How to Grow Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a squash-like veggie that grow on large trailing vines. They come in many different sizes and shapes ranging from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds, and are used for Halloween carving, Holiday cooking, and well... taking Cinderella to the Ball!

Timing is Everything: Before you start sowing in the garden, you want to find out your first and last frosts of the season. Pumpkins are a warm season crop, so you want to sow in your garden in the spring time; when all risk of frost has passed. Starting seeds indoors is not usually recommended, but if you choose to do so, begin them about 3 weeks before your last frost and transplant outside about 3 weeks after the last frost.

Location! Location! Location! Pumpkins like full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Pumpkins require a lot of space as their vines can reach up to 20 feet long. Make sure your soil is rich in organic matter, so don't be stingy with your compost! Your soil also needs to be loose and well drained. If you're short on space, try growing the vines up a fence or trellis, or growing a bush variety that doesn't require as much space. A trick my dad taught me: if the pumpkin (or squash) becomes too heavy for your trellis, use a nylon stocking to create a hammock for the pumpkin. Attach it to the trellis, and as your pumpkin grows the stocking will expand with it while supporting it's weight!

Depth and Spacing: Sow your seeds about 1 inch deep and about 3-5 inches apart. The thinning of the seedlings will vary depending on the variety of pumpkin you are growing. It's very important to closely read the back of your seeds packet before planting anything. It's best to plant pumpkins in mounds instead of rows. As a general rule, plant about 8 seeds in a mound. You will eventually thin to 1 or 2 of the strongest seedlings per mound. Leave about 6 feet between each mound. Remember that this is a general rule... be sure to read the back of your seeds packet for more detailed instructions on your variety.

TLC: Pumpkins need even and regular watering. Do not allow the soil to dry out, but also try to keep the leaves dry to avoid mildew. Also, make sure that the area is weed free. When you begin to see growth, only allow a few fruits to mature on each plant. Try keeping the fruits off the ground to avoid rot. A good tip is to place them on wooden planks. Remember that pumpkins love that organic matter, so side dress the plants with compost every few weeks.

Friends: Plant your pumpkins with squash, melons and corn!

Foes: Keep your pumpkins away from potatoes!

Reaping What You Sow: Depending on your variety, pumpkins can be ready to harvest anywhere from 90-120 days. The pumpkin should be a deep orange and have a hard rind that you cannot easily dent or penetrate with your fingernail. Harvest the fruits before any frosts! Cut off the vine and leave at least 3 inches of stem attached. This will prevent the pumpkin from rotting too soon.