This Halloween, imagine carving a jack-o-lantern from seeds you grew in your backyard. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to grow pumpkins. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting your crop. Remember, the secret to pumpkin harvesting is a garden planner.
A garden planner will help you plan your garden space effectively and ensure that your pumpkins have enough space to grow. These are fruit seeds and pumpkins need a lot of space to grow into beautiful fall favorites.
Choose the right pumpkin seeds
Pumpkins come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but first on your list you should choose the best variety for your project. Here are the ones I liked the most:
Pumpkin carving: These very popular pumpkins are perfect for making Halloween jack-o-lanterns. It features a thick inner wall and a smooth surface, allowing for endless sculptural details in terms of creativity.
Pie pumpkins: The sweetest and most delicious of the smaller varieties, pumpkins are the most popular and easy way to bake great pie creations.
Miniature Pumpkins: These cute little pumpkins are often used as centerpiece display decorations or table decorations. Available in a variety of colors, you can use them as is or get creative with your designs.
Now the question arises where to buy pumpkin seeds. Here are some reliable sources.
Online Seed Vendors: Garden Savvy’s extensive seed supplier section is your go-to resource for finding the highest quality seed vendors. We have carefully curated a list of reputable online seed vendors known for their excellent products and customer service. Be sure to check reviews and ratings to choose the best source for your pumpkin growing needs.
Local garden centers: Check to see if your local garden center or nursery carries pumpkin seeds. It also provides helpful advice about which types work well in specific locales.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing good seeds.
Freshness: Look for seeds that were harvested during the current growing season. This is the period when the germination rate is highest.
Variety: When choosing a variety, look for one that lists the type of pumpkin you want to grow.
Packet information: Select a packet that provides detailed information such as how to plant and when to harvest.
Preparation for planting
Now that you have some great seeds, it’s time to prepare your garden for future pumpkins.
Pumpkin plants are sprawling, so they need space to grow. Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure the area has good soil drainage to avoid possible root rot.
To prepare the soil, pumpkins need a well-drained, fertile, loose, and organic-rich environment. Amending your garden bed with compost or aged manure will give you all the nutrients you need to grow a healthy crop of pumpkins.
Use a garden planner
Remember that garden planner we referenced? This is where Garden Savvy’s Hortisketch comes into play on your pumpkin picking journey. Use a digital garden planner to create a plan to properly space your pumpkin plants, including growing space, row space, and planting depth.
Print the plan or screenshot and use it on your mobile device. You can also use the notes feature if you need to remember your favorite pumpkin supplier or which pumpkin seed varieties were the best.
plant pumpkin seeds
Now comes the fun part: planting the seeds. Here’s how:
Wait for warm soil: There’s no need to rush. Wait until the soil temperature is at least 70°F (21°C).
Prepare the planting hole: When growing pumpkins, dig holes approximately 1 inch deep, spacing them according to the needs of your chosen variety (see seed packet instructions for specific spacing requirements) ).
Sowing seeds: Drop 2-3 seeds into each hole and cover lightly with soil.
Water well: Water the planting site thoroughly without washing away the seeds.
Best time to plant: Depending on the climate zone you live in, the best time to plant pumpkin seeds may vary. Generally, wait until the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 50°F (10°C).
grow pumpkins
Once you’ve planted the seeds in the ground, it’s almost time to take care of your pumpkin.
Watering: Pumpkins require constant moisture, especially in hot weather. Water the roots deeply every few days. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizer: Once your plant has a few true leaves, start feeding it with a balanced fertilizer according to the product instructions.
Pest and disease management: Watch out for two common pests and diseases on these plants: squash bug and powdery mildew.
Harvesting and using pumpkins
The part everyone is waiting for is the harvest! But how do you know if your pumpkin is already ripe?
Signs of ripeness: Look for a hard, inedible orange skin. It’s no longer green. The stems will also turn brown and begin to dry out.
To harvest: Carefully cut the pumpkin from the vine using pruning shears. Leave the stems attached a few inches to prevent spoilage during storage.
what to do with pumpkin
The best part is that you can use homemade pumpkin.
Jack O’Lantern Carving: Get into the Halloween spirit by crafting a funny, scary, or fun face on your pumpkin! This is a classic family activity that’s perfect for the fall season. For a friendly competition, hold a contest to see who can create the best one.
Make delicious treats: Use pie pumpkins to bake delicious pumpkin pies, muffins, and breads. There are lots of inspirational recipes online.
Roast pumpkin seeds: Don’t waste them. Clean and roast them for a delicious and healthy snack.
Ornamental pumpkins: Small pumpkins can also be used to create beautiful fall designs. You can also paint it and admire its natural beauty as a table centerpiece or front porch decoration.
Growing pumpkins is a fulfilling experience that not only gives you a sense of accomplishment, but also provides fun and decorative rewards. If you choose the right seeds and take proper care of your plants, you’ll have a bountiful harvest of pumpkins this season. Please remember. With some planning and a little creativity, you might be able to carve your own homemade jack-o-lantern by Halloween this year.
