Things You'll Need:
- pumpkin seeds
- containers
- soil
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Step 1
Purchase pumpkin seeds for a variety of small pumpkins. I like Sugar Pie. The smaller pumpkins can be easily grown in a container because the pumpkin vine is able to support them. The larger varieties have fruit that cannot be supported by the vine. This step is an important step!
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Step 2
Purchase or find a container for your pumpkin garden. I like to use plastic kiddie pools for my container gardens. They are less expensive than the containers found in most garden departments. Prepare the kiddie pool for your garden by punching holes in the bottom of the pool for drainage.
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Step 3
Purchase or find a trellis or two. The trellis will be used to allow the vines to grow up, instead of sprawling out across the ground.
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Step 4
Prepare the soil for your pumpkin container garden. I like to use potting soil amended with compost from my compost bin. Compost gives the pumpkin plants an extra boost during the growing season.
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Step 5
Plant your pumpkin seeds. I plant three seeds per mound. The number of mounds depends on the size of your container.
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Step 6
The author's strings in her 2009 pumpkin garden.Place the trellis behind the container, or in the case of using a kiddie pool, place it inside the pool (push the trellis through the pool bottom). If the pool is large enough, you may try adding two or three trellises. I also tie strings between the trellises and other structures to give the pumpkins another supportive place to grow.
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Step 7
Water and fertilize your pumpkin garden consistently. As the plants begin to grow, train them to grow on the trellis and strings. Enjoy your pumpkins in your favorite dishes when ready to pick!
