Pumpkin tips pay off for trio

HIGHFIELDS sisters Emili, Shayla and Alivia McGrath are continuing the family tradition of growing award-winning giant pumpkins.

The daughters of Clinton McGrath, who is the current record holder for growing the biggest pumpkin in Queensland, have won the national Junior Landcare Pumpkin Challenge. The trio won the school/ group category, which attracted more than 1000 entries, with a 175- kilogram Atlantic Giant pumpkin.

As a record holder Mr McGrath provided plenty of advice for his budding horticulturalists.

"I shared a few secret tips, namely cover the pumpkin from the sun and rain and prune the vine regularly," Mr McGrath said. "They like gardening, especially eating their cherry tomatoes and coloured carrots and chasing their chooks."

Last week, Mr McGrath stole national headlines for disputing state deputy opposition leader Lawrence Springborg's claim to have grown the Queensland's biggest pumpkin.

I shared a few secret tips, namely cover the pumpkin from the sun and rain...

-- Clinton McGrath

C Australian Provincial Newspapers 2010

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Organic Gardening Guide - Three Factors to Consider

By Clint Sidney

With the increasing popularity of organically grown fruits and vegetables, there is now also increased interest in ways to grow it. There are advantages and disadvantages in having an organic garden. However if three factors are borne in mind and followed as an organic garden guide,you will find that an organic garden is easy to grow.

Whilst, there are no laid down rules, it helps considerably if some basic attention is paid to soil, plants and plant protection. These three factors are the one which play a major role in having a good garden. The requirements of each garden may vary slightly, but these are only minor, if the principles are followed.

The roles that soil plays in a garden are many. Apart from being a support for the plant, it becomes one of the primary sources for supply of nutrients. The soil for organic farming must be free from chemicals. If the area has previously been used with chemical pesticides or fertilizers, than it may takes years for it to get back to normal level. You have your soil tested for this. Virgin soil is ideally suited for organic farming. The soil can be made richer by using organic compost or fertilizer. This will allow plants to grow better and healthier.

Any plant can be grown in an organic garden. Ensuring the use of good seeds, will allow for healthier and better plants. After germination under suitable conditions, seedlings can be transplanted. Flowering plants can be grown organically, but generally fruits and vegetables are the better ones to grow organically. The intention being to produce items for your food table that are free of any chemicals.

Plant protection is a very important aspect of gardening. Steps to protect your plants against weeds, insects and harmful diseases can be done by using pesticides. Today organic pesticides, such as neem extracts are as effective as chemical ones. Such products are commercially available and should be used as organic garden guide for pesticide control. It should be possible to find a suitable one from the nearest garden shop.

Clint Sidney is a gardening enthusiast and recommends this excellentOrganic Gardening Guide. You can learn more about gardening atGreatGardener.eHelpshome.com. --------------------------------------------------------- For more information on Organic Gardening, see www.bestguidetogardening.com.