Portage la Prairie’s Isaiah Oke is putting his green thumb to work this fall. The Grade 6 student has been growing pumpkins in a community garden over the summer, aiming to sell them to local residents ahead of Halloween.
Isaiah explains why he decided to grow the pumpkins.
“So, I can earn myself some money,” he notes.
He planted 10 pumpkin plants in the local community garden plot this year, which produced over 100 pumpkins of various sizes.
Isaiah explained that the crop needed a little extra care to get through the season.
11-year-old Isaiah Oke shows off one of the over 100 pumpkins he grew this year at the Country 93 studios in Portage la Prairie. PortageOnline/Cory Knutt
“We watered them a little and then they just started growing by themselves,” he continues.
Prices range from $2 for small pumpkins to $5 for medium and $15 for large ones.
Isaiah says sales have been steady and expects to sell nearly all his pumpkins before Halloween. He notes many are perfect for carving or baking.
People interested in buying a pumpkin can call or text 204-294-9055 to arrange a pick-up.
This year marks Isaiah’s fourth growing season.
“I think this is one of the better ones (crops),” he says.
Isaiah’s pumpkin project has become a small local tradition, combining gardening, entrepreneurship, and a love of seasonal fun.
A colourful assortment of pumpkins of all sizes is ready for Halloween in Isaiah Oke’s patch in Portage la Prairie. Photo submitted/Nicole Paulette
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