What's on at Simpsons
Kids Pumpkin Growing Competition
For this years Children’s National Gardening Week we want to encourage the kids out into the garden by getting them to try and grow the most impressive Pumpkin they can! To get as many kids involved as possible we are making this an individual and school based competition, so whether you want to grow a pumpkin at home or as part of a school, this kids pumpkin growing competition is for everyone to get involved in.
Make sure to send us your progress photos throughout the months via our Facebook and Instagram by tagging #mysimpsonsgc and #mypumpkinprogress
As well as our standard T&C’s, here’s everything you need to do to take part in the Kids Pumpkin Growing Competition:
- Collect seeds in store from our info desk by 5th June 2022
- Make a donation to MFR in our collection tins
- Plant seeds and send us your pictures
- One pack per family / school application
- Winner will be selected from all entries received by 25th September
- No cash alternatives will be offered
- Decision is final
- We reserve the right to withdraw the competition if necessary
Individuals – Winner will be selected from all pictures received by closing date. Make sure to take a picture of you holding the pumpkin for your final entry pic! (progress pictures are also strongly encouraged)
Schools – Winner will be selected from all pics received by closing date
How to Grow Pumpkins:
Pumpkins are an easy and fun plant to grow, all they need is a sunny spot, plenty of water and shelter from cold winds. Plus once they are fully grown, they are ready for carving for Halloween, or cooking with.
Everything you will need to grow your Pumpkin Seeds:
Pumpkin Seeds, Compost, Pots, Soil, Fertiliser, Feed and Water
Grow Pumpkin Seeds Directly Outside:
- Sow two or three seeds per planting hole, 3cm (1in) deep or in a planting container. Cover the area with protections such as jars or plastic sheeting. Leave them to grow in place for two weeks, or as long as possible, after germination.
- Begin to pluck out the weaker growing seeds and focus on the stronger Pumpkin seeds.
- Provide the seeds with plenty of water and feed to encourage growth
- As the Fruit develops, begin to support the plant with a tile or glass to prevent them touching the damp soil and rotting
- Pumpkins should be ready to pick in Autumn!
Grow Pumpkin Seeds Indoors:
- Sow seeds indoors in 7.5cm (3in) pots, placing the flat seeds on their side, 1cm (½in) deep. Try to keep the room at a steady temperature of roughly 18-20C.
- Once the seeds have matured into a young plant, they are ready to slowly introduce to the outside climate – leaving outside during the day for a week and taking in at night
- Once they are ready to move outside you will need your larger pots, compost, soil and fertiliser – plant one plant per container or dig a spade depth into the ground
- Regularly water the Pumpkin plants with a generous volume of water
- Feed every 10-14 days with a high potassium liquid fertiliser once the first fruits start to swell.
Here’s what you can do with your pumpkins once they’re fully grown!
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