An organic farmer in Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, is on track to shatter his personal record with his latest massive gourd, appropriately named “Pothole.” Leslee Lake, a 52-year-old heavy equipment operator, estimates that his prize orange pumpkin currently weighs roughly 996 pounds (452 kilograms) and could scale up to 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) before harvest time.
If the projection holds, Pothole will easily surpass Lake’s previous record-setting pumpkin, “Gourdzilla,” which tipped the scales at 1,034 pounds (469 kilograms) in 2022. While no official governing body tracks giant gourds on the island, Gourdzilla was widely believed to be the largest pumpkin ever grown in Newfoundland.
The Accidental Origin of “Pothole”
Pothole’s unusual moniker stems from an early autumn mishap. During a chilly night when temperatures dipped near 10 degrees Celsius-short of the ideal 15-degree pumpkin growing window-Lake laid an electric heating pad over the gourd to keep it warm. Unfortunately, the pad short-circuited overnight, burning a significant hole into the thick orange flesh.
Initially fearing the fruit had died, Lake discovered that the wound eventually healed over as the surrounding tissue continued to expand. The resulting scar left a deep indentation on top of the squash, permanently earning it the name Pothole.
Advanced Techniques for Northern Growing
Cultivating massive pumpkins in Newfoundland’s demanding climate requires creativity, patience, and meticulous care. This spring presented a cool and wet start, prompting Lake to install roof-ice-melting cables directly into the soil alongside above-ground heaters to give his crops an early seasonal advantage.
Lake’s intensive routine also includes:
- Carefully tracked seed genetics spanning multiple generations.
- Custom-tailored soil chemistry and homemade fertilizers.
- Spraying the expansive vine leaves with a nutrient-rich blend of milk and molasses to deter pests.
- Playing heavy metal music inside the greenhouse to entertain the giant squash.
During the warmest weeks of the summer, Pothole packed on an astounding 50 pounds (nearly 23 kilograms) a day, powered by an extensive network of vines and nodes inside the greenhouse.
Community Impact and Festival Updates
While Lake’s agricultural efforts have yielded impressive results, challenging damp weather conditions across the region have negatively impacted other local growers. Consequently, Clarenville’s annual Giant Pumpkin Festival was canceled for the season. Despite this cancellation, arrangements are secured to officially weigh Pothole later this month.
Once Halloween concludes, the Lakes plan to chop up the mammoth gourd and distribute it to the community, ensuring that not a single piece goes to waste.
Anybody can do this, with unlimited time and money and patience from the wife. – Leslee Lake
Frequently Asked Questions About Pothole the Pumpkin
How much does Pothole the pumpkin weigh?
As of the latest estimates calculated from its length, width, and circumference, Pothole weighs approximately 996 pounds (452 kilograms), with expectations to reach up to 1,200 pounds by harvest.
Why is the pumpkin named Pothole?
The pumpkin was named Pothole after an electric heating pad short-circuited and burned a hole into its skin during a cold night. The gourd healed around the burn, leaving a permanent scar that resembles a pothole.
Who grew Pothole?
Pothole was grown by Leslee Lake, an organic farmer and heavy equipment operator living in Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador.
What was Leslee Lake’s previous record?
Lake’s previous personal record was set in 2022 with a pumpkin named Gourdzilla, which weighed 1,034 pounds (469 kilograms).
What special care does Lake provide for his pumpkins?
Lake uses specialized seed genetics, custom soil nutrition, roof-heating cables to combat cold weather, and sprays the leaves with milk and molasses to nourish the plant and repel pests.
