Pumpkins: Growing

How do you grow a pumpkin?

1. Preparing the Pumpkin Patch

Before you plant your first pumpkin, you’ll need to pick a spot where the vines can spread out. Garden Beast recommends giving 4-10 feet between pumpkin plants, depending on the variety. I’ve seen other sites say that some varieties can sprawl up to 17 feet!

Next, you’ll need to work on the soil. Pumpkins like loamy soil, so if your garden patch is mostly clay or sand, you’ll have some work to do. 

Of course, it is possible to plant pumpkins in any type of soil, but they might not grow well. The plants might be smaller than the package advertises. You might end up with plants that have a lot of leaves but don’t produce fruit. The pumpkin plants might have other problems or simply fail to thrive.

Dirt Connections explains what loam soil is and how to achieve it in your garden. It’s a years-long process, so be patient and persistent!

2. Selecting Pumpkin Varieties

When you’re ready to plant, select a pumpkin variety that you like and is suited to your space. 
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These are some questions to help you pick the best pumpkin for your garden.

1. Do you want a small or large pumpkin? 
2. What color do you want? 
3. Is the main purpose to eat the pumpkin or use it for decoration?
4. Do you want heirloom or newer varieties?
5. How much space will the pumpkin have to grow? 

The answers to these questions will narrow down the type of pumpkins for you to pick from.

3. Planting and Growing Pumpkins

Pumpkins are best planted in late spring or early summer - pumpkins like warm weather and lots of sun. The variety you pick will recommend a planting time for where you live.

You can plant pumpkin seeds directly in your garden or start seeds indoors and transplant the seedlings when it gets warm enough.

Pumpkins will grow best with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, a weekly deep watering, and a fertilizer feed every week or two.

Once fruit begins to form, you may want to put it on a brick or something similar to keep it off the ground. This can help the mature fruit to look prettier. You may also choose to cut away any leaves shading the developing fruit so that it gets enough sun to grow to its full potential.

Gardeners’ World has tips on growing pumpkins and storing mature fruit.