Plant: Pumpkins

Garden Prep Pointers: 

*Select full sun location where these plants have NOT been planted within the past 24months: Zucchini, Squash or melons (of any sort) cucumbers, or pumpkins

*Till soil thoroughly, mix in 15-15-15, or organic fertilizer (amount specified on package).

Planting Season: 

*Seeds: direct sow into garden early June

*Transplants: Plant outside early June

Plant Selection Tips: 

*Healthy transplants or seeds both work well.

*Choose small, bushy plants, with dark green color and 2-6 leaves. 

*Choose plants in ‘peat pots’ which are  bio-degradable and you may plant the pot and all, preventing you from needing to remove the especially fragile zucchini plant from a plastic pot.

Planting Guide:

*Seeds: Plant 3 seeds 8-12” apart in a triangle on a 24” wide by 6” tall mound.

*Plants: Plant 24” apart on long mound. (mound varies by user, it helps to keep fruit out of mud.

*Planting through black plastic sheet helps warm soil, prevent weeds, and protect fruit from mud and disease, without additional labor or chemicals

Planting Notes: 

*Seeds: Plant about 1.5” deep.

*Peat Pot: tear bottom of pot away with thumb, bury pot with plant inside up to top of pot. 

*Water thoroughly (both cases).   

Upkeep:

*After planting, avoid fertilizing again until fruit set.  Upon fruit set apply one more dose of liquid or granular fertilizer.

*Water daily, plastic mulch helps retain moisture in soil if one day is missed.

Fruiting Habits:

            *Plants usually fruit 3-3.5 months after planting.

            *Each Plant typically yields 5-6 fruit, depending on the type of winter squash.

Growers Favorite Varieties:

            *Dill's Atlantic Giant

            *Aladdin

Grower Notes:

*When planting on plastic, place soaker hose under plastic, OR puncture holes in coffee can or similar container, set into ground next to plant and fill can to water plant.

*Proper pest control is important with pumpkins and squash to prevent the spread of cucumber beetles whom bring in several diseases.  Organic Oils are a great solution. 

Fruits of Knowledge:

            *Try to avoid planting pumpkins earlier than June otherwise you'll end up with August pumpkins.  If this does happen though, give us a call as we can suggest an excellent pumpkin pie recipe!