Every year, for the last twenty or so, I have vowed that in July I would plant a variety of pumpkins to use for holiday decorating in the fall. I haven’t done it yet… for many reasons that all seem reasonable at the time. However, as fall approaches, I am always disappointed in myself that I didn’t do it… again.
Certainly I can head to the farmers market or even the grocery store to procure my giant squash, but somehow I miss the charm of growing them myself. Not to mention the savings! (I only the count the cost of the seed packet and tend to ignore such things as soil enrichment, fertilizer and water!) Yet, once again, I’ll be searching for the most interesting pumpkins, squash and gourds I can find to set the mood for fall. Luckily for me, my husband is ready to began that task on Labor Day every year! Jumping the gun a bit, I think, but never look a gift horse (or squash) in the mouth! Oh, look, I made a little Jack-o-Lantern pun!
So, for those of you so inclined, mark your calendars to plant pumpkins in 2010. Remember that it takes about 100 – 125 days ’start to harvest’ to grow pumpkins. Assuming that you will want to start harvesting them in October, not at Labor Day, aim at mid-June to early July for your plant date. Seek out all the fun varieties that you want to try, but remember unless you are going to sell them commercially, one or two mounds per type would be enough… depending on how many different types you select. So what to do with the other seeds? SHARE!! Spread the love and get other friends to join the fun by planting their own crop. Or even more fun, do it together and divide the chores out!
Happy planning! Enjoy the coming season!
