WHEN ARE THE PUMPKIN PLANTING SESSIONS?

These will be held during the second week of the Easter holidays. Each session lasts an hour.

 

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE PUMPKIN PLANTING SESSIONS? 

The first half of the session is focused on planting pumpkins. The children begin by collecting compost from the compost heap, then use that in the polytunnel to plant their seeds in colourful pots. They water them, label them and learn about how to care for them. The second half of the session is spent visiting the animals on the smallholding. This is likely to include sheep, hens, turkeys and baby chicks. At the end of the session they take their pot with their planted pumpkin seeds home to try to grow into a pumpkin. Their second pot stays at Udny Pumpkins and this will be grown on for them in time for Halloween.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

£12.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult (there is no charge for adults). Siblings aged 2 and under who are too young to join in are welcome to come along and watch free of charge.

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WHAT AGE IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

The sessions are suitable for children aged 3 to 10. If you would like to plant a pumpkin with a younger child you can book a ticket but the adult will need to be on hand to help throughout and we cannot guarantee a child younger than 3 will get as much out of the session.

The children do need to be able to follow a few instructions in a group setting. However, we are happy to take younger children as long as they are accompanied by an adult who is happy to be hands on and help the child. Sometimes adults like to bring a baby to plant a pumpkin on their behalf, and we are very happy with this. If a parent/carer thinks a child will be too young to join in, they are very welcome to come and watch if an older sibling has booked.

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WHAT DO I TAKE HOME?

Your planted pumpkin, a spare seed in case the first one doesn't germinate, instructions at help you care for your pumpkin plant as it grows and the password to a pumpkin growing club on Facebook, which Jenny will update with tips throughout the growing season.

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HOW DO I COLLECT MY CHILD'S PUMPKIN ONCE IT HAS GROWN?

The pumpkin will be available to collect at the pumpkin patch in October. Please note this pumpkin is NOT included in the price of the planting session. There is no obligation to collect this pumpkin once it has grown but if you do collect it, it must be paid for at the pumpkin patch. Priority booking for the pumpkin patch will be given to those who have taken part in the planting sessions in order to ensure you have the chance to secure a ticket.

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I DON'T HAVE A LARGE GARDEN TO GROW MY PUMPKIN AT HOME. DOES THAT MATTER?

No! At the planting session you will be given the choice of a mini or standard variety of pumpkin to grow. Both can be successfully planted on into a large pot or grow bag. They don't need a large vegetable plot. So as long as you have some outdoor space (even a balcony) you will be fine.

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DO YOU HAVE A TOILET?

Yes there will be a portaloo.

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DO YOU HAVE A CAFE?

No we do not have refreshments available at the pumpkin planting sessions. However, we are spoilt for choice with so many lovely cafes nearby. These include the Coffee Apothecary, The Barn, The Murly Tuck, the cafes at Haddo. Please bring a drink for your child if they are likely to get thirsty as they may do a lot of running around.

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DO YOU HAVE HAND WASHING FACILITIES?

Yes and at the end of each session we ensure that all visitors wash their hands. This is extremely important after touching the animals.

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HOW DO WE FIND YOU?

We are located near Udny Green, about 9 miles north of Aberdeen. If using the sat nav, the postcode is AB41 6SP but note this will take you to a farmhouse around the corner. With this on your right, drive to the end of the road, turn right and Udny Pumpkins is the first on the right. If approaching from Aberdeen, drive along the B999 towards Pitmedden. Take the left turning marked Millbank, just before the turning to Udny Station. Udny Pumpkins is just over a mile up that road on the right.

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WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

Warm clothes that can get messy and, most importantly, wellies. It can be very muddy.

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DO YOU CATER TO CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS?

We have a smaller ASN session. Equally, children with additional support needs are very welcome to any of our sessions. Please contact Jenny if you would like to discuss specific needs.

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CAN YOU CATER FOR SCHOOL OR PLAYGROUP VISITS?

We may be able to cater to group visits.  Please contact us for more information. Jenny, who runs the sessions, has PVG certification under Disclosure Scotland and a risk assessment is available on request.

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