In the world of competitive pumpkin growing, where farmers aim to produce the largest and most impressive pumpkins, there is a bold strategy employed by a select few: plucking all but one flower from the vine. These risk-taking farmers understand that to yield truly gigantic pumpkins, they need to concentrate all the plant’s nutrients into a single fruit. While other farmers play it safe, cultivating numerous average-sized pumpkins, these brave individuals go all in on one pumpkin, hoping for the big rewards that come with their audacious approach. Today, we delve into the world of these adventurous pumpkin growers and explore the science behind their remarkable techniques, connecting them to the principles outlined in Gary Keller’s book, “The ONE Thing.”
The Quest for Massive Pumpkins
One such passionate grower, Mike Schmit, has dedicated his efforts to pushing the boundaries of pumpkin size. Hailing from Markesan, Wisconsin, Schmit has become known for his pursuit of cultivating enormous pumpkins. In his quest to grow the largest pumpkin the world has ever seen, he employs unconventional methods, including the practice of plucking all but one flower from the vine. This strategy aligns with the principles discussed in “The ONE Thing,” where Keller emphasizes the importance of focusing on the one most important task in any given project. By concentrating all the plant’s resources into nurturing a single pumpkin, Schmit follows the core principle of identifying and prioritizing the one thing that will have the greatest impact on achieving extraordinary results.
Understanding the Physiology
To comprehend the logic behind this approach, we turn to the expertise of Jessica Savage, a botanist at the University of Minnesota. Pumpkins, like all plants, rely on transport systems called xylem and phloem to move water, sugars, and nutrients throughout their structure. The xylem vessels transport water from the roots to the stems, leaves, and fruits, while the phloem vessels distribute sugars from the leaves to the fruit and roots. Giant pumpkins have an insatiable need for water and sugar, growing at a staggering rate of up to 33 pounds per day. This rapid growth necessitates an efficient transport system within the pumpkin stem.
Examining the Results
To study the transport mechanisms within pumpkin stems, Savage collected samples from various giant pumpkin growers and conducted detailed analyses. Her findings revealed that giant pumpkins do not produce more sugars than other large squashes, nor do their transport systems operate differently. However, by employing the principle of “The ONE Thing,” farmers who pluck all but one flower from the vine ensure that the plant concentrates all its efforts on nurturing a single massive pumpkin, channeling an abundance of water and nutrients to this chosen fruit. This approach aligns with Keller’s notion of identifying the most important task and focusing resources on it, maximizing the efficiency and potential for extraordinary results.
The Risk and the Rewards
The decision to pluck all but one flower represents a calculated gamble for these daring pumpkin farmers. While other farmers may harvest multiple smaller pumpkins, they sacrifice the potential for a single gargantuan specimen. The risks involved are substantial, as factors like weather, pests, and diseases could ruin the single chosen pumpkin. However, those who take this risk understand the concept of “The ONE Thing” and recognize that by concentrating their efforts on a single task, they increase their chances of achieving extraordinary results. A single exceptional pumpkin can garner significant attention and potentially earn substantial prize money at competitions, showcasing the power of focusing on the one thing
that matters most. It is the pursuit of pushing the limits, witnessing something extraordinary grow, and the thrill of competition that motivates these growers to go all in on one pumpkin, echoing the principles outlined in Gary Keller’s book, “The ONE Thing.”
The Takeaway
In the world of giant pumpkin growing, where size reigns supreme, a bold strategy emerges. By plucking all but one flower from the vine, farmers of award-winning huge pumpkins take calculated risks, connecting their approach to the principles discussed in Gary Keller’s book, “The ONE Thing.” They concentrate all the plant’s resources into nurturing a single pumpkin, leading to exceptional growth and the potential for enormous rewards. While other farmers play it safe, these audacious individuals push the boundaries of what’s possible, showcasing the remarkable potential hidden within nature’s humble pumpkin seed, guided by the principles of focusing on the one thing that will make the most significant impact on achieving extraordinary results.
Huge thank you to Rita Goodroe for sharing both Gary Keller’s book and the pumpkin story; both have had a tremendous impact on my mindset! You can check Rita out at www.ritagoodroe.com
References:
[^1^]: Mike Schmit and his pursuit of cultivating enormous pumpkins. (source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_Thing_(book)))
[^2^]: Expertise of Jessica Savage, botanist at the University of Minnesota. (source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_Thing_(book)))
[^3^]: Principles outlined in Gary Keller’s book, “The ONE Thing.” (source: [The One Thing Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary](https://www.supersummary.com/the-one-thing/summary/))
