It ’s fourth dimension to lionize ! Oct. 26 isNational Pumpkin Day , a perfect chance to stop and appreciate the multifaceted sport of growing , eating , sculpture and even paint pumpkins .
I wo n’t claim to be an expert at growing pumpkins since I ’ve never undertake to fire one of those colossus pumpkins weighing hundreds ( or even thousands ) of pounds . The growing season on my northern Wisconsin farm is simply too short .
But I ’ve raise smaller Cucurbita pepo for the last three twelvemonth , favoring diverseness like Early Prince Hybrid ( think “ classic cutting Cucurbita pepo ” ) and Casperita ( lovely miniature white-hot pumpkin vine ) . I plant several raised beds with pumpkin plants andencourage the vine to rise a weld telegram fence .
It ’s fun to see the Casperita vine raise higher and higher , scatter the fence telephone circuit with little white-hot pumpkins .
Read more : Hand - pollenate your pumpkin and other squash for effective succeeder !
Pumpkin Growing Basics
Once they ’re established , pumpkin plants grow rapidly . I find it satisfying to watch them get with on the face of it sempiternal vigor during the tip of summertime . Even small pumpkins can grow noticeably from one sidereal day to the next .
But pumpkins should n’t be lead to develop unaided . They call for at least 1 inch of pee per hebdomad , so diligent maintenance is the keystone to success .
Weeding the beds betimes on is a secure strategy . I have , however , discover that once the pumpkin plants take off , their gigantic leaves produce such inscrutable shade that weeds generally are n’t too problematic .
After the pumpkins have grow , harvest home is a delight . The stems can be thick and prickly . Durable gloves and pruning shear simplify the appendage of separating yield from works .
Pumpkins are so beautiful that ’s it ’s tempting to just place them around your house and yard to enjoy their coming into court . ( There ’s a Casperita pumpkin sitting next to me on my desk . ) But think of all the delicious meal you’re able to cook with pumpkin ! Pumpkin Proto-Indo European , pumpkin bread , roasted pumpkin vine seeds … the tasty possibility go on and on .
Read more : These 3 unequaled pumpkin varieties bring strange decline flair to the garden .
All the Pumpkins!
Then again , why not feed some pumpkins and decorate with others ? If you have stacks of pumpkin vine and want to love some throughout fall , you’re able to heal them for around two weeks . This affect storing them in a warm location ( around 80 to 85 academic degree F ) to dry out their skin .
Once they ’re cure , pumpkins can last for month and are perfect for beautify .
If you ’re ready to hand with a carving tongue , the possibleness are endless . Start by cutting off the top and murder the innards of the pumpkin , including the seeds . You ’ll be go out with a hollow yield perfect for carve intricate designing into the skin .
Of naturally , if your aesthetic skills exceed your prowess with a knife , you may paint your pumpkin vine instead . I enjoyed entering a pumpkin painting contest last year . While I did n’t win , it was a pleasure to paint a pumpkin vine I grew myself .
I plan to enter again this year .
The compass point of this amble National Pumpkin Day essay is simple . It ’s to highlight the pleasures of growing pumpkin vine and convince you to give them a endeavour in 2023 . True , pumpkins can take up a quite a little of garden space , but the reward ( as I ’ve hopefully expatiate on in majuscule point ) are worth the allegiance .
Have playfulness !
