A farmer in Clarenville, Newfoundland, is on track to set a new island record with his colossal pumpkin, named Pothole, which is currently estimated to weigh an astounding 482 kilograms. Leslee Lake, a 52-year-old heavy equipment operator, is meticulously cultivating the giant gourd, which weighs as much as a grand piano, in his greenhouse.
Pothole Eyes Newfoundland Record
Pothole’s estimated weight of 482 kilograms, calculated by Lake’s wife Krista using an online pumpkin calculator based on its length, width, and circumference, places it significantly ahead of Lake’s previous record-holder. In 2022, Lake grew a pumpkin called Gourdzilla, which weighed 469 kilograms (1,034 pounds) and was believed to be the largest ever grown on the island at the time, according to CityNews Halifax. An official weighing of Pothole is scheduled to take place later this month.
A Dedicated Hobby and Unique Methods
Growing enormous pumpkins is a serious hobby for Leslee Lake, consuming much of his time and attention. His wife, Krista, humorously noted that he rushes to the greenhouse to see Pothole immediately after work, often before greeting her. Lake attributes this dedication to the 12 or 13 hours he’s spent away from the gourd. The pumpkin gained nearly 23 kilograms a day during the warmest part of the summer.
Lake employs several distinctive methods to nurture his prize-winning squash. He plays heavy metal music for the gourd and sprays its leaves with a mixture of milk and molasses, which he believes helps nourish it and deter pests. The pumpkin’s unusual name, Pothole, stems from a burn mark it sustained during a chilly night last month when an electric blanket overheated. The wound healed, and the surrounding growth created a distinctive ‘pothole’ shape in its skin.
From Gourdzilla to Pothole: A History of Giant Growth
Lake carefully sources his seeds each year, consistently aiming to surpass his previous achievements. His 2022 success with Gourdzilla established his reputation for growing exceptionally large gourds. While the Lakes previously hosted an annual festival in October for local growers to weigh their pumpkins, the event has been cancelled this year due to a challenging growing season. However, Pothole will still undergo an official weighing. Following Halloween, the colossal pumpkin will be chopped up and distributed, ensuring no part goes to waste. Lake remarked that “Anybody can do this, with unlimited time and money and patience from the wife,” as reported by The Canadian Press.
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