I Need Help Starting a Pumpkin Patch

Selecting a Location

• Selecting a proper location is key to the success of your pumpkin patch. Observe your garden and determine which area receives the most sun. For pumpkins to mature properly and develop to their proper size, the plants will need at least eight hours of direct sunlight. Less sunlight will produce a lower yield and smaller pumpkins. In addition to proper light requirements, adequate space is needed for a pumpkin patch. Like most plants in the squash family, pumpkin vines grow quickly and ramble several feet from where they are planted in the soil. Check the seed packet for recommended spacing of plants. Larger varieties of pumpkins require greater spacing between the plants ranging from 8 to 12 feet between rows and 4 to 5 feet within rows. Smaller varieties need less spacing ranging from 5 to 7 feet between rows and 2 to 4 feet within rows. Adequate spacing will ensure larger fruits and proper ventilation to help prevent diseases.

Preparing the Soil

• A healthy rich soil will allow the pumpkin plants to flourish. Begin by removing any weeds, lawn and rocks from your planting area. Once all the debris and unwanted plant material are removed, till the earth with a rototiller or by hand using a pick ax. While the best time to do this is the fall previous to your growing season, tilling can also be done in spring. Once the ground is tilled, mix in mature compost to provide nutrients for the pumpkin plants. Your bed is now ready to plant.

Planting

• Pumpkin plants grow best when seeded directly into the ground. When the weather has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, the seeds can be planted according to the seed packet's directions. If you are unsure of the last spring frost date in your area, consult the USDA hardiness zone map. Once the seedlings have germinated, mulch the planting bed with straw to keep the soil moist and weeds at bay. Pumpkin plants are prickly when larger, and mulch will facilitate maintenance.

Caring for your Patch

• Caring for your pumpkin patch requires a few simple tasks. Ensure that your patch is receiving adequate water. When first planted, the seeds need daily watering to germinate properly. The root system is small and can not reach water deeper in the soil. Once the plant is established, water every two to three days at the base of the plant where the root system is growing. Watering the leaves will promote mildew growth so be sure to water at the base of the plant during the earlier hours of the day. In addition to adequate water, applying a liquid organic fertilizer such as seaweed kelp emulsion or fish emulsion will promote better fruiting and larger pumpkins. Be sure to keep the bed free of weeds and check for pests on the vine and fruit.