Growing Pumpkin
The pumpkin patch is open – come on in! A warm-season vegetable, pumpkin is a member of the vine crops, cucurbits, and the squash family—with squash, gourd, muskmelon and cucumber.
How to Plant Pumpkin
Plant vining pumpkin in hills after danger of frost is passed (May-July.) Place seeds one inch deep; five seeds per hill. Leave 5 to 6 feet between hills. Space rows 10 feet apart. Thin to three per hill later. Bush varieties should have three feet between plants.
Male flowers fall off in one day. Female blossoms stay. Bees transfer pollen from male flowers to female flowers. Don’t use insecticides in daytime--save the bees!
Cross-pollination
If you plant several of the same varieties within a botanical species, cross-pollination is possible. This won’t affect taste of your crop. To save pure, non-hybrid seeds, 1) don’t plant together; 2) plant varieties within a botanical species far away from each other, 3) bag fruit and hand pollinate.
Pumpkin Seed
Consider pumpkin use when choosing pumpkin seed. For Halloween or fall decoration, choose field variety, Jack-o-Lantern, miniature pumpkin, or giant pumpkin varieties. For exhibits, choose giant pumpkin. For pumpkin recipes, choose sweet or pie pumpkin.
Nutrition
Pumpkin contains beta carotene, an antioxidant, great for vision and skin. ½ cup of pumpkin equals 1320 IU Vitamin A, 280.6 mg Potassium, also phosphorous, vitamin c, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
Harvest
Harvest late September or October. Leave 4 inches of stem attached—stemless pumpkins don’t store well. Don’t refrigerate! Stores 3-6 months in a dry room around 50 degrees.
Pumpkin Recipe
Cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out seeds. Cut the stem off. Wash. Save pumpkin seed for roasting or planting. Put cut side down in a baking dish, cover with foil, bake between 30-60 minutes (test for doneness.) After it cools, scoop out pumpkin flesh.
Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Mash cooked pumpkin, mix with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 eggs, lightly beaten, 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; fill pie crust; bake at 400 degrees about 50 minutes.
Pumpkin Carving Pattern – Halloween Outdoor Fall Decoration
Get a FREE pumpkin carving pattern! Witches, bats, cats, ghosts & More. Print pumpkin carving pattern on your printer. Complete instructions.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Best pumpkin bread recipe!
Pumpkin Soup Recipe - Party Idea - Halloween Recipe!
Serve Pumpkin soup in pumpkin bowls!
Fall Table Decoration - Home Decoration
Pair miniature pumpkins with squash, gourds and Indian corn.
Pumpkin Picture - Autumn Scene
Download or view full size version of pumpkin picture and Japanese pumpkin picture.
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