For Robert B of Sydney West,17 April, dette-19April andMichael Stapleton 4 May. Forget about growing Jap Pumpkins. They are rubbish, far too soft to make good roasting pumpkin.. About growing pumpkins - plant your seed in September/October, male flowers will appear then in second week January the females will start. If fruit does not develop and turns yellow and dies that means the female has not been pollinated by the male, due to absence of bees. You will have to do it by hand. Determine how many fruit you want and then remove any female flowers that appear. I usually leave this until March. Do NOT prune the end of your vine. Feed with potash and phosphorous (liquid manure the best organic source). Note - phosphorous helps initiate the onset of female flowers The first pumpkins will be ready to pick in mid April. Place some coarse straw under the vine in January where you find a female (to prevent rot). Happy to answer any questions and provide seed of "Ironbark", the original Aussie pumpkin and still the best for colour, flavour and texture (sweet, smooth and dry - lovely) Tony 02 62310508

- tony bray