{"id":457,"date":"2023-03-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=457"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:46:01","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:46:01","slug":"how-to-grow-pumpkins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Pumpkins &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Pumpkins.png\" alt=\"pumpkins plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nPumpkins, which are known botanically as Cucurbita, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing pumpkins as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Pumpkins\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Pumpkins\">Best Time to Plant Pumpkins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#How_to_Plant_Pumpkins_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Pumpkins the Right Way\">How to Plant Pumpkins the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Pumpkins\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Pumpkins\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Pumpkins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#How_Much_to_Water_Pumpkins\" title=\"How Much to Water Pumpkins\">How Much to Water Pumpkins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Pumpkins_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Pumpkins to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Pumpkins to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#When_to_Harvest_Pumpkins\" title=\"When to Harvest Pumpkins\">When to Harvest Pumpkins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#What_Can_Pumpkins_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Pumpkins Be Used For?\">What Can Pumpkins Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#Can_Pumpkins_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Pumpkins Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Pumpkins Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-pumpkins\/#Are_Pumpkins_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Pumpkins Safe for Bees?\">Are Pumpkins Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Pumpkins\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Pumpkins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the pumpkin seeds early June, when all risk of frost has passed. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when pumpkins are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Pumpkins_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Pumpkins the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing pumpkins in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your pumpkins grow. Generally, your soil should be sandy soils high in organic matter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 6.5.<\/p>\n<p>18&#8243; apart in rows. \u00a03&#8242; apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 2&#8242; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a01&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your pumpkin seedlings thin to 3-4 seedlings per hill. if planted in rows, thin to 2&#8242; apart.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Pumpkins\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Pumpkins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Pumpkins\"><\/span>How Much to Water Pumpkins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Pumpkins_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Pumpkins to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Pumpkins\"><\/span>When to Harvest Pumpkins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your pumpkins is when they are fully colored\u0097whatever that hue might be.\u00a0the rind should also be firm.<\/p>\n<p>Pumpkins can grow up to about 1 to 3 feet tall 3 to 15 feet wide.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Pumpkins_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Pumpkins Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> These decorative pumpkins can make for a nice addition to soups.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Sweet and slightly nutty.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Pumpkins_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Pumpkins Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  20&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your pumpkins around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Pumpkins_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Pumpkins Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, pumpkins are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing pumpkins is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pumpkins, which are known botanically as Cucurbita, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing pumpkins as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Pumpkins This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the pumpkin seeds early June, when all risk of frost has passed. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when pumpkins are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":402,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[22,47],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=457"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":855,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457\/revisions\/855"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}