CHILDREN from Somerset are invited to collect free pumpkin seeds from an award-winning farm shop in the county so they can have a go at growing their own prize-winning pumpkin (June 2021).
Rumwell Farm Shop is giving away pumpkin seeds so youngsters can take part in a growing competition to help mark the launch of its new on-site flower and plant shop.
Anne Mitchell, Joint Owner of the farm shop, which is located on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, explained: “We have free seeds to give away to children so they can take them home to grow their own pumpkins and this giveaway and subsequent competition is all part of our new Rumwell Flower Shop launch.
“The pumpkin seeds will be available to collect from May 29 to June 6 from The Rumwell Flower Shed, while stocks last.
“Youngsters who take part will be invited to come back to our Farm Shop in October half-term to take part in our special competition to see who has grown the biggest pumpkin.
“The judging will take place as part of our Children’s Halloween Party in October and the winner will receive a spooky themed prize.
“Pumpkins are relatively easy to grow. Seeds can be sown in pots inside or in a greenhouse now and planted outside later in the month. Here are our top tips for children wanting to plant up some pumpkin seeds:
- Fill small pots with compost and make a hole in each to a depth of 2cm
- Place a pumpkin seed on its side in each hole and cover with more compost
- Place a mini cloche over the seedlings or if you don’t have one, ask an adult to help you cut a large plastic drinks bottle to put over the seedlings
- At the end of June transplant the young plants into a weed free space and keep protected with cloches
- Keep your pumpkins well-watered and protect the plants from slugs and snails
- The pumpkins should be ready for harvesting in the run up to Halloween in October.
“Once the pumpkins are harvested they can be used for carving at Halloween and their insides make the perfect pie, which little ones can help cook too.
“We hope lots of youngsters have a go at growing their own pumpkins this year and take part in our fun competition.”
Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. Originally a potato store, David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free-range eggs at the gate more than 23 years ago.
Due to customer demand, the product range soon increased, and the business grew. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved, as well as their daughters-in-law, Sophie and Donna.
Rumwell Farm Shop has a traditional butchery counter selling its home and free-range pork and Rumwell Angus beef. There is also a delicatessen, bakery, jam kitchen, food hall, wine cellar and gift room.
Its own, home-grown potatoes are available, when in season, as well as everything from fruit, vegetables and groceries to plants, Somerset-grown cut flowers, gifts and cards.
The Rumwell Café is a large and spacious building. The food prepared in the café kitchen is sourced from the farm shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and other regional suppliers.
Families are welcome to the café and there is a menu especially for children. The café also serves afternoon teas, carvery on a Sunday and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
The Rumwell Flower Shed has also recently opened onsite in partnership with florist and flower grower Aizel Finch from Yalham Hayes Farm. It will be stocked with as many Somerset grown and sourced cut flowers as possible, as well as houseplants and stylish accessories.
The pumpkin seeds will be available to collect from May 29 to June 6 from The Rumwell Flower Shed, while stocks last.
Anne added: “We will post further details on our website in the autumn about how people can bring their fully grown pumpkins in for judging.
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop, which is located in Rumwell between Taunton and Wellington, on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
