On June 5 UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Vegetable Agent, Crystal Snodgrass, verified the state record for the largest long gourd in Florida. The University of Florida Horticulture Department tracks Florida’s largest vegetables. Producer Tim Canniff beat his 2012 record of 7ft with a 7ft, 8in gourd. The long gourd is a considered a garden novelty but is edible when fruits are immature. Tim, along with producer David Hunsader, also holds the state record for the largest pumpkin, which weighed in at a whopping 610 pounds. Tim hopes to tweak his gardening practices in the hopes of one day beating the world record of 139.25″. With a little compost and the right pruning techniques, he just might reach his goal!

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