Full sun & fertile soil
Full sun and plenty of nutrients are important. Pumpkins are hungry plants so make sure you dig in plenty of organic fertiliser when you plant them.
Best in raised beds/traditional plot
Pumpkins need a lot of space, so are best grown in a raised bed or traditional veg patch, or designated pumpkin patch if you have space for one!
How far apart?
Try to leave 2 metres between plants – they will sprawl. If you don’t have space, leave 1 metre and prune your plant once you have some fruits forming to keep it a bit more compact.
Don't plant out too early
Plant them outside only when the risk of frost has fully passed and the weather has warmed up. This is usually in May. Until then, keep them in pots under cover.
Watering & Feeding
Water thoroughly when you first plant them and keep them well watered while they establish their roots. Water daily during dry spells and apply a liquid feed fortnightly once fruits start to form.
To grow bigger pumpkins...
Once you have 3 pumpkins growing well on the plant, you can pinch off others as they appear – this will concentrate the plants energy into developing 3 big pumpkins instead of several smaller ones.
When to harvest
Harvest in October before the first frosts – the stalk of the pumpkin should have started to dry up and turn brown/yellow, and the skin should have hardened enough that you can’t pierce it with your thumbnail. Cut off with a sharp knife leaving the stalk stump on the pumpkin.