Ever wondered how to promulgate perfect pumpkins, create bunches of crunchy carrots, beds of luscious lettuce, a sprinkling of ravishing radishes or a beetroot bonanza?

If you have (or even if you haven't), Dunham Massey's 'Grow Your Own' event later this month is where you need to be! It's part of the National Trust's 'Food Glorious Food' campaign which encourages children and families to grow their own fruit and vegetables, whatever space is available at home.

Sarah Talbot, Dunham's Visitor Services' Manager is already preparing the ground: " Size just doesn't matter when it comes to growing your own fruit and veg" says Sarah. "Whether you've got a tiny window box or a small patch in the back garden, we'll show you just how easy it is to get started. We're providing 8 different kinds of veg seeds free of charge : pumpkins, raddishes, lettuces, carrots, beetroot, peas, runner beans and courgettes for children to plant in our planet friendly newspaper plant pots, take home to look after and then plant up in their own window box or veg patch. Then just sit back and wait for some delicious home-grown produce to appear!

Also on hand to to offer help and advice with be Manchester Organic Gardeners who'll be giving away the secrets of creating perfect compost (in a rather interesting way!).

They'll also be bringing pots and window boxes which have already been planted with vegetables to show that you don't need a garden to grow your own".

Dunham's Grow Your Own weekend takes place 24 - 25 April, 12 noon - 4pm. For details go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0161 941 1025.