How to Grow Mini Pumpkins

Miniature pumpkins make great decorations for Fall. Growing them is a fun experience for a beginning gardener or children. You don't need as much space in your garden for these small pumpkins. In fact, you can train them to grow on a trellis or fence so that they don't take up ground space. They will even grow in a large container.

Things You'll Need

• Mini pumpkin seeds
• Planting pots
• Planting soil

Instructions

1. When you have decided to grow a crop of miniature pumpkins the first step is to choose seeds from your local garden supply store or buy them online. You also need to purchase potting containers and soil.

2. It's best to start you seeds in mid-Spring. Starting them inside will give them a better chance of survival. Fill your potting containers with soil and plant your seeds. Position your seedlings in an area where they can receive direct sunlight. Keep them moist, but never soaked. Giving them water every few days is enough. In a few weeks you should see sprouts and leaves.

3. When the seedlings have grown taller and the roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot, it's time to move your plants outside. For about a week before the move, sit them outside during the day but still bring them inside at night. When moving them to their outdoor home, plant them after the last frost, if possible. If not, be sure to cover them on cold nights. Plant them in a sunny patch of garden as they need direct sunlight to grow.

4. If you want them to grow up a trellis or fence, wind the vine around the area as it grows. If they are growing in a large container ensure they are getting a lot of sun.

5. Check on your pumpkin plants each day and provide the necessary care. Putting fertilizer on every few week will give you a more healthy plant. With the proper attention, your plants will grow and develop healthy fruit. Each miniature pumpkin plant will produce up to 10 fruits. When they have turned orange, it's time to harvest them.

Resources

• eHow Spring Guide