How To Plant, Grow, And Harvest Pumpkins

Let’s give ‘em pumpkin to talk about! Have you ever dreamed of having a pumpkin patch, but you just don’t know where to start? How do you know when pumpkins are ready to be picked? Can you leave them on the vine too long? How do you cure a pumpkin so that it lasts? See our Pumpkin Growing Guide, which covers everything from planting to harvesting.

About Pumpkins

Did you know pumpkins have been grown in North America for almost 5,000 years? This native plant is a lot of fun to grow.

There are two requirements for growing this winter squash: 1) Having the space to grow them [ideally 1,000 square feet per plant for giant types, 50 to 100 square feet for regular-size varieties, and about 15 to 36 square feet for miniature types] and 2) having a long growing season [generally 75 to 100 frost-free days]. Growers in northern locations need to plant by late May; in southern states, plant by early July.

Pumpkins do require a lot of nourishment. That said, pumpkins are easy to maintain.

Of autumn’s wine, now drink your fill;The frost’s on the pumpkin, and snow’s on the hill. –The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1993

Tag » When Should You Plant Pumpkins