Pumpkins
How to grow your own pumpkins
Every year, millions of pumpkins are used for decoration, but ever
wondered about the food waste? Fear not, here are some tips on
how to use this year's pumpkin seeds to grow your own next year.
- Step 1: Scoop out the seeds when carving your pumpkin. Rinse the seeds in a colander, removing any pumpkin flesh. Dry the seeds thoroughly and store in a cool dark place.
- Step 2: Sow your pumpkin seeds April or May, once the risk of frost has passed. Start them inside in 8cm pots in seedling compost and re-pot them when they are a few centimetres tall and have their first leaves.
- Step 3: Gradually move them outside so they get used to the cooler temperatures. Pot them either in containers (for smaller pumpkin varieties), in grow bags or in a veg patch. Growing them against a trellis can create beautiful hanging vines and reduces risk of pests and disease.
- Step 4: Continue to look out for pests and disease, removing any dead leaves or signs of powdered mildew. When the fruits start to form, place them on stone slabs or bricks to reduce rotting and pest attacks.
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Top tip: Ensure the pumpkin vine is on top (don't let
the fruit lie on its side) this will ensure your pumpkin grows round
and even on all sides.
🎃
Get inspiration for pumpkin recipes on BBC Good Food.
