It may seem like a long time until Thanksgiving, but if you were a little tiny pumpkin plant aspiring to be the biggest and best pumpkin in the Cariboo, you’d want to be firmly rooted in the ground before the end of May.
So, this next weekend, vendors at the Quesnel Farmers’ Market will be offering for sale many of these little pumpkin plants with big aspirations.
Giant pumpkins are specially bred to absorb nutrients and moisture, and consequently weight, faster than their squash cousins. World records for these giants are close to 650 kgs or 1,500 pounds; here in the north, the biggest have been around 80 kgs or 175 pounds.
With a good growing season and good care, a 200 pound pumpkin is attainable.
Not only will you find starter pumpkin plants at the Market, but lots of tomatoes, hanging baskets, other vegetable and flower nursery stock will be available. And, of course, the freshest of early spring greens like spinach, radishes, green onions, lettuce, asparagus, and much more are to be had. There are also vendors selling bread, pies, cookies and other baked items and some of the best ready-to-eat delectables, including tacos, deli sandwiches and dim sum. New this year is hot food from Spicy Greens restaurant.
The Market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind crafts, from sewing, soaps, to wood products.
With freshly brewed coffee and live music, it is a truly fun way to spend Saturday mornings.
This week’s musical guest is Quesnel’s very own Doug Koyama. So, come for the freshness and stay for the fun. The Market is open from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays, at the Helen Dixon School Site.
– submitted by Rob Borsato