Pumpkin
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How to Plant Pumpkins Successfully
Planting pumpkins is the first step to a great harvest. Whether you start seeds indoors for a head start or sow them directly into warm garden soil, success begins with the right techniques. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plant pumpkins at just the right time and protect […] More
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How to Grow Pumpkins in Containers
Think you need a sprawling backyard to grow pumpkins? Think again! With the right container and a compact variety, you can enjoy homegrown pumpkins even on a patio or balcony. Here’s my guide to growing pumpkins in containers, including choosing the right size pot, the best soil mix, and essential care tips. Can You Really […] More
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Best Companion Plants for Pumpkins
Pumpkins thrive when they have the right neighbors! Companion planting is a natural way to help pumpkins grow strong, reduce pests, and even improve yields. In this post, I’ll share my favorite companion plants for pumpkins and a few combinations to avoid. After growing pumpkins for more than 20 years in both garden beds and […] More
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Watering, Feeding, and Caring for Pumpkins: A Complete Guide
Caring for pumpkins isn’t complicated, but consistent watering, the right feeding schedule, and smart mulching can make a huge difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step approach to growing healthy, vigorous pumpkin vines with fewer issues along the way. Watering Pumpkins Water pumpkin seedlings well, and keep the soil moist throughout the […] More
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in How to Grow
Fascinating Facts About Pumpkins
Pumpkins are one of the most iconic symbols of autumn, but there’s so much more to these colorful fruits than meets the eye. After years of growing many types of pumpkins—from miniature varieties to giant competition pumpkins—I’ve come to appreciate just how fascinating they truly are. Here’s a closer look at some fun and surprising […] More
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in How to Grow, Planting
How to Grow Pumpkins: Complete Guide from Planting to Harvest
Pumpkins are one of the most rewarding crops to grow. From planting seeds in spring to harvesting big, beautiful fruits in fall, every step of the journey offers something exciting—and delicious!I’ve been growing pumpkins for more than 20 years, from backyard gardens to container setups on patios. Over the seasons, I’ve learned firsthand what works […] More
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Choosing the Right Pumpkin: Cooking vs Carving
Every fall, pumpkins take center stage—from kitchen tables to front porches. But before you grab the first bright orange squash you see, it’s important to know: some pumpkins are better for cooking, and some are better for carving.I’ve grown and cooked with pumpkins for years, and choosing the right type really does make a big […] More
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Pumpkin Varieties You’ll Love to Grow
Pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—from cute minis to giant showstoppers. Over the years, I’ve grown dozens of varieties in my home garden, and today I’m excited to share some of the best pumpkins for different uses: eating, decorating, and even competing at the county fair! With more than 30 years of hands-on […] More
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The Fun Legend Behind the Jack-o’-Lantern
Cut off the top of your pumpkin, scoop out the seeds, carve a face in the flesh, place a candle inside, and replace the top. That is the story of the Jack-o’-Lantern.Well, not quite. If you’re ready to carve your own Jack-o’-Lantern, pumpkin varieties like ‘Autumn Gold’ and ‘Jack-o’-Lantern’ are perfect—they have the ideal size, […] More
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Pumpkin Seed Starting Tips
Growing pumpkins has been a rewarding part of my gardening experience for more than 30 years. As a warm-weather crop, pumpkins thrive when planted under the right conditions—and timing is key to a successful harvest. Pumpkins are technically a type of winter squash, grown through the heat of summer and ready to harvest just as […] More
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How and When to Harvest Pumpkins
Harvesting pumpkins at just the right time is key to rich flavor and long storage life. I’ll show you how to tell when pumpkins are ripe, the best way to harvest without damaging the fruit, and how to cure them for maximum freshness. Pumpkins are ready for harvest 75 to 115 days from sowing depending […] More
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How to Plant and Grow Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a warm-season annual that requires from 90 to 120 frost-free days to reach harvest. Grow pumpkins in the warmest, frost-free part of the year. Sow pumpkin seed or set out transplants about 2 weeks after the last expected frost in spring. Sow or plant a successive crop 4 weeks later. Sow pumpkin seeds […] More
Stephen Albert
