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how to grow pumpkins??

11 replies

Countingthegreyhairs · 10/04/2008 12:38

It's my first attempt. I grow other veg but have never tried pumpkins before. Does anyone have any tips please?

I've sown the seed on my windowsill as have horrible slug problem and anything that is planted outside that is not fairly sturdy gets eaten.

I'd appreciate advice about where to situate them in garden - light/shade - dry/damp??? Do you build up the earth beneath them like potatoes or not? What's all this straw business about?

Also, has anyone grown pumpkins in a large container before? I tend to grow my veg this way because of slugs plus my garden is on smallish side ....

Thanks for any advice!

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missingtheaction · 10/04/2008 12:48

Briefly: plant in rich soil in sunny spot that is not dessicated. Stand well back.

they want sun and space, and if you want bigguns you have to make sure they have a good nutritious soil so dig in lots of Organic Matter (my choice is well rotted horse poo, but whatever you can get) and make sure they don't dry out - they will need watering sometimes.

Most varieties are long and rambly growers, and the pumpkins will grow along the long stalks. if you are going for size over quantity then restrict each tendril to just one pumpkin. If you raise the pumpkin off the ground it won't rot and may have a rounder bottom, and that is what the straw is for (a brick will do, or nothing if you forget - it's not crucial). Or you can just let it try to grow more than one pumpkin but they will be smaller.

if you go for a container be prepared for regular watering and feeding. you can get some that will ramble upwards over a support

You don't 'earth them up' like potatoes.

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MrsBadger · 10/04/2008 12:57

we grew squash in a container but had to let the vines trail across the flowerbed, iyswim as they were immense. Full sun, lovely rich soil, lots of feeding and watering

they were huge!

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Countingthegreyhairs · 10/04/2008 13:31

thanks v. much missingtheaction and mrs badger

that's great info - much appreciated.

Hadn't twigged about importance of richness of soil but luckily have ready access to horse manure. Will get cracking this w/e preparing ground ....

Will definitely plant a few in a container as well.

Sorry to bother you again but re: containers, what dimension was yours Mrs B? Is width more important than depth? Or are both necessary? (As actress said to bishop.)

Btw - visualising you as very stylish gardener indeed with these gloves and matching boots ....

www.cathkidston.co.uk/Productdetails.aspx?pid=243-271-4-1&cid=Gardening&pcidl=Outdoor%2cGardening&la nguage=en-GB

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MrsBadger · 10/04/2008 13:42

they were actually planted in a standard windowbox next to a raised bed, which they then took over

(am not a stylish gardener at all - mostly patched jeans and tops with bleach stains. And knee pads - vital for comfy gardening)

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Countingthegreyhairs · 10/04/2008 13:56

Thanks again Mrs B - that's good news - I have some not very stylish but practical 1m high x 2 m long containers on my terrace specifically for veg growing (only place that's sunny & slug free) so will try one or two in those ...

speaking of non-stylish but practical... glad I'm not the only one with bleach stains ... !!

have been considering some knee pads too since I saw Monty wearing them astride his asparagus bed (sigh) .....

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