, there are also ten real-sized pumpkin figures to marvel at, which are a real eye-catcher for all visitors. The farm is open daily and, in addition to the leisure activities, also offers a wide range of pumpkin-related culinary delights. From pumpkin soup and pumpkin fries to pumpkin ice cream from the farm's own production. This year, further products, such as freshly roasted pumpkin seeds, are set to enhance the taste experience.