Planting Pumpkin

Plant 4-5 seeds in each hole, 2cm (1") deep with at least 90cm (36") between plants and the same distance between rows. Pumpkin prefers well-draining moist soil rich in organic matter, and thrives in full sun. Mix manure and/or compost into your soil 2-3 weeks before planting if soil quality is poor.

Growing Pumpkin

Once the pumpkin has grown a set of true leaves, thin each spot so only the 2-3 strongest plants remain, by cutting them at the base to avoid disturbing the roots. For vining pumpkin varieties in smaller gardens, training the vines up a fence or trellis will help to save space, which has the added benefit of protecting fruit from damage on the ground. However, additional support will be required as the fruit matures to prevent damage to the plant. Pumpkin thrives in moist (but not wet) soil, and will greatly benefit from mulch to discourage evaporation and protect the very shallow roots. When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can encourage diseases which would damage the plant. Inconsistent watering can affect the shape and flavour of your pumpkins, so keep track of your watering schedule. When the pumpkin plant is roughly 30cm (12") tall, or as vines begin to run, fertilise every 2-3 weeks with a high-nitrogen fertiliser. Once flowers appear, treat instead with a high-phosphorous fertiliser to encourage flower and fruit growth.

If your pumpkin plants aren't producing fruit, first check to see if both male and female flowers are open. The male flowers grow on thin stalks, and the female flowers grow on the ends of small, immature fruits. If both are open and there's still no fruit developing, you may need to assist with pollination. Using a cotton swab, gently collect pollen from inside a male flower and transfer it to a female flower. As fruit develops, gently lift it and place cardboard between it and the soil to prevent rotting.

Keep checking for blossom end rot, which looks like a dark bruise on the bottom of affected fruits. Blossom end rot signals that the fruit isn't receiving enough calcium, and is usually caused by inconsistent watering. Remove and destroy damaged fruit, and evaluate your watering schedule.

Harvesting Pumpkin

Pumpkin is ready to harvest once the stem hardens and the skin is a deep colour (usually orange for most varieties). Tapping it with your finger should produce a hollow sound, the skin should feel hard, and should resist when pressed with your fingernail. Cut the pumpkin from the vine, preferably leaving roughly 10cm (4") of stem attached to the fruit. Pumpkins can bruise easily, so be careful when handling them. Pumpkin should be "cured" for a week before storage, preferably in a dry, sunny location, but a well-ventilated indoor space will suffice if conditions are poor. Once cured, store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.