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!

You must be a resident of one of the following municipalites: Tofield, Viking, Ryley, Holden, or Beaver County.

The pumpkin must be grown on a property located within Tofield, Viking, Ryley, Holden, or Beaver County.

You can only use Claystone compost to prepare your soil – no chemical fertilizers or other supplements are allowed.

Only pumpkin plants provided by Maple Park Farm are eligible for the contest.

You are not permitted to force feed nutrients through the vines.

You will send progress photos of your pumpkin at the beginning of each month to comms@claystonewaste.com. You are also invited to share photos on our Facebook page.

Contest is limited to 100 registrants.

In order to qualify for the contest, you must complete the entry form and submit it to Claystone Waste before June 13, 2026. (revised deadline!)

Contest entries must be received by 11:59 pm on June 13 (revised deadline!) You can complete the entry form located in the brochure and drop it off or mail to our office. You can also complete the online form.

Contest is limited to 100 participants.

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.

Starting May 18, you can take your ticket to Maple Park Farm, located at 18311 Township Road 502, and redeem for one free Atlantic Giant pumpkin plant.

To give your pumpkin the best possible start, mix your compost with soil at a ratio of 1 part compost to 4 parts soil. Place this mixture in the planting hole and around the surrounding area.

Before planting outdoors, your pumpkin plant will also need time to adjust, so follow this 7-day guide:

• Day 1: 2–3 hours outside, warm and slightly shaded, protected from wind
• Day 2: 3 hours in partial to full sun with a light breeze
• Day 3: 4 hours in full sun
• Day 4: 5–6 hours in full sun
• Day 5: Full day in the sun
• Day 6: Full day and overnight (if temperatures stay well above freezing)
• Day 7: Ready to be planted!

The contest is for the largest – not the heaviest – pumpkin. 

On September 5, you will be asked to take send measurements of your pumpkins including the circumference (all the way around the largest part of your pumpkin) and the length (measurement of the largest side of the pumpkin). You will also be asked to provide photos showing the pumpkin being measured.

Photos are to be submitted to comms@claystonewaste.com.

Judges will review the submissions and winners will be announced on Monday, September 14.

First prize: $300

Second prize: $200

Third prize: $100