Spring is finally here and Claystone wants to help you get your garden ready with some free lab-tested, Category A compost. And if you’re looking for something to put in your garden, Claystone is bringing back the giant pumpkin contest for another year.

Starting Monday, May 11, residents who collect compost from the Ryley Transfer Station at the landfill site can request from the Scale House Attendant a pumpkin contest brochure that includes the contest rules and entry form. Unlike last year, Claystone won’t be handing out seeds. Instead, the brochure includes a ticket that residents can redeem at Maple Park Farm for a free Atlantic Giant pumpkin plant!

“We had fun with the giant pumpkin contest last year, but we were a bit late getting seeds out, making it difficult for people to get plants started,” said Corey Popick, Chief Executive Officer. “This year, we reached out to Maple Park Farm to start the plants for us and hand them out. We thought this was a great way to support a local business and give the pumpkin contest participants an extra boost.”

Pumpkin plants will be ready to pick up starting Monday, May 18 and the brochure includes instructions on how to prepare the plants before putting them in the garden.

Claystone is offering cash prizes to the top three largest – not the heaviest -pumpkins:

• First prize: $300
• Second prize: $200
• Third prize: $100

“Once again, we’re going to judge the winners by measuring the length and circumference of the pumpkin rather than the weight,” said Popick. “Atlantic Giant pumpkins are exactly that – they’re giant – and transporting them around and weighing them would be quite complicated. Judging by size is significantly easier plus the pumpkins don’t need to be picked and can continue to grow until the end of the season.”

Contest entries must be received by May 30. Participants will be asked to measure pumpkins on September 5 and share the results with Claystone. The entries will be evaluated, and winners will be announced on September 14.

The contest is limited to 100 participants. Full contest rules are available on the Claystone website at claystonewaste.com/pumpkin.

The free compost is available at the Ryley Transfer Station while quantities last. Residents will need to bring their own equipment including buckets and shovels to collect compost. Compost can only be collected by hand – mechanical equipment is not permitted. Claystone asks that residents be considerate in how much compost they take. If large quantities are needed, please contact 780-663-2038 for information on purchasing compost.