Pumpkin Seeds

🎃 The Autumn Classic

Pumpkins are iconic North American winter squash, celebrated for their culinary versatility and their essential role in seasonal decorations.

• Growing Essentials: Pumpkins thrive in hot weather with full sun and deep, rich, organic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Before planting, work in plenty of compost.

• Sowing: Direct sow outdoors from late May to early June, 2.5 cm deep in hills 2.4 m apart (4–6 seeds per hill, then thin to 3). If starting indoors 4 weeks early, use paper or fibre pots to minimize root shock, as pumpkins do not transplant well.

• Pro-Tips: For competition-sized fruit, allow only two pumpkins to mature per plant. Protect developing fruit from frost.

• Harvesting: After the first frost, cut the stem with a knife, leaving a 7.5–10 cm handle. Store in a cool, dry place for decorating, or can/freeze the flesh for cooking.