GROW IT
Size matters for pumpkins
September 26, 2009
Sonia Day
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Pumpkins Cucurbita
Every day it swells a little bit more. And more. But will ours wind up trumping Bob's? It's a nailbiter.
This year, somewhat to my astonishment, I'm taking part in one of those contests that guys (and only guys) seem to love. I'm growing a giant pumpkin. Or rather, The Man in my Life is. He got roped into competing by our local veterinarian, a pumpkin maniac called Bob – and although the whole exercise strikes us both as rather ridiculous, it's fascinating to watch the darn thing growing bigger and bigger.
If you have the space, pumpkins are truly easy. Just lay down a big sheet of black plastic (which retains heat in the soil and keeps weeds away), cut a hole, plant four seeds, thin to two, and wait. Even in the past soggy summer, pumpkins have performed just fine.
And nurturing a biggie is, I've been persuaded, a great way to get males interested in gardening at an early age. If that means they'll all wind up planting tomatoes and runner beans when they're older, well, I guess it's a worthwhile endeavour.
Truthfully, the pathetic pumpkin we keep eyeing isn't going to win any awards in our local contest. (Neither of us is into injecting its stems with weird-sounding concoctions, as the champs do). But if you're interested in checking out the record-breakers, head up to Port Elgin on Lake Huron next weekend for Pumpkinfest.
This annual orgy of strange orange objects is quite a sight. The winner usually tips the scales at over 1,200 pounds (544 kg). Guys who compete ferociously for the prize money (which is substantial) come from all over Ontario, Michigan and Quebec. The parade of their pick-up trucks hauling those monsters through town must be fascinating.
For more information go to pumpkinfest.org.
Sonia Day's latest book is Middle-Aged Spread: Moving to the Country at 50.
soniaday.com
Toronto Star