Jim Jellison, resident interesting person, never imagined growing an 800-pound pumpkin. It was not his life’s goal nor a project he had ever investigated. He just did it because he could and because he was curious to see, once the idea landed, how successful he might be. He actually grew four pumpkins, but one of them, which would have been the largest, blew up during a growth spurt. The 800-pounder can be seen on Route 27 in front of the old Boothbay fire station, now home to MITCHELL & CO studio. Two other slightly less large pumpkins can be seen at the YMCA Child Enrichment Center annex and Boothbay Harbor Elementary School. I think Jim told me they were around 700 and 500 pounds. Still a John Deere tractor needed to unload and place.
The process for growing these giants is sobering. Jim shared some information regarding his effort — fasten your seat belts! He planted four small plants on May 22 and added 32 ounces of water per day until June 11. After that, two gallons of water were required through July, mostly. But when it started getting hotter in July, his plants often took more water — maybe as much as four gallons. On July 23, Jim set up a 275-gallon water tank and 11 rain barrels. He grew these plants for 126 days and probably used over 2,000 gallons of rain water.
During the growth of his plants, Jim had to fertilize every day as well as cut and trim them regularly, because once they started to really “go to town,” they just took over the whole yard. He placed boards to walk on away from the plants so the soil would not be compressed preventing proper air circulation. In August, Jim estimates he spent 96 hours tending the plants.
Jim and his wife Karen moved to Maine in 2021. In his home area outside Boston, Jim worked in the food service industry coordinating orders, restocking and delivering to grocery stores around the metro area. But more importantly, Jim volunteered for almost 40 years as a coach and mentor. Recognition for his efforts are legion, including, but not limited to, the Massachusetts Special Olympics Hall of Fame for coaching and volunteering. He also worked in Wakefield, Massachusetts schools as a paraprofessional in upper elementary classrooms, helping children who have special needs.
Jim’s pumpkin partners in crime seen in this week’s photo are Andy Cozzi (far right) and Curt Crosby (center).
The group all met Morgan Mitchell cold water dipping at Hendricks Head beach and at the YMCA. I have known Curt for many years while photographing in local shipyards. He is a gifted woodworker I met during Hodgdon Yachts’ projects for Liberty and Antonisa. It turns out that Curt is also very familiar with the “Giant Pumpkin” project and instrumental in Jim’s successful growing venture.
Andy Cozzi, also a good friend, helped often along the way as Jim’s pumpkins grew. He was very instrumental in the delivery process. Andy’s John Deere tractor made it possible to transfer the pumpkins from their Barters Island home to their final placements in the Harbor for all to visit. Many people visit the giants to admire and photograph — the surface patina of these critters is quite beautiful, almost artificial in appearance, but it’s all natural.
Jim has promised to grow a new crop next year, benefiting from this year’s experience. It will be interesting to see the next generation results. I hope there will be enough room in the yard.
Thanks, Jim, for sharing your orange thumb!