ADVERTISEMENT
- Choose the right variety
Select a pumpkin variety suited to your climate and intended use.
Popular varieties: ‘Jack O’ Lantern’ for carving, ‘Sugar Pie’ for cooking. - Planting time
Plant from late spring to early summer, once the risk of frost has passed.
Make sure the soil temperature is above 70°F (21°C). - Soil preparation
Use fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. - Sow seeds
Sow seeds directly in the garden in small hills or mounds.
Space hills 4 to 6 feet apart, plant 2 to 3 seeds per hill, 1 inch deep.
Thin out to the strongest seedlings per hill after they germinate. - Watering and feeding
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Water at the base of the plants to avoid fungal diseases.
Fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer first, then switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer when flowering. - Pollination
Attract bees for pollination by planting flowers nearby.
Avoid using pesticides that can harm pollinators. - Continued on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
Pages: 1 2
