DOUSING pumpkin stems with sugar could be the key to growing giant pumpkins, at least that is what dozens of 2019 Mount Gambier Farmers Market pumpkin competition entrants are banking on.
Veggie gardens across the Limestone Coast have become testing grounds in recent months as growers develop tips and tricks ahead of the upcoming competition.
Mount Gambier Farmers Market committee chairperson Josh Praolini said the competition was a unique way of raising awareness and creating a connection with South East producers.
“In general, I think this competition is way of fostering a connection with surrounding producers directly in people’s own homes,” he said.
“It is about engaging with the community and making the producing idea fun and competitive.
“This gives an insight about the effort it takes to grow food rather than going directly to major supermarkets.”
Mr Praolini said it was important for South East residents to support local farmers and producers when possible.
“As we live in a regional centre, the market in general is a great space to create connections between farmers and the consumer,” he said.
“If we look at it from a health point a few, eating single ingredient items is proven beneficial for the consumer.
“In the end we are cutting out food miles and benefiting the planet’s health.”
Mr Praolini said he this year’s competition would be held by the market committee, having previously been hosted by other associations.
“This time we took matters into our own hands,” he said.
“We have had over 100kg pumpkin entrants in the past so I am really excited to see what people have.
“I have heard people who are really into growing pumpkin have an intravenous route sugar drip into the stem of the pumpkin.”
Mr Praolini said the only tip he has for participants is labeling seeds correctly when first planted.
“I hope when we distributed the seeds in September 2018, planters labelled their seeds correctly,” he said.
“I had mine planted and ended up growing cucumbers where I thought I planted my pumpkins.
“This year we have the Atlantic Giant pumpkin variety and I am interested to find out whether this type is good eating.”
Mr Praolini said the competition holds significant meaning with the market as a pumpkin forms part of its branding.
“Our market identity is the pumpkin itself so it makes sense to hold a pumpkin growing competition,” he said.
“It is difficult to find a pumpkin in this area which grows to a competition size.
“Pumpkins are something which are fairly easy to grow and I think most people should be able to grow a pumpkin.”
A range of pumpkins various shapes and sizes are expected to showcase at the Cave Gardens on May 4 from 9am until 12pm with over 300 seeds distributed to over 100 participants.
Farmers market vouchers are on offer for the winning pumpkin growers.
