How to Grow Pumpkins

Pumpkin is one of my favorite vegetables. Like potatoes, I can eat pumpkin prepared any way, not just as a pie. Their blossoms, when dipped in batter and fried, are considered a delectable delicacy and nothing says fall like roasted pumpkin seeds. They are used as Jack-o-Lanterns, in fall arrangements, and at county fairs in carving contests.

Varieties

Small varieties of pumpkins are best for cooking and pies, while larger ones are used for cooking and Jack-o-Lanterns. Very large pumpkins are used in competitions at county fairs or exhibits for 4-H or other farm events. For roasted pumpkin seeds, the naked-seeded variety is best.

Planting

Pumpkin is a warm-weather vegetable, so the seeds will not germinate in cold soil and the tender young plants are susceptible to frost. Plant after all danger of frost has passed. Planting pumpkins for making Jack-o-Lanterns for Halloween needs to be timed just right because if they are planted too early, they will rot before the holiday arrives. In the Midwest, where I live, it is best to plant pumpkins in early June in the northern parts and mid-June in the southern areas.

Pumpkins are planted in hills, four to five seeds per hill, one inch deep, which are then thinned to two or three plants once they come up. Pumpkins need approximately 75 square feet per hill and the hills are planted six feet apart. Semi-vine varieties are planted in hills four feet apart, while the bush variety is planted in rows, two seeds for every foot in a row. Allow 10 feet between each row.

Harvest Time

Pumpkins are ready to harvest when they are a solid color and the outer shell is hard, which is usually late September or early October. Pumpkins have to be cut from the vine using a sharp knife and gardeners should leave about a three-inch stem attached to the pumpkin. The attached stem will allow the pumpkin to last longer. Only use pumpkins that are not cut, bruised, or damaged by frost. Pumpkins should be stored in a dry area where the temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

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