From Jack-O-Lanterns to pumpkin pies, pumpkins have a great tradition following the fall harvest season. Fortunately, for home gardeners, growing pumpkins is really not that difficult.
As with most vegetable crops a soil with good drainage characteristics is ideal. A sandy loam, if possible at your location, is best. However, adding compost to just about any soil type will increase the drainage and organic matter content.
Planting pumpkins should not be undertaken until the nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees. They are very sensitive to cold and will not germinate well until the soil has warmed.
Many gardeners prefer to plant pumpkins in mounds. They can also be planted in rows if desired. But always remember that pumpkins spread a lot and should typically be given about 36 square feet of ground. An example would be to plant mounds 6 feet apart with no other crops planted in between.
Watering should be deep and infrequent. This is not to say you should let pumpkins wilt, but simply maintain a constant deep soil moisture while not allowing the surface to dry out considerably. The best method is to use a drip irrigation system where you can slowly apply lots of water every 4-5 days.
Drip irrigation will also help avoid some of the common diseases that attack pumpkins, such as downy mildew. Downy mildew is caused by the Pseudoperonospora cubensis fungus. Its growth is encouraged when the temperatures are lower and the leaves are moist. It first appears as yellow spots on the foliage. As the disease progresses it turns brown, then black. Using drip irrigation along with providing ample space to encourage good air flow will help to reduce the odds of disease.
Powdery mildew, caused by a different type of fungus, is another problem affecting pumpkins. It appears as a white mold on the leaves. However, unlike downy mildew, this type tends to occur in warmer weather. But, like downy mildew, it is encouraged by the same bad watering methods. That's actually good, since implementing one good technique can combat multiple problems.
Unfortunately, fungi aren't the only enemies of pumpkins. Cucumber beetles and squash bugs are common pests for this plant. These insects can be controlled by hand squishing or by using one of the many organic pesticide options available today.
With a little care pumpkins will be ready for harvest in 3-4 months in most regions. Their growth habit is to turn from green to the familiar orange color.
If you are growing pumpkins this season, or you have in the past, please share your experiences in the comments section below.
