How to Start Your Own Backyard Pumpkin Patch - Summer 2017 - Episode 1

Summary

In this engaging gardening tutorial, Kevin from *Happy Gardening* shows viewers how to start their own pumpkin patch. With a mix of personal experience and easy-to-follow tips, Kevin walks through the entire process: preparing mounds, improving soil with compost and garden soil, and sowing different types of pumpkin seeds, including the massive First Prize Hybrid. He shares practical advice on spacing, seed depth, and how to handle common pests. The video is full of enthusiasm and encouragement, making it an enjoyable guide for anyone looking to grow pumpkins at home this season.

Takeaways

• 😀 Growing pumpkins is rewarding, despite being a lot of work, and is fun for both kids and adults.
• 🌱 Pumpkin plants require regular maintenance, especially in areas with pests like cucumber and squash beetles.
• 🍂 In fall (September-October), seeing your grown pumpkins is a fulfilling experience.
• 🌾 The host’s wife is allowing more space this year for pumpkins, following last year’s successful harvest.
• 🌱 There are different methods to plant pumpkins—some use mounds, others use rows. The host is trying small mounds this year.
• 💪 Soil quality plays a significant role in pumpkin growth; adding garden soil and compost is necessary for better results.
• 🌿 Pumpkins are heavy feeders, so amending the soil with additional nutrients is crucial.
• 🛠️ The host used a combination of manure and Miracle-Gro garden soil to amend the soil for better pumpkin growth.
• 🎃 This year, the host will grow four different types of pumpkins, including Big Macs, Connecticut Field, and First Prize Hybrid pumpkins.
• 🌱 For the First Prize Hybrid pumpkins, the host plans to plant six seeds per mound, then thin out to the strongest plants.
• 💧 After sowing the seeds, the next step is to keep the soil moist, and in 7-14 days, the plants should begin to emerge.

Q & A

Why is pumpkin gardening considered rewarding, despite the effort involved?

Pumpkin gardening is considered rewarding because it provides a sense of accomplishment when you successfully grow pumpkins, especially after overcoming challenges like pests. It’s also a fun activity for both kids and adults, and seeing the pumpkins thrive in the fall is a great feeling.

What pests are mentioned in the video that can be a challenge when growing pumpkins?

The pests mentioned in the video are cucumber beetles and squash beetles. These pests can be a challenge to manage while growing pumpkins.

What are the two different methods for growing pumpkins mentioned in the script?

The two methods mentioned are growing pumpkins in mounds versus growing them in rows. The creator decides to try mounds this year, after growing pumpkins successfully in rows the previous year.

Why is soil amendment important for growing pumpkins?

Soil amendment is important because pumpkins are heavy feeders and require nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. The original soil in the gardener's backyard wasn’t of high quality, so he added compost and garden soil to improve its nutrient content.

How does the gardener prepare the mounds for planting pumpkins?

The gardener prepares the mounds by turning over the grass and adding amended soil to create small mounds, which are about 12 inches wide. The size is kept manageable and is not too fancy or large.

What type of pumpkin seeds is the gardener planting, and why?

The gardener is planting four types of pumpkins: Big Macs, Connecticut Field, and the First Prize Hybrid. He is focusing on the First Prize Hybrid because they require the most time and space to grow and can yield the largest pumpkins, up to 300 pounds.

How many seeds does the gardener plant in each mound, and why?

The gardener plants six seeds in each mound, with plans to thin them down later to the two or three strongest plants. This ensures that the most resilient plants survive and produce the best pumpkins.

What depth should pumpkin seeds be planted at, and how does the gardener ensure this?

Pumpkin seeds should be planted about one inch deep. The gardener uses his knuckle as a rough measurement to ensure the seeds are planted at the correct depth.

What are the next steps after planting the seeds?

After planting the seeds, the gardener waters the mounds and ensures the soil remains moist. He expects to see sprouts in 7 to 14 days, after which he will monitor the plants' growth.

What alternative option does the gardener suggest if someone doesn’t want to start from seeds?

If someone doesn’t want to start from seeds, the gardener suggests buying starter plants from a local nursery, which can simplify the process.