CHILDREN from Somerset are being encouraged by a garden centre to start thinking about planting pumpkin seeds next month in preparation of the spookiest month of the year.

Experts at Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre say May is the time to start planting pumpkin seeds and they are offering free advice on how to do so to youngsters.

Andrew Pitman, store manager of the award-winning centre at Monkton Heathfield near Taunton, said: “If any children want to grow their own pumpkins ready for carving this Halloween then they need to start planting their pumpkin seeds now.

“Pumpkins are relatively easy to grow and they come in lots of amazing shapes, colours and sizes. Seeds can be sown in pots inside or in a greenhouse now and can be planted outside later in the month.

Here are Monkton's 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 May 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," Andrew added.

“We hope lots of youngsters have a go at growing their own pumpkins this year. We have a range of pumpkin seeds available in-store and our expert staff are always on-hand to help any keen young gardeners.”