CAMDEN — Charlie Costello will lead a workshop on growing giant pumpkins, Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m., at Merryspring Nature Center. 

There are several special techniques used to grow a giant pumpkin, beginning with the seed itself, and ending with a real GIANT pumpkin five or six months later. Come to this one-hour workshop to learn these tips and tricks and see pumpkin plants in varying stages, from starting a seed to waiting for the fourth leaf.

Attendees take home a seedling and seeds sourced from a master pumpkin grower in California named Leonardo Ureña, with the originating seed coming from a 1911-pound pumpkin. Leonardo has competed and won at least seven times in California weigh-offs. 

Space in the workshop is limited to 10 people. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. 

This program is part of the Weekend Workshop series at Merryspring co-sponsored by Allen Insurance & Financial and Camden Riverhouse Hotel. 

Pre-registration is required by contacting Merryspring at info@merryspring.org or(207) 236-2239. 

Merryspring is your community nature center offering walking trails, cultivated gardens, wildlife, and ecology and horticulture educational programs all year round. The park is located at the end of Conway Road, just off of Route 1 in Camden behind Hannaford Shopping Plaza. For more information on this program, please contact info@merryspring.org or call 207-236-2239.