Metz Giant Pumpkin Challenge is heating up with the entrance of Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott

Pumpkin challenge heats up - Organizers of the Metz Giant Pumpkin Challenge report the race is heating up with the entrance of Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott into the competition.

"Ted seems to have a very green thumb! While a little later to seed his pumpkin, it is charging ahead,” organizers note.

Competition officials recently offered a few tips for successful pumpkin growing. Right now, cucumber beetles can be a problem. Be alert and be prepared to deal with them via household or organic pesticides. Information is easily accessible on the internet. Pumpkins need a lot of water, a lot of space and a lot of nutrients. Secret concoctions passed down through centuries are being applied, as shown by the Muir families use of an I.V. system applying a concoction brewed up by Jim Muir’s great great Scottish ancestor. Along with a good dose of chicken manure. If your pumpkin has not set at least two pumpkins, it’s time to help them propagate. If you do have two pumpkins, and they are healthy, it’s time to deflower and drive the energy to the main pumpkins. In time, detach the weaker smaller pumpkin. Weigh off is planned for Sept. 26.