Pumpkins are the largest fruit in the world, and pumpkin plants take up a lot of space! However, if you have a long growing season, they are worth the wait. Whether you use them for carving or cooking, pumpkins do not disappoint. Here are tips from The Old Farmer’s Almanac on growing pumpkins, harvesting, and dealing with pumpkin sprawl. Planting

By fall, it’s harvesting time for pumpkins. If your pumpkins did fruit or grow well, it may be helpful to review this checklist: - Did you leave a long enough growing season (from 75 to 100 frost-free days) in between your spring and fall frost? See local frost charts. - Did you select a site with lots of space for the sprawling vines? - Did you plant your seeds with an abundance of old manure dug deep into the ground, ideally creating a “pumpkin hill?” - Did you keep the soil moist and thoroughly warmed? Optimal soil temperature for germination is 60 to 65F. Pumpkins need one inch of water per week, with deep watering during fruit set. - Did you give the vines enough room to spread? Vine varieties must be planted 5 feet apart. Rows should be about 12 feet apart. - Did you have attract enough bees to your garden to pollinate the flowers? (If not, grow some colorful flowers next to your pumpkin patch next year and you may get more bees and butterflies!) - Did you give your pumpkins a regular treatment of manure or compost mixed with water to sustain good growth? Dealing With Pumpkin Spread

- Most small vine varieties can be trained up a trellis. - Larger varieties can be trained upward on a trellis, too--though it is an engineering challenge to support the fruit--usually with netting or old stockings. - Pumpkin vines, though obstinate, are very delicate. Take care not to damage vines, which reduces the quality of fruit. - Pruning the vines may help with space as well as allow the plant’s energy to be concentrated on the remaining vines and fruit. - Gardeners who are looking for a "prize for size" pumpkin might select the two or three prime candidates and remove all other fruit and vines. - As the fruit develops, they should be turned (with great care not to hurt the vine or stem) to encourage an even shape. - Remember that pumpkins are tender from planting to harvest. Control weeds with mulch. Do not overcultivate, or their very shallow roots may be damaged. Harvesting/Storage Tips

- Do not pick pumpkins off the vine because they have reached your desired size. Wait until they mature. If you want small pumpkins, buy a small variety. - Cut fruit off the vine, do not tear. Be sure not to cut too close to the pumpkin; a liberal amount of stem will increase the pumpkin’s keeping time. - Pumpkins should be cured in the sun for about a week to toughen the skin and then stored in a cool bedroom or cellar--anywhere around 55F. Recipes

- Pumpkin Tortilla Soup- Pumpkin Biscuits- Blue Ribbon Pumpkin PieEnjoy this video on How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe. See many more recipes using pumpkin. Cooking Notes- See how to clean a pumpkin for cooking. - Don’t forget about the seeds! Roast them with salt or cinnamon for a tasty treat. Wit & Wisdom

- Did you know? A slice of pumpkin pie before bedtime may help you to sleep. - Learn about the history of carving pumpkins. See more on how to plant, grow, and harvest pumpkins.

Report a Typo