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FITCHBURG — Halloween may be seven months away but Scott Lehto, a competitive grower and local soil-health expert, is excited to share the fascinating world of giant pumpkin growing and help you to discover how it can make you a better gardener.
Lehto will talk about his journey to growing record-breaking pumpkins and how the same principles of soil health, fertility, and microbiology can be applied to all gardening situations, “whether it be growing better petunias, cucumbers, or roses,” he said.
The presentation titled, “Giant Pumpkin Growing and the Secrets of Soil Health, Fertility, and Biology” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Groton Public Library, 99 Main St. and at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main St., Lancaster.
Lehto will delve into the technology, fertility analysis, and soil microbiology that underpin successful growing.
“I will also demonstrate how soil testing and hands-on analysis can improve your gardening results,” he said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a small soil sample for live analysis using Lehto’s microscope, time permitting.
Lehto will also host a “Growing Giant Pumpkins Workshop,” from 1 until 3 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, Boylston.
“This workshop will be similar to the other two events but will include a hands-on component where participants will prepare seeds and transplant seedlings,” Lehto said. “Additionally, the workshop will be slightly longer and may provide a deeper dive into soil chemistry.
Lehto who moved to Fitchburg from Worcester, is a Senior Scientist at Comprehensive Environmental Inc. specializing in giant pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, and sunflowers.
His expertise includes soil microbiology, chemistry, and fertility management, which he combines with his hands-on experience in competitive growing.
“My wife and I bought an old farmhouse (1792) in Fitchburg and we love it,” said Lehto. “We have the best neighbors and friends here. And each year we work at improving our gardening green thumb by expanding our gardens and trying new varieties and practices.”
In 2024, his son Alistair won the Youth Division at the Ridgefield, NH weigh-off with a 729-pound pumpkin, while Lehto earned a blue ribbon for his family-best 1,156-pound pumpkin.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Lehto’s presentations promise valuable insights and practical tips to help you maximize your yields and enhance your gardening skills.
“I am passionate about soil health and its role in successful farming,” he said. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge and inspiring others to explore the fascinating world of soil science.”
For more information, or to register for each presentation, visit the Groton Public Library’s website at gpl.org; the Thayer Memorial Library’s website at thayermemoriallibrary.org; or the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill at nebg.org.
