Pumpkins & Squash

Pumpkins are a fantastic addition to any vegetable garden, but their water needs can leave a gardener stumped. How much water do pumpkins need? We researched this in-depth so you can provide the proper care for your spooky plantings. Pumpkins are between 80 and 90 percent water, so they need a lot of water. Around …

Do deer eat pumpkins or the pumpkin plants? You want to plant them in your garden this year, but wonder if it’s worth the effort. Deer tend to mow down just about everything. Will your pumpkin patch be safe? We looked into this to help you decide what to plant in your garden this year.  …

If you are trying to grow the most fabulous pumpkin this year, you probably already know that pumpkins are heavy feeders. Nurture your pumpkin patch by fertilizing the soil weekly throughout the growing season. Since you will also be watering thirsty pumpkins regularly (at least 1-inch of water per week), using a liquid fertilizer is …

Do you have childhood memories of pumpkin patches and jack-o-lanterns? Why not make a pumpkin patch in your garden this year? Pumpkins are easy to grow and will grow in raised beds as well as containers. If given a comfortable, spacious place to grow, they will often grant you some real fall beauty in the …

Growing pumpkins in your garden can be lots of fun but it often leads to a surplus. Which may leave you wondering – what on earth can you do with so many gorgeous pumpkins? We’re here to help with 23 fun suggestions. After all, pumpkins are very versatile and can be used for more than …

We all love a good pumpkin pie or soup, especially in the colder seasons and that’s right where the Jarrahdale pumpkin comes in – and why you should consider growing one in your garden. The Jarrahdale is a winter pumpkin, known for its cold color and vibrant flesh. Its sweet taste makes it a perfect …

Ah, pumpkins. Is there a more iconic symbol of fall? These round, orange squashes are a staple in autumn displays and tablescapes, and they’re fun to grow, too! Growing Pumpkins in Your Garden Creating a pumpkin garden is fairly easy. They do have a few must-haves, however. Warm, moist, well-drained soil is the best environment …

Buttercup squash is winter squash, which means it will take the entire growing season for fruit to grow and ripen. It is one of the species of Cucurbita Maxima. Cucurbita Maxima species are one of the most sundry of the domesticated species of squash.  The original species was Cucurbita Andreana, and it was found wild …

After 10 generations’ worth of genetic mutation, Roy Pearman laid claim to one of the most visually-iconic pumpkin species seen today: the Knucklehead pumpkin. The warts are not symptoms of a disease but rather an aesthetic addition to a squash that serves as well on your porch as it does in your kitchen. How, then, …

Odds are, you’re already familiar with Howden pumpkins. They are the classic “Halloween” pumpkin most likely to be carved into jack-o-lanterns and displayed on porches. While very common in the autumn, Howden pumpkins are unique in their own right. Read on to learn how to grow and use this fall favorite. What is a Howden …

Thinking of adding to your squash varieties in your garden, but aren’t sure where to start? Japanese kabocha is a great option. Here’s what you need to know to start growing this delicious variety. What Is Kabocha Squash? Kabocha squash, otherwise known as the Japanese pumpkin, is a green winter squash from the Cucurbita maxima …

With so many different varieties of pumpkins, it can be hard to choose the best one to plant in your garden. If you are wanting a beautiful, bright orange pumpkin that is perfect for decorating, then the Cinderella pumpkin might be the one for you! What Is a Cinderella Pumpkin? Cinderella pumpkins, also known as …

Delicata squash seeds have been around since the 1890s, but it’s prominence is only now increasing since Cornell developed a variety that most squash diseases don’t affect. This type of winter squash is known for its delicate rind and edible skin. So how exactly is it grown? What is Delicata Squash? Delicata squash is part …

Pumpkins are great for cooking as well as carving. If you’re growing them for the first time and are curious about the harvesting process, you’ve come to the right place. Learn how and when exactly to harvest pumpkins. It usually takes pumpkins about 80 to 100 frost-free days to fully grow. It’s harvest time when …

One integral part of the pumpkin plant is its vines. Providing them with proper maintenance is essential for a successful harvest. Learn to know how to control pumpkin vines with our following mini guide. Growing them in your garden is not rocket science. If you provide them with the right soil temperatures and necessary conditions, they …

Turban squash is a beautiful, heirloom winter squash that dates before 1820. It is a cultivar of Cucurbita Maxima and very closely related to the buttercup squash. Turban squash varieties include Turk’s Turban, French Turban, or Mexican Hat. The beautiful colors and unique shape of Turban squash lend very well to ornamental usage. It comes …

Are you craving for pumpkins in Florida? Do you long to grow this smooth, delicious fruit in your own private garden? If your answer is yes, then you have definitely come to the right place. We are here to help you out with our complete guide to growing pumpkins in Florida. If you are planting …

While planting pumpkin seeds, you usually only expect vines and fruit. What most people don’t know is that blossoms are necessary for fruit growth. Bright orange or yellow colored flowers that grow before the fruit appears are called pumpkin flowers. There are two basic types: male and female pumpkin flowers. They both vary in appearance …

It would be hard to believe but pumpkins weren’t as popular as they are today. Sources from ancient literature show that pumpkins weren’t even a staple fruit, much less home decor. Things changed when Irish immigrants realized that pumpkins could be used to carve jack-o-lanterns instead of potatoes and turnips. The ritual took America by …

The most natural question after you’ve planted your pumpkins is to ask exactly how many of them will grow per plant. The answer, of course, is a combination of many factors such as pumpkin species, soil type, and other environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. So how many pumpkins can a single plant produce?  …

If you are growing butternut squash for the first time, knowing when and how to harvest it is essential. Harvesting your fruit at the wrong time or using the wrong technique can cause damage to your fruit or plant. When to Harvest Butternut Squash: It is essential to wait for about 110-120 days after planting …

Squash is the common name for four species in the Cucurbita genus that comes under the Cucurbitaceae family. Squashes originated in America. They are characterized by unisexual flowers, hairy stems, and a fleshy fruit having a leathery rind. Squash is a type of false berry that is called a pepo. Squashes greatly vary in shapes, …

Have limited space in your garden and wondering whether you can grow a pumpkin plant in a pot? Or maybe you’re living in an apartment and the only option to plant pumpkins is in planters and pots? The good news is that you can grow pumpkins in pots. If you choose the right container and …

Every gardener has to tackle the all too important question about when to start growing a pumpkin. Pumpkin seeds sprout up fast if the conditions are ideal. Make sure the seeds you use are fresh and not hollow. The seeds should be planted to a soil depth of at least 3 inches with a temperature …

Giant pumpkins are extra thick, dense, and can weigh anywhere from 150 pounds to over a ton. Once fully grown, these lumpy pale pumpkins catch the eye, for obvious reasons. Growing one seems like an impossible undertaking since they weigh as much as a car. Yet all you need is one small seed with all …

Pumpkins are a great addition to any garden, but what if you are limited to the amount of garden space that has full sun. This may leave you wondering if pumpkins need full sun, or if they can grow in the shade. We have done the research to help you out. Pumpkins need the full …

Does growing pumpkins in Texas seem like an intimidating task to you? You need not worry. Contrary to what many believe, because of their long growing season, pumpkins thrive in Texas. To plant pumpkins in Texas, follow these steps: Select the variety of pumpkin you’d like to harvest. Select a garden area. Plant your pumpkin …

Halloween and pumpkin patches go side by side. If you have never been to one, you might be wondering what exactly the entire buzz is about. Read to know what happens at a pumpkin patch and how to find one near you. What is a pumpkin patch? Initially, a pumpkin patch referred to a garden …

One of the most popular ‘pumpkins’ of the autumn season is the Dickinson pumpkin. We all know pumpkins are the mainstay of the autumn season, as they give flavor to everything from lattes to pies. This may make you wonder what is so different about the Dickinson variety specifically? I did the research and am …

Looking to plant some interesting pumpkin and squash types in your garden? Wondering where to get the seeds for them? Why settle for the limited selection in your local store when you can order some new and unusual ones online? Seeds are super easy to order. Small and lightweight, you can have them shipped to …

Thinking about growing pumpkin but not sure how long it would take? Wondering when to start or how long it’ll take before you can harvest your plants? We’ve researched this in-depth and have some answers for you! Whether you want to cook or carve, pumpkins are the way to go! The flesh of these large …

Pumpkins can be such strange vegetables. Going beyond the classic large orange variety, there’s a whole world of weird pumpkins out there. White, blue, green and black, in an array of sizes and shapes. Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to plant these strange pumpkins in your garden! In fact, we found 16 …

Squash is well known as one of the easiest and most prolific plants you can grow in your garden. They are also known for their sprawling nature and the amount of real estate the plant can cover. But what if you are limited on space, or just want to maximize what you have? This might …