Where have all the pumpkins gone?

Halloween is the time of year when decent size pumpkins and squash are in demand. Not necessarily for their eating qualities but always to carve out the mysterious and haunting faces of Jack O Lanterns and Will O the Wisps. Apparently this year holds no promise of an easy delivery. Most of the Northern hemisphere has experienced unseasonal levels of Summer rain which has contributed to a poor crop. A lot of pumpkin farms were forced to dig out their vines months ago. In terms of what’s currently available, don’t expect to find the beautiful gold and orange specimens. A lot of the imported ones are still green and need to be treated with artificial heaters to ripen in time for the main event.

Many Organic Guide readers will prefer to grow their own pumpkins at home. It’s easy once you pick up a few of the basics. Try to select a sunny location with well-drained soil. A sandy loam is favoured although other soil types can be improved with the addition of organic compost. Pumpkin seeds can be planted directly to the garden or raised in seedling punnets for later transplantation. Whichever method is preferred, remember that maturing pumpkin vines encompass a considerable amount of garden space. Allow at least one square metre for each plant. Regular weeding is required once the seedlings emerge and they will need to be protected from frost, drought, and insect pests like snails, slugs, and aphid.

Once the seedlings have established, reduce the frequency of watering while ensuring that roots are challenged by deep soaking. Commercial growers prefer drip irrigation and there is no reason why this cannot be replicated in the backyard garden. Mulching is helpful for reducing weed competitors and maintaining an even soil temperature. Organic mulches like pea straw, untreated bark, and neutral pH leaf moulds are suitable. Some growers like to employ windbreaks or canopies to protect exposed vines and others will advocate trellises and other structural devices designed to elevate and protect fruit against mildew and other fungus complaints.

Harvest once the vine starts to wither and the fruit takes on its characteristic golden orange colour. Don’t forget that pumpkins sweat and always need to be stored in cool but dry locations and rotated several times each week to prevent rotting.