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Fun-to-grow pumpkins produce rounded orange fruits that are popular for pies and Halloween decorations. Pumpkins are closely related to winter squash, and their growing requirements are the same.
Growing Guide
Soil preparation: Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Planting: Plant in full sun.
Spacing: Leave plenty of room for vine sprawl (6 feet for bush types and 10 to 12 feet between vining sorts). Prevent competition from weeds by pulling or cultivating them until the vines sprawl.
Watering: Irrigate with 1 inch of water a week in midseason.
Special hint: For best yield and less work, rotate crops each season.
Pest Watch To lessen aphid damage cover your patch with black plastic mulch or silver mulch staked down. Slit holes into the plastic and then direct-seed or plant plants into the soil.
Fend off predators with polyester row covers (remove for pollination), diatomaceous earth, and BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) for vine borers. Foil vine-borer larvae by placing aluminum foil around each stem at the plant's base.
Remove spent vines and debris (pests can overwinter).
