How to Grow Pumpkins in Suburbia

Plant small- to medium-size pumpkins for small-space growing.

Gardening in small spaces sometimes is challenging, especially for plants that need a lot of room. Pumpkins tend to require plenty of space because they spread out and grow along vines. However, some pumpkin varieties do well in small spaces, including in containers, and can be grown on balconies or small yards. Variteties such as bushkin and summer ball grow well in containers because they produce small fruits and have a limited spread.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Potting soil
• Liquid fertilizer

Instructions

1. Fill a 1-foot-tall by 4-foot-wide container with nutrient-rich, well-draining potting soil. Ingredients such as organic matter and peat moss or perlite indicate that the potting soil meets these requirements.

2. Sow three seeds per container in the spring after all chance of frost has passed. Sowing three seeds will increase the chances of getting at least one that germinates. After the seedlings are established, cut off two plants, leaving the healthiest in the container. Be sure to cut the plants, as pulling them out disturbs the roots of the remaining plant.

3. Moisten the container soil daily with water. Containers dry out faster because their sides are exposed to the sun and wind.

4. Fertilize the plants weekly with a liquid, organic, balanced fertilizer, per label instructions. Fertilize after watering so the root system isn't burned by the fertilizer.

5. Harvest the pumpkins as they ripen to encourage the plant to continue producing new fruit.

References

• University of California: Giant Pumpkin Project
• Ohio State University; Growing Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash And Tomatoes In Containers; Pamela J. Bennett
• Purdue Extension; Not Too Late to Plant Your Halloween Pumpkins; B. Rosie Lerner; July 2006
• "Container Gardening for Dummies;" Bill Marken, et al.; Jan. 2010