Growing pumpkins in the backyard garden can be fun, and there are countless varieties of pumpkin that range in size, color and shape.
Regardless of the variety, most require 85 to 120 days to reach full maturity, and planting seeds now can provide an opportunity to harvest pumpkins in mid to late October.
Because pumpkin plants thrive in the hot Louisiana climate, this makes them relatively easy to grow. Pumpkin plants produce extensive vegetative vines, so the growing site should provide plenty of room for development of vines. The site should also be located in an area that receives no fewer than eight hours of sunlight daily and that drains easily.
To successfully plant, dig a 1-foot-deep by 2-foot-wide hole, placing the soil in a wheelbarrow and mixing with two or more gallons of a composted or organic soil. Include 2 cups of an 8-8-8 or 1 cup of a 13-13-13 fertilizer, and mix well with the soil. Dump the mixed soil back into the hole, and build into a raised mound. Plant three pumpkin seeds per mound by pressing the seeds firmly 1 inch into the soil.
Cover the seeds with loose soil, and lightly water. Continue watering every three to four days. After plants have emerged to a 2-inch height, select the best of the three, and remove the other two plants.
Pumpkins need water to keep them growing well, and should have 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Mulching around the plants will help conserve moisture. As vines start to develop and run, side-dress pumpkin plants with the same fertilizer that was originally mixed with the soil. A liquid fertilizer can be used on a regular basis until pumpkins begin forming.
Once pumpkins get to softball size, place pine straw thickly under each pumpkin to keep them off the ground. Maintain good weed control, especially when vines begin growing, to help give them a strong start. In mid October, pumpkins should be a nice size, ready for picking and ready for pies and carving.
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