ORGANIC MAMMOTH PUMPKIN BIG BUMPER CROPS Approx. (10) SEEDS

SOIL PREPARATION

Prepare the soil forplanting by digging over and adding plenty of organic material, such aswell-rotted manure or leaf mould this

will help to improve the soil's moisture-retaining abilityand fertility. Many gardeners swear by preparing a bean trench in the winterand filling it with the rotted contents of the compost bin. Once covered withsoil in late spring, the seeds can then be sown on top of the trench.

SOWING

Seedscan be sown in pots from April to June. Fill a (3in) pot with compost, place aseed in on its side  (1in) deep andcover.

Label,water and place on a windowsill or in a propagator. When roots begin to showthough the bottom of the pot transfer into a (5in) pot.

Onceseedlings have established, plant outside spacing them (6-10ft) apart. Seedscan also be sown from late May to early summer directly into the ground.

Choosea sunny, sheltered spot and improve the soil before planting by digging inwell-rotted manure or compost. Sow two seeds on their side  (1in) deep.

Oncethe seedlings have germinated, remove the weakest one.

WHEN THEY START TO GROW

Protect seedlings with mulch and feedwith general fertiliser or tomato plant food, watering regularly though thegrowing season.

If you're growing larger varieties usewire as a guide to train shoots as they grow. Remove some fruits before theydevelop, leaving two or three fruits on the plant. This will encourage theplant to put its energy into producing larger fruit.

As the fruits get bigger raise them uponto a piece of wood or brick to protect them from rotting. Remove any leavesshading the fruit as it needs maximum light to ripen.

If there's a risk of an early frostprotect the fruit with cardboard and straw.

Harvesting and storage

Leave the fruit on the plant for aslong as possible to mature and ripen. When the stem cracks and the skin is verytough, the fruit is ready to be picked.

Cut fruit off with a long stalk beforethe first frost. Pumpkins can be stored between four to six months.

Expose the pumpkin to sunlight outsidefor ten days or keep indoors at 27-32C (81-90F) for four days to harden.

Keep your pumpkin stored in awell-ventilated place at about 10C degrees (50F).