Pumpkins: The Quintessential Fall Crop

A type of squash, pumpkins are famous as Halloween decorations, but many varieties are excellent substitutes for winter squash in soups and stews.

About This Plant

Pumpkins are the quintessential fall crop. Varieties differ: some for carving jack-o'-lanterns, some bred for cooking, others for tasty seeds. "Atlantic Giant" types are bred purely for size—they can be enormous. Pumpkins vine extensively and require plenty of space.

Site Selection

Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Loosen soil to 12–15 inches and mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.

Planting Instructions

Pumpkins need 75–100 frost-free days. Direct-sow after all frost danger passes and soil warms. Plant 6 seeds 1 inch deep in a 2-foot-diameter circle. Space circles 2–3 feet apart in rows 6–8 feet apart. In the far North, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; transplant 2–3 per circle after frost danger passes and plants have ~6 leaves.

Care

When several true leaves appear, thin each circle to the healthiest 2–3 plants. Mulch to suppress weeds; avoid over-cultivation (shallow roots). Water during summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Pinch off fuzzy vine ends after a few pumpkins form. Contact your extension office for cucumber beetle and squash bug controls.

Harvesting

First sign of ripeness: deep skin color. Thump with fingers—a ripe pumpkin sounds hollow. Press fingernail into skin; if it resists puncture, it's ripe. Cut from vine with a sharp knife or pruners, leaving a long stem as a handle.