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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