Preparations underway for Hamilton's pumpkin carnival

Spring is in full swing and now is the time to start planting your pumpkins as preparations for Hamilton's 10th Pumpkin carnival are under way.

The 2019 Carnival will be the 10th year of the biggest pumpkin event in New Zealand, and the current NZ and Southern Hemisphere record is 808kg, which was weighed in 2018, and grown by previous winner Tim Harris.

Harris, from Morrinsville, has also recently been presented with a plaque recognising him as the Southern Hemisphere Champion for the 2017 season for growing his 676.5kg pumpkin.

Pumpkin seedlings will be on sale at the Hamilton Gardens Scarecrow Festival on Sunday, or they will be available from the Hamilton Gardens Information centre.

Seedlings are $2 each, or three for $5, and seeds are $1 for two.
For more information about the carnival, visit the website www.thegreatpumpkincarnival.co.nz