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How to create the perfect pumpkin patch | Growing Fruit And Vegies | Gardening Australia
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How to create the perfect pumpkin patch | Growing Fruit And Vegies | Gardening Australia



Sophie shares her tips for creating the perfect pumpkin patch.

A mainstay in Sophie’s garden is the pumpkin patch, with 35 varieties planted after the last frost in November. Pumpkins need 100 frost free days, which is a long growing period compared to other vegetables.

Sophie moves the pumpkin patch to different areas of her garden so that they never grow in the same soil two years in a row. They need full sun, good air circulation and plenty of organic matter in the soil as they’re heavy feeders.

Whilst large pumpkins need lots of space to grow, there are plenty of compact varieties suitable for smaller spaces, including ‘Golden Nugget’ and ‘Bushfire’ that can be grown as low trailers, up a tripod or a low trellis.
Sophie prepares the soil 3-6 months in advance with chook manure and hay. By planting time in mid-late spring, the soil is fabulous. Once planted they need to be watered regularly. In hot, dry climates like in South Australia, it’s fine to get the leaves wet as the heat will dry them out quickly. In areas with humid summers, it’s best to avoid wetting the leaves to prevent powdery mildew during the growing season.

If you’ve got a lot of powdery mildew and the plants have had their day, add the leaves and vines to the compost – the mildew won’t like the hot compost conditions.

To work out when to harvest, simply give the pumpkins a tap – they are ready when they sound hollow. If you are planning to store them though, you can wait until the vine has totally died off – usually at the time of first frost in mid-May. Always make sure to keep some of the stem attached to the pumpkin so they will last longer. Pumpkins can be stored for up to 15 months in a cool place, depending on the variety.

Pumpkins need plenty of space, sun, air circulation, compost, water and time… but the rewards are definitely worth it!

Featured Plants
Pumpkin ‘Golden Nugget’ Cucurbita maxima cv.
Pumpkin ‘Bushfire’ Cucurbita cv.

Filmed on Peramangk Country
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22 Comments

  2. Ron hawk

    thank you i have only one patch but plant in a different place every year also i found as the pumpkins run clear under the stalk and more roots will grow there allowing the plant several root systems

  6. Cavy Central Guinea Pig Rescue with Lyn

    What a great pumpkin patch. They are wonderful. Costa I loved meeting you and being interviewed with Snowy the guinea pig. Come back and visit soon – but the sanctuary this time! 🍎🍓🍎🍎🍓🍐🍇

  7. Zenni

    I would absolutely love to have a tour of Sophie’s garden – cellar and all. Oh please, please, please! I’m sure I’m not the only frost prone, windy gardener, that would benefit from Sophie’s knowledge.

  14. Trump Lost LOL

    Full sun won't do it in Oregon. This year we had 113F and 25% relative humidity. You need a lot of afternoon shade to pretend your pumpkins from dying.

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