Great Pumpkin Give-away As Children Bid To Become Big Record Breakers

BUDDING young gardeners are being given the chance to become record breakers with Shaw Trust's Trowbridge Palmer Gardens ' great pumpkin plant give away.

The Islington garden centre and public garden has grown hundreds of burgeoning pumpkins for under sixteens to plant out and nurture in the race to produce the biggest Halloween lantern in town.

The free pumpkins are the latest gift to the community from the Shaw Trust team at the national charity's Gardens, a blooming social enterprise business which offers training and work opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people.

The flagship enterprise, where 23 clients work and learn, has already welcomed in local St Thomas' Pre-School group, and their resident artist, who are using the gardens for their nationally acclaimed '5x5x5=creativity' project.

"We are eager to encourage the community, and in particular local schools, to use the amenities here," explained Manager Mark Bradbury, who is also working on a nature trail.

"The great pumpkin give away is an all round winner for us. Children are always excited about Halloween and this gets children interested in gardening. It will also encourage them to look at the five vegetables and fruit a day message anew. There is nothing like growing your own, and vegetables picked fresh contain more nutrients.

"Given a good sunny spot, plenty of water and feed, the children should be able to grow some whoppers."

Under sixteens can pick up their plant any time between May 10th-25th during normal opening hours (9am-5.30pm and 10-4pm Sundays). Then the youngsters are invited to bring their monster pumpkins back in October for the grand October 27th weigh in, which will be judged by David Tucker, chairman of South Wiltshire Allotments Society and Secretary of the National Vegetable Society, SW district.

"Children like to see quick results, which is why they often start off with mustard and cress, and pumpkins are fast growers," added Mark, an award winning passion flower breeder in his spare time, whose first gardening triumph was at a pot of cress, when he was five.

The young would-be champs are off to a flying start. Mark and his team have picked Atlantic Giant pumpkins, as used by last year's work record breaker, Joe Jutras of Rhode Island , who produced a hefty 1689 pounder.

"We wish everyone the very best of luck," added Mark.

MARK'S TIPS FOR PUMPKIN BEATERS

1. Prepare your chosen sunny spot well, preferably digging over a one metre by one metre by one metre deep site.
2. Dig in organic compost and some farmyard manure if you can.
3. Water well when planting and keep well watered, especially during dry spells.
4. Pumpkins like a good feed too, preferably with a tomato feed. Never feed a dry plant; water first.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For further details, please contact PR Officer Becky Gammon on 07779 784901. Or you can email: crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk

2. Shaw Trust is a national charity which helps people who live with a disability or who are disadvantaged, find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.

3. Across the UK more than 1,200 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

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