Delving into the Irish tradition of Jack O'Laterns

Ciara McDonnell hears how pumpkins are a fantastic plant for any would-be grower, particularly young growers wanting to get their hands dirty.

Last summer, landscape architect and horticulture lecturer Olive Ryan decided to plant some edibles in a field behind her home place in Dripsey.

Along with her nieces and chief garden hands Anna and Lily, she planted 100 pumpkin plants, alongside an array of speciality brassicas and leafy greens such as romanesco,