Last month, we discussed sowing a batch of popping corn, and now it’s time to plant some pumpkins at their base. I start pumpkins around June because it’s just the right timing for them to cure on the vine and be ready for Halloween carving or a festive fall display.

I typically sow seeds, but I also like to visit the local nursery, specifically Harmony Farms, because they always have strong starts and exciting varieties. Starting both starts and seeds also offsets the timing for harvest, so I don’t have 50 pumpkins ready all at once. Take some time to think about what you will be using your pumpkins for and plant accordingly. I love lining my entry steps with colorful and differently shaped varieties, but I plant only one vine for obscure types that I only want a few of. Pumpkins are monoecious, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same plant, and you will not need more than one of each variety for pollination. It varies with each type, but you can typically count on at least 4-6 from each plant. I put in at least three plants for a bigger harvest of the large and carving pumpkins. If you’re planting from seed, sow at least two per hole just in case one doesn’t sprout.

Pumpkins require relatively little effort if you get them started off right. Ensure they have a boost of organic fertilizer from the beginning and feed regularly throughout the season to maintain healthy vines and fruit. Provide plenty of room to spread out, and If you’re gardening in raised beds, situate them near the edge and let them flow out of the box. As the fruit forms, I place a piece of cardboard underneath each one so it won’t get soft when it comes in contact with the dirt. When the pumpkin is about the size of a cantaloupe, I turn them to rest on their bottoms to guarantee well-rounded growth that is perfect for decorative use and carving. You’ll know when your pumpkin is ready to harvest, when they have reached full color, and the rind is hard. Additionally, the stem should be dry and starting to crack.

After picking your pumpkin from the vine, it’s ready to be placed in a cool environment and out of direct sunlight.

I’ll leave you with some notable mentions for star performers that are both edible and festive: Jarrahdale (medium blue-green) and Connecticut Field or Spookie (perfect mid-sized carvers). My all-time favorite mid-sized pumpkin is Cinderella’s Carriage because of its gorgeous red-orange color and the fact that it looks ready to pick up Cinderella for the ball.

Pumpkin Lineup- Flat White Boer- Baby Boo- Cinderella- Spookie- Connecticut Field

Jack-Be-Little and Baby Boo (white) are cute 2-4 inch mini pumpkins that produce well. I also like throwing in Turk’s Turban and Festival Acorn or other warty varieties for added interest in a display.

There are many wonderful heirlooms out there, so definitely visit the seed section at Ace Hardware in Sebastopol or Harmony to find your new favorite. Buckle up the gardening season is nearly in full swing. Happy gardening!