The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – Steven Hall’s 1,507-pound pumpkin stole the show at the Virginia State Fair—but he isn’t finished yet. The Alleghany County grower has another giant still on the vine, one he believes could be even bigger, and it’s headed to North Carolina for its moment on the scales.
Despite the recent beginning, Hall’s inspiration came decades earlier. Over 20 years ago, Al Mildenberger would parade his giant pumpkins around the soccer field.
“I knew then I wanted to grow them. It just took 20-plus years to finally do it.”
Learning was mostly trial and error, aided by the giant pumpkin community.
“Facebook groups are incredibly helpful. Everyone wants you to succeed,” he said.
Mentorship also played a key role.
“A grower in Lewisburg guided me and became a really good friend.”
The growing season starts in March with soil prep and small greenhouses. Seeds germinate in a few days under lights, then move outside in mid-April. By mid-May, plants enter the “salad stage,” producing leafy vines before pollination. This year, cold weather delayed it until June 22. He hand-pollinates, selects the strongest fruit, and lets it grow 90-120 days, watering 80–100 gallons daily.
Atlantic Giant is his variety of choice.
“The Virginia record is 1,845.5 pounds. I prefer orange pumpkins, and this year’s seed was known for heavy growth.” His State Fair pumpkin grew in 840 square feet; his largest plant covered 1,200. The total patch spans 3,470 square feet with three plants.
Evenings and weekends are devoted to the patch.
“I stay until dark doing pruning, vine training, burying, watering, and weeding. Weeds steal energy from the plant.”
Weather and insects add challenges.
“Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry—it all affects growth. Cucumber beetles are brutal, and you need an aggressive pesticide schedule.”
Lifting a 1,500-pound pumpkin is a careful process using a lifting ring and farm equipment. “Some growers use 20-foot tripods, but it’s always better to have a team watching. This year, my pumpkin was finally too big for the back of my truck—a goal I’d been chasing.”
At the Virginia State Fair, it weighed 1,507 pounds, earning the Howard Dill Award for best-looking pumpkin.
“WOW—that was my reaction. After all the work, it’s a huge relief. Very emotional.”
Records are meticulously kept.
“I track every pumpkin—weights, growth, fertilizers, projections. Next year, I’ll add a weather station and soil moisture system.” Goals continue to grow. “I want to break the Virginia State Record, earn a grower’s jacket, and grow the state’s first one-ton pumpkin. Every season, the goals get bigger.”
“I never imagined gardening would take me here,” he said. “It’s hard work but rewarding. Giant pumpkins put a smile on everyone’s face. They’re real, and they’re growing right here in Alleghany County. Anyone can do it. I usually have seeds to share and love helping people get started.”
He also documents the journey online.
“You can find me on Facebook or on my YouTube channel, Steve Grows Pumpkins, where I’m chasing that one-ton pumpkin.”
Hall isn’t done when the State fair closes, he has another pumpkin still in the patch that is scheduled to be weighed in North Carolina. He states that the pumpkin is estimated to be more pounds than his state fair one, he stated that this pumpkin was still growing is why he didn’t show it at the fair.
We will continue to track his progress as her heads to North Carolina to show off another one of his gigantic pumpkins.
