Sometimes there’s no space for the big boys and girls of the vegetable world in a small-space garden. Shrinking property sizes go hand in hand with smaller patches to weave our green magic. And when we do get around to waving our wand, something as bold as a pumpkin rarely eventuates.
A sprawling mess of vine punctuated by burgeoning jack-o-lanterns can feel more like a scene out of an off-the-grid organic Halloween gardening magazine than our cluttered urban reality. But even when real estate is at an absolute premium there will be ways to accommodate all that the gardening gods have to offer, and it’d be rude to turn your nose up at the pumpkin.
While there are some varieties that love to go on and on and on – much like a Bollywood movie – there are also those that grow large enough to house a border collie. Thus, your choice of variety has never been a more important decision. If, for example, you have a bad back, you probably shouldn’t consider growing an Atlantic giant or any other jumbo pumpkins. Alternatively, if you have a point to prove, or need to compensate for your gardening inadequacies, by all means go jumbo.
PLANTING
Sow the seeds directly into the patch once daytime temperatures are regularly more than 20 degrees, otherwise propagate in a mini greenhouse and transplant. Pumpkins are more suitable for an in ground veggie patch.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Integrate the patch with slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser and sow seeds in small mounds of compost after the last frost. Incubate seedlings with plastic bottles and choose an open space where the plant’s vine can roam, or climb vertically. The trellis will need to be strong to hold the sizeable fruit.
Give monthly applications of liquid seaweed solution and mulch to a depth of 3–5cm using pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch.
If growing vertically, make sure that as the vines grow you attach them properly to the trellis, Those sprawling at ground level will shoot secondary roots into soil that helps ground them and provide further energy for the plant.
Apply liquid potassium around the 12 week mark to encourage flower growth and development of the gruit. If you notice fruit forming and then quickly dying, it’s a sign that you need to hand pollinate.
Prune off the growth tips of the vine to help redirect energy into the developing fruit. Use milk spray to control any powdery mildew.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: 90+ days
How to harvest: When pumpkins reach their desired size and are close to the final colour, cut from the vine using secateurs. Be sure to cut the stem 3–5 cm from the fruit to make sure it keeps properly. This is important because pumpkins will develop more flavour when allowed to mature for a number of months off the vine.
TIP
After about 14 weeks, prune off growth tip and new vines to help redirect energy into the developing fruit.
