May 7
Growing Pumpkins


Many of you know my plan this summer is to convert another part of my pasture into a pumpkin patch. Though it will be challenging; it will also be lot of fun, because I have never grown pumpkins before.

In my research, rather combing through many garden books, including The Perfect Pumpkin by Gail Damerow, I have gathered a great deal of knowledge and also enlisted the help of a friend of mine, who grows vegetables and sells them at several daily markets around the Madison, WI area. The best news he told me was not to plant my pumpkin seeds until the middle of June, which will allow for the right color around Halloween. I was so excited to hear that, because June is the time I normally get into the garden. During May, I spend most of my awake time in the garden center at Sargent’s North, so my garden takes a back seat while I help all of you with your gardens.

For starters, pumpkins need a sunny area, wind protection, an acidic pH, rich soil and plenty of space. Pumpkins grow on vines along the ground, and when you plant them in the garden, you will want to plant seeds in hills, wells or rows. Each way has its’ advantage, and I think I will plant my pumpkin garden in hills, with each hill having 4 or 5 seeds. The time to plant in our area is going to be late May to early June, depending on when you want them to harvest. Once the seeds germinate and begin to grow, I will have to thin the hill to only 1 or 2 plants per hill. That is the hardest thing about gardening! I hate killing plants. In fact, I usually avoid thinning, but I relearn every year the importance of doing it. It decreases competition between the plants, allows space and keeps the area full of enough nutrients for the plants. Vines can grow up to 12’ long, so you can see where space is valuable for the growth of pumpkins. Their large leaves will soak up the sun and convert energy into a male or female flower and then the female flower will produce a fruiting pumpkin. The process seems so easy; however, pumpkins are heavy feeders, so it will be best if I add compost manure to the garden this spring and also fertilize during the summer with a 10-8-10 fertilizer. To allow all soil nutrients for the pumpkins, it is best to keep weeds at a minimum. Applying a layer of mulch, wood shavings, straw or a plastic sheet will keep in moisture and also reduce weed growth. At this point, you really just watch your pumpkins grow. They will grow very fast almost before your eyes. When the pumpkins are 5-8 inches in size, carve your name in the pumpkin for an interesting twist in the fall. The pumpkin will continue to grow and there will be a scar where the name was imprinted. This is a fun project to do with the kids. Another idea I have learned is shaping pumpkins. When pumpkins are small, set a couple into milk cartons. They will become the shape of the cartons filling out the corners, creating a box shape. In the fall, your pumpkins will be ready to pick when the vines and leaves shrivel. However, pumpkins should be harvested before the first hard frost. Pumpkins really seem like they’ll be low maintenance and I hope so, but I’m looking forward to them, either way.

Fun Facts about Pumpkins
Illinois produces the most pumpkins, followed by California.
In 1996, a pumpkin was grown that weighed over 1,000 pounds!! That’s a lot of pumpkin pie!!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments on your garden.
I can be reached at wajasper@sargentsgardens.com

Happy Gardening!
Wendy Jasper
MNLA Certified Professional

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