Courtesy photo Cooper Rondeau loads pumpkins onto a trailer that are for sale and the process will go to Toys for Kids.

What started out as a small patch of pumpkins five years ago, has evolved into a family project that touches the community in a caring way.

When they began, Tara and Larry Rondeau’s kids, Cooper, Carter, Caleb and Coralynn, were 10, eight, five and two years old respectively.

Tara recalls, ” It was 3 little boys laying on the floor looking at pumpkin varieties on the laptop. They eyed ones they thought looked cool.”

This pumpkin growing project is just across the road from Wilson Elementary School. That’s where the kids’ formal education took place. But, after hours and on spring break, their learning continued: reading, science and math skills were all put into full use.

Dad and mom assisted the kids to help them carry out their dreams. Larry took the tractor and broke ground with the plow. Now the kids have grown to where, from there, the boys continued preparing the soil for the crop using their Cub Cadet to pull the necessary equipment.

First they ran the disc over the plot to cut up the soil clumps, then the harrow. That prepped the ground enough to where, with mom’s help, they could pick rocks. Each spring they would get their dad to work just a few more feet.

When the time came to mark out rows, they had flags and a tape measure in hand. After rows are marked out, the kids use a hoe to make hills. Depending on the variety, the rows can be six to 16 feet apart.

Hills are planted in the rows about every six feet. Usually four seeds grace the top of the hill and the kids gently cover the seeds with a quarter-inch of soil, and tap the top.

As the plants grow, bug and weed patrol begin. The boys typically use the small tractor and harrows to go between rows, and hand pick between hills until the vines have grown enough to choke out the smaller weeds. Once the vines cover the garden, the kids are careful not to disturb the plants. Then they eagerly anticipate blossoms and then small fruits of the vine.

The Rondeau kids have tried a few varieties over the years, and at last have narrowed it down to their favorites. Jack-O’Lantern type pumpkins range in sizes from 15 to 70 pounds. The degree of orange-ness and shape varies from variety to variety.

A smaller patch for more ornamental pumpkins has been added. Amongst the varieties is Cotton Candy, a roundish, 5-15 pound pumpkin. It’s one of the kid’s favorites. But, SURPRISE! It’s not pink or orange! Cotton Candy pumpkins are white, and have to be picked when they are white. We point this out because many of the other pumpkin varieties can be picked when they are not quite their mature color. Not so with Cotton Candy.

One of the challenges the kids have faced is variety selection. They have honed in on what works for them and their customers. Some varieties are extremely tedious to grow. The kids tried giants, but just could not get them to be successful.

Another challenge is dealing with squash beetles. Pesticides on their crops isn’t something the Rondeaus like to use. So, they take preventative steps by planting coated seeds. Coated seeds help protect seedlings from pests and diseases. The kids have learned how to scout their patch for bugs. Early detection on the plants for eggs is vital. That means that on a frequent basis they are out in the patch examining plant leaves and stems for tiny red specks. Sometimes that means that they may end up removing a section of the leaf–a determination they must make–or decide if they can rid them by squashing the eggs. Once bugs are present, a spray bottle containing dish soap or other natural pesticides is their weapon. The kids are motivated by the fact that the beetles will kill the crop fast! Either the bug dies, or the plant dies.

Once pumpkins start ripening, the kids carefully pick so as to not disturb the plants that are yet not finished growing. Strategic paths are carved through the patch so they can drive the garden tractor and

wagon in to load. Pumpkins are displayed for sale on a hay wagon in front of the house on Herron Road.

Since the passing of their great grandma, Eleanor Hoppe, the kids have held a donation weekend. Proceeds go to Toys for Kids. Great Grandma Hoppe always insisted on her 100+ grandchildren getting something from her at Christmas, whether it be a Hot Wheels car or box of Ramen noodles. Last year the Rondeau family was able to make their biggest donation yet, $823.

The Rondeaus have been blessed with some great customers–friends and family that return every year.