Tyler Redway
MONSTROUS-sized pumpkins from a local grower have managed to secure the win at the Mount Gambier Farmers’ Market’s annual pumpkin growing competition.
John Jablonski said this was the first time he had won before as he had previously been the runner-up in the last competition.
After growing for more than five months, Mr Jablonski’s winning pumpkin known as Midnight Rambler weighed in at an impressive 52.8kg.
“All of this promotes the Farmers Market to keep its momentum to encourage a lot of other people to enter in a growing competition to support our community, so this really is such a great thing to have in this town,” Mr Jablonski said.
“It’s a fun event, putting the pumpkins in the ground in a specially made pumpkin patch and watching their growth cycle becomes an interest to everyone who might walk past them.”
Mr Jablonski said he previously tried to use “pyramid power” to help the growth of his pumpkins, which typically involves a pyramid structure made of sticks of wood or bamboo, which is said to help centre the energy of the sun into whatever is underneath the structure.
“I tried using ‘pyramid power’ one time, but I think it’s just water and sunshine which are the main ingredients,” he said.
He added he had previously done a photoshoot in front of the Mount Gambier Hospital with his winning pumpkins.
However, he also said even if he really donated his giant pumpkins to the hospital, they would be inedible if cooked regularly.
“The inside is full of watery liquid and seeds with only a small amount of flesh, so they’re pretty similar to a paddy melon,” Mr Jablonski said.
“Some people have said maybe we could auction the pumpkins off so the money could then be donated to a charity.
“I thought it would be a good idea, it would provide a lot of community interest and there would be some money made for a good charitable organisation.”
Mr Jablonski emphasised how important it was to support the Mount Gambier Farmers Market and encouraged the community to give giant pumpkin growing a go.
“I would just like to thank the Farmers Market for making such a competition possible and when it comes around this year, keep your eyes and ears peeled for it,” he said.
“In the future a gold coin donation might be the way to go, it all helps to keep it around for a long time.
“Pick up some seeds and give it a go, you never know how it’ll turn out.”
