Pumpkin power

Young gardeners can turn their talents to a special competition this summer- and organisers are hoping for some big results.

The Selmes Pumpkin Growing Competition in underway again, with green thumbed growers urged to dig deep.

For $2 each, entrants will get an Atlantic Giant pumpkin plant and an entry into the competition for either the heaviest or best designer pumpkin.

Selmes’ general manager Angel Cooper says it does take specific conditions for the Atlantic Giant pumpkins to grow to their full potential.

“It’s the reason we have the designer category too, so people can come along on the day. We’ll have a decoration station on site in an autumn based themed day with games and give everyone a chance to win.

This is the second year the competition is underway after a successful launch last summer.

Angel says there are tips and tricks entrants can use to get the most out of their plant.

“They grow bigger when you clip off buds of flowers so more of the plant’s energy goes into growing the pumpkin, and the sooner they’re in the ground and able to establish a root system the better.

“They love hot weather and need water, mulch, compost and fertilizer, but not too much as they’ll pre-bud and not grow to their maximum size – so it does take some care to grow a winner because they can get miraculously big, very quickly in the right circumstances.

“But there is some luck in the seedling, the planting site and the care you take, and as we’re open every day except statutory days we hope to see people pop in throughout summer and get their growing started soon for the April finals.”