How To Grow Pumpkins

Growing Pumpkins Pumpkins are in one word, wonderful. They symbolize that fall is here, and holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving are upon us. They make wonderful pies and even help us to decorate our homes. How about growing your pumpkin patch? Most people are scared about growing these fall time beauties, but there is no need for that. Here are some tips on growing pumpkins. The beginner needs to know the pumpkin needs a long growing season. They need at least seventy-five to one hundred frost free days of growth. Be prepared to put the seeds right into the soil as frost is passed, and the soil has warmed up. If you live in particularly cold areas, you can start these three to four weeks before the last frost and then transplant them. Before planting, get your soil ready by adding organic material such as composted manure six or seven inches of soil to help improve the soil and give it a boost. It needs to be done for each hill. Pumpkins grow in hills that are about six inches wide. These are not raised mounds and should be spaced about two to three feet apart to allow for proper growth and development. If you plant in rows, space them about six feet apart. In each hill, plant the seed about an inch in the ground. Most experts recommend leaving a small dent in the top of the hill to promote water to soak into the roots. Keep the planting area mulched to keep weeds out and moisture in and be careful when doing maintenance as pumpkins have shallow root systems. After a few pumpkins have formed on the vine, pinch off the fuzzy ends to promote new growth. Also visit these every day to make sure no pests or diseases have infested the area. Stay on alert for cucumber beetles or squash bugs. Also, unless frost is predicted do not harvest the pumpkins until the vine dies. In addition, do not grab, carry or hold the pumpkins by the stem because if the stem breaks off this will cause rot in the pumpkins. Pumpkins are beautiful and easy to grow and will add color and variety to your gardening area. Give growing pumpkins a shot and change things up! Buy plants online at Garden Plants Nursery