How to Grow Pumpkins In A Kiddie Pool

You can grow small pumpkin varieties in kiddie pools.

Pumpkin seeds will only germinate in warm soil. It is best to wait till late spring or early summer to plant your pumpkins after it is over 70 degrees outside. Pumpkin vines also need room to move and grow, which is why choosing only small pumpkin varieties is very important to the success of a kiddie pool container garden.

Things You'll Need

• Kiddie Pool
• Drill
• Gravel
• Soil
• Compost
• Pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. Choose a location for the kiddie pool. The pumpkins will need as much sunlight as possible, so place the pool in an area of direct sunlight. If constant sun exposure is not possible on your property, choose a location where the pumpkins will get at least six hours of sunlight each day.

2. Ensure proper drainage in the pool. It is important that the kiddie pool does not fill with water and saturate the soil. To avoid this, drill several holes in the bottom of the pool and in the sides near the bottom. Then add a layer of gravel to the pool.

3. Fill the pool with potting soil. Buying potting soil will ensure the soil is free of chemicals and dormant weeds. As you fill the pool with soil, mix in compost with the soil. The more compost you use, the more nutrients will be available for the pumpkins as they grow.

4. Plant two pumpkin seeds about 6 inches apart in the center of the kiddie pool. Growing more than two at a time will cause too much congestion. Cover the seeds with fresh compost and then water them generously.

5. Care for the pumpkins as they grow. Most small pumpkins take between 100 and 120 days to fully develop for harvesting. During this time, it is important to keep the soil moist but not water-logged.

Tips & Warnings

• If the pumpkin vines start to get too big for the kiddie pool, add a trellis to the side of the pool. Gently wrap the ends of the vines around the trellis. The pumpkin plant will start growing up the trellis.

• Choosing a small pumpkin variety is important to the success of your pumpkins. A large pumpkin will not thrive in a small kiddie pool.

References

• Container Gardening Tips: Growing Pumpkins in Pots
• New Self Sufficient living: Growing Vegetables in Containers
• University of Illinois: Growing Pumpkins