How and when to plant pumpkins?

[sunshinemelissa]

I have a package of pumpkins that I want to grow, but there are no directions. Also, I live in an apartment with a back porch that faces East in Washington, so with the right sized pot, do you think this would be doable?

[Oatmeal]

NOW!!!! Plant it, that is... :)

I don't know how they do in containers, but if it's a jumbo variety, you better get a huge container and make some room on the porch :D

This link might be helpful:

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/pumpkin1.html

[slynny]

I grow pumpkins every year, they don't need a lot of room in the soil...like for roots....but man they need room to spread. They vine, and one vine will spread a good 10-15 feet long just to produce one or two pumpkins.
I live in WI and I would plant them by seed...now or ASAP.

[sunshinemelissa]

Thanks Oatmeal for that link. It looks like I'll need more room to grow them unless I plant about 3 seeds. That's better than none, right?

[sunshinemelissa]

Okay, pumpkins is was a little far fetched. I've never had a garden before and got a little excited because I love pumpkins. Today I went to the store and got all sorts of pots to put on my porch and planted basil, dill, chives, parsley, marjoram, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, green bell peppers, squash and collard greens. I am sooooo excited. Thank you Oatmeal for requesting this forum. It really inspired me to get started on my own "porch garden".

[Oatmeal]

Originally posted by sunshinemelissa
Okay, pumpkins is was a little far fetched. I've never had a garden before and got a little excited because I love pumpkins.

LOL, I know what you mean! For me it's watermelon. I want(ed) to grow them so badly. Alas they're huge plants too and need a long growing season -> I need room and planning, which I both can't provide all too well currently ;) But I know that one day I *will* grow my own watermelons, just like you *will* grow your own pumpkins! :D



Thank you Oatmeal for requesting this forum. It really inspired me to get started on my own "porch garden".

Yes it's great! Thanks to Michael for setting it up! It's so cool to hear it actually contributed to you starting your garden! I hope you'll have a lot of fun! :)

[sunshinemelissa]

Yes we *will*!!!:D