Darrell Geissler is a farmer who grows thousands of heirloom and hybrid pumpkins in Iowa.
Choose Pumpkins Wisely
Pumpkins come in many different types with interesting colors, shapes, and even textures.
Smaller bush or semi-bush types grow vines about 5-10 feet long, which are better for more modest-size gardens.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
And while all pumpkins are edible, some taste far better than others.
For smaller types, trainingthem onto a trellisis possible, which helps maximize your growing space.
The seeds will germinate in about a week.
Credit: Tony Demin
Don’t skip the step of removing extra seedlings.
Keep Plants Well-Watered and Fed
Giving pumpkins sufficient water and fertilizer is key to growing nice, large pumpkins.
Also, avoid getting water on the leaves to help keep powdery mildew at bay.
This fungus not only damages leaves, but it can also get into the fruit and ruin it.
If you want to grow pumpkins long-term, adrip irrigation systemmight be a good investment to help avoid diseases.
In addition to adding compost before planting,use it as a mulcharound your plants once they grow.
Toprevent powdery mildew, plant varieties that are resistant to fungal diseases.
There are also several other preventative measures you might take.
Once the disease hits, treating it as soon you notice it is crucial, as it spreads fast.
The skin also becomes leathery.
If you poke it with your fingernail, it will spring right back, says Geissler.
To help a harvested pumpkin last longer, Geissler recommends not cutting it off the plant at the stem.
Instead, he cuts the vine on either side of the stem with a clean knife orpruning shears.
He’s had pumpkins last over a year when properly harvested and kept in a cool, dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Turning them every few days will prevent them from growing misshapen.
They should develop a more uniform shape and color by getting equal sun exposure.
This will result in smaller pumpkins since they will be competing for water and nutrients.
confirm to space them 2-5 feet apart, depending on their variety.
If you only have a small amount of space, try growing them vertically on an arch.
Placing a bed of sand underneath your pumpkins can help them grow.
