Pumpkins are a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden. They require minimal care and can thrive in various settings, making them perfect for novice gardeners. This guide will walk you through the essentials of how to grow pumpkins, from sowing seeds to harvesting mature fruits.
How to grow Pumpkins
Pumpkins, a type of winter squash, are usually grown from seeds sown indoors in spring, then transplanted outside after the last frost. Pumpkins need a warm, sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil and with the right conditions, they can produce a huge amount of colorful, flavorful fruits.
Sowing and Planting Out
Sow pumpkin seeds indoors from mid to late April. Use 3-inch pots filled with multi-purpose compost, placing the seeds on their sides about half an inch deep. Keep the pots in a warm, light area and water them regularly until the seedlings are ready to transplant.
In late May or early June, after the last frost, harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions. Dig holes about 1-2 feet wide and deep, and fill them with well-rotted manure or compost as pumpkins are hungry plants. Space the holes at least 3 feet apart for bush varieties and 5 feet apart for trailing types. Protect young plants from slugs and snails with cloches or other barriers.
Plant Care
Pumpkins need plenty of water, especially during dry spells. Sink a small pot next to each plant and water into this to direct moisture to the roots. Applying mulch around the plants will help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth, but leave a gap around the stems to prevent rotting.
As the first fruits begin to form, feed the plants every 10-14 days with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer. Support developing fruits on bricks or tiles to keep them off the damp soil and expose them to full sun to aid ripening. For larger fruits, limit the number to two or three per plant.
Pruning and Training
If space is limited, you can train the stems in a circle or trim any that extend beyond their bounds. Trailing varieties can be trained up sturdy supports, but ensure the supports can bear the weight of the growing fruits.
Harvesting
Harvest pumpkins when they are fully colored and their skins have hardened, usually in autumn before the first frost. Cut the fruits from the plant, leaving a long stem attached to help them store better.
To prepare pumpkins for storage, cure them in the sun for a week to 10 days to toughen the skins. Store them in a well-ventilated place at 10-15°C, checking regularly for signs of rot. You can store pumpkins for several months if you store them properly.
Varieties
Consider planting varieties known for their productivity and flavor:
- Jack O’ Lantern (Trailing): Bred specifically for Halloween carving, Jack O’ Lanterns can also be used for pies, cakes, and soups. The seeds are great to eat roasted, too! Great for young gardeners.
- Big Max: A very large pumpkin, will reach a weight of 45kg with a very sweet tasting flesh.
- Snowman: An amazingly gorgeous white version of the ever-favourite Jack O’ Lantern.