How to Grow Pumpkins in Your Garden or Pot

The important thing is that the climbing plant receives good sun exposure, in fresh, fertile soil, well-worked (30-35 centimeters) and fertilized. Pumpkins can thrive in the garden or even in a simple pot. Rich in essential health benefits and very versatile in the kitchen, pumpkins are also an easy vegetable to grow. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Central America and present in numerous varieties, pumpkins are low in calories but rich in water, carotenes, vitamins A and C, fiber, and important minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium . A food to be served often, without forgetting its seeds : not only a healthy snack between meals and a perfect ingredient for salads or to add to bread dough, but also an important source of protein, Omega-3s, and iron. Growing pumpkins in your own garden is not difficult at all: the important thing is to choose the right season and provide the plant with the best conditions, such as well-drained soil and good exposure to the sun. Here then, step by step, is how to proceed to grow pumpkins.

Index of topics

When to grow pumpkins

Pumpkins should be planted when there's no longer any risk of frost. Late spring or early summer are the best times (the optimal temperature is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius), but be careful: to have ripe pumpkins for Halloween, you need to plant them in late July. Planting them any earlier will force you to harvest them in September and store them for more than a month.

The terrain

It's important to know that pumpkins require space to grow: the plant grows by branching through the soil, and its shoots can reach up to 10 cm in length. It's also essential that the soil be well-fertilized and rich in organic matter; a good solution is to use a macerated nettle and well-rotted manure. Make sure the soil is soft and well-drained. Remove all weeds from the soil and loosen it with a rake. It's also important to check the plant for beetles , which feed on the leaves and flowers, near the plant. Placing the fruit on a wooden shelf can be a smart way to prevent it from attracting insects.

Climate

The chosen area must be illuminated by the sun throughout the day, because pumpkins need a lot of light to grow and take on their typical bright color.

Semina

If you live in particularly cold areas, consider starting pumpkin cultivation as soon as temperatures stabilize at 10-12 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, place the seeds in some pots indoors and then, once the period of particularly cold and frosty days has passed, transplant them into the ground. If you live in areas with milder climates and no risk of frost, plant the seeds between April and May. Place 3-4 seeds in holes about 3-4 cm deep. As soon as the seedlings begin to emerge, thin them out: keep the strongest and most robust seedlings and eliminate the weakest ones. The first step is to dig large holes and fill them with compost a few days before sowing, to prepare the soil for planting. Pumpkin seeds for planting must be chosen carefully: when it comes to winter squash, the most common types are large pumpkins (those used for Halloween, whose flesh isn't actually very tasty), small pumpkins (often used as ornaments), and dessert pumpkins (grown for food).

Watering

Pumpkin plants should be watered in the morning and when the soil is dry. Avoid wetting the leaves: moisture encourages the development of a fungus called powdery mildew, which kills the plant. The more pumpkins grow, the more watering should be limited: before harvesting, it's best to stop watering altogether.

Collection

Pumpkins are typically harvested from September through November. They can be picked when the outside is bright orange, while the stem and leaves begin to dry. If the pumpkin is soft, don't pick it; it will rot quickly. The stem should be cut with shears (not torn), leaving a few centimeters attached to the fruit. Finally, pumpkins should be stored in a sunny, dry place and don't require refrigeration.

How to grow pumpkins in pots

If you live in the city and don't have a garden, you can also grow pumpkins on your balcony or terrace, using a large enough pot. Obviously, we won't be talking about large pumpkins, but rather the smaller, orange ones used as ornamentals. Here's how to best grow them.

Choose a pot of suitable size, both in width and depth, for each pumpkin, in order to encourage its growth.
Start sowing in spring, inserting the seeds manually 3-4 centimetres deep and then covering them with further handfuls of soil.
It is necessary for pumpkin plants frequent and abundant wateringHowever, you shouldn't get carried away and turn the soil of the pot into a puddle, as this would be the best way to encourage the growth of fungi, which are lethal for pumpkins.
Ornamental pumpkin plants are climbers and therefore need a support to lean on: wooden stakes will be perfect to encourage their growth.

The diseases

The main diseases and most dangerous pests of pumpkin are:

Whiteflies: when the leaves turn yellow due to the presence of small whiteflies
Snails: they eat the leaves and destroy them
Powdery mildew: the leaves become covered with white powdery spots
Mold: leaves, stems and fruits become covered with soft spots
Aphids: they damage the plant and fruit

Pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin is an excellent ingredient for first courses, vegetarian main courses, and very special desserts. Here are some recipes from the website Non sprecare.

Lasagna with pumpkinWith vegetable broth and grated cheese: children love them.
Fried pumpkinIt's prepared in stick shape, like chips. And it's served with various types of sauce.
Chickpea and pumpkin soupOne of the healthiest and tastiest soups at the same time.
Pumpkin Burger. Excellent alternative to meat.
Pumpkin CookiesIdeal for breakfast and to accompany a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Growing pumpkins in the garden or in a pot