Witch guide to pumpkins
Pumpkins are easy with lots to offer seeds in a paper envelope and pop them in a cool dry place and then wait patiently until spring – when the time will be ripe to plant them up.
Despite the fun of collecting your own, bought seeds have been bred for success so will give you a greater chance of growing your own.
Using the right fertiliser is important – use a general fertiliser rather than one specifically aimed at fruit and flowers.
When your pumpkins make an appearance, switch again – this time to a potassium-rich fertiliser to feed the growing fruit.
If you’re going to be cooking with your home-grown pumpkins then try to find culinary varieties such as Small Sugar or Musquee de Provence. The
In April or May it’s time to sow your seeds in pots indoors. Use 8cm deep pots, and sow the seeds at a depth of 1cm. Seal the pots by placing a plastic bag over the top until germination occurs and they start to sprout.
pumpkins that you see in supermarket doorways are bred for size rather than flavour – though they are edible, they certainly aren’t the tastiest.
Once you’ve planted your seeds, re-use the rest of your Halloween pumpkin by adding it to your compost heap, or making a pumpkin planter.
Just as they’re healthy for us to eat, your plants will love them too.
To make a planter, simply line your About a month later, move your pumpkins outdoors to a spacious area that gets plenty of sun and has nutrient-rich soil – make sure to add lots of organic compost. For the first few days, acclimatise your plants by bringing them outdoors
carved pumpkin with newspaper, pack tightly with soil, add some seeds and then plant into the ground.
As the pumpkin breaks down it will feed your plant the nutrients it needs.
With your carved pumpkins in the ground and your seeds bringing you plentiful pumpkins in time for next year, you can be sure you haven’t wasted any part of this fantastic Halloween fruit. only during the daytime – or put them in a cold frame.
When you plant them out, most varieties will need at least a metre between each one, so check what yours need first.
They also like to be planted in little mounds of soil about 15cm high.
Water your pumpkins during dry spells and fertilise often, as they are always hungry. As they grow heavier, you may need to support your pumpkins off the soil.
Do this using tiles or wooden boards, and train their trailing vines in circles around the plant to save space.
Finally, you’ll know that they are ready to harvest when the fruit takes on a rich orange colour. I loved these arm protectors. They’ll guard against scratches and nicks – and keep your forearms toasty warm in the winter.
A clever thumb loop keeps them from riding up (remember to wear gloves on top to keep them clean) and they are lightweight and made from non-scratchy material so they are itch-free.
I found them online at genus.gs – the website of a Uk-based firm of horticulture lovers who make hightech gardening clobber designed for making the job both easier and cosier.