How to Grow Pumpkins in Your Backyard for Fall Carving, Baking, and Décor Bring the pumpkin patch to you. In This Article View All In This Article When to Plant How to Plant Care Harvesting Storage Pests and Diseases FAQ Close Credit: Ilja Enger-Tsizikov / Getty Images Key Points Growing your own pumpkins brings the joy of fall to your backyard and rewards you with food and decorations.Pumpkins thrive when planted in sunny, well-drained soil with plenty of space, nutrients, and consistent watering.Harvest pumpkins when the vines die back and the rinds have hardened; then, store them in a cool, dry place for long-lasting use. No fall season is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. This year, consider bringing the pumpkin patch home with you by planting these gourds from seed in your backyard. With a little hard work and patience, you'll have homegrown pumpkins you can carve or turn into fall meals and desserts, from pumpkin chili to pumpkin bread. And, best of all, with the right conditions and care, growing pumpkins is easy. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about how to grow pumpkins at home. Shelly Deaton, garden expert and farmer at EarthSpoke Farms, a regenerative, family-owned flower and produce farm on California’s Mendocino Coast Val Jensen, garden expert and founder of Gemstone Farm, a 160-acre farm in New Canaan, Connecticut 10 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall That Go Beyond Pie When to Plant Pumpkins Plant pumpkins when the soil reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and above 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night to avoid the risk of frost. In most regions, this means planting in late spring or early summer (usually from late May to early June), says Shelly Deaton, garden expert and farmer at EarthSpoke Farms. How to Plant Pumpkins Find the ideal location to plant. Pumpkins should be grown in a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil enriched with nitrogen-rich compost, says Deaton. Ensure the area you select has ample room, as pumpkins require plenty of space to grow. Once you find the perfect location, follow these planting steps. Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil has ample nitrogen and phosphorus for healthy foliage and fruits. Deaton says EarthSpoke Farms amends their beds with feather meal and fish bone meal for the right balance of nutrients.Plant in rows: Plant your pumpkins in rows, with each seed at least 3 to 4 feet apart. "It’s important to give them plenty of space because pumpkin vines can spread 20 feet or more beyond where they are planted," says Deaton. Place three or four seeds about an inch deep in each mound. Cover with soil and water well.Remove smaller plants: Once the seedlings sprout, thin the pumpkins down to the strongest one or two plants. How to Care for Pumpkins Follow these care requirements to ensure your pumpkins grow healthy and strong. Watering Pumpkins grow best with deep watering once or twice a week, says Deaton. This will keep the soil moist but not soggy and encourage good root development. Sunlight Pumpkins love full sun, thriving in at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Soil Pumpkins prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Conducting a soil test before planting will tell you what nutrients your soil needs for optimal plant growth. Fertilizer Pumpkins are heavy feeders. Apply a nitrogen-forward fertilizer when the plants are about 1 foot tall. "Then switch to one with more phosphorus and potassium once the vines begin to run so they focus on flowering and fruiting," Deaton advises. Temperature The ideal temperature range for healthy pumpkin growth is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't Miss 41 Pumpkin Stencils and Designs That Will Inspire Your Halloween Display How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds the Right Way, According to Chefs How to Harvest Pumpkins Pumpkins are ready for harvest from late summer to early fall, usually between 90 and 120 days from first planting. "We usually wait until the vines begin to die back and the pumpkin has reached a deep, full color," says Deaton. Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the rind of the pumpkin is hard enough that you can’t pierce it with a fingernail, she adds. "At that point, we cut the stem with pruners or a sharp knife, leaving a few inches attached, which helps the pumpkins store longer." How to Store Pumpkins Once harvested, pumpkins keep best in a cool, dry area at around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, says Deaton. Make sure not to stack pumpkins and handle them gently so they don’t bruise, as this can shorten their storage life. Despite their immense size, even giant pumpkins are delicate. If you keep your pumpkins outside for a fall harvest display, shade them with tents so the sun doesn’t burn their rinds, says Val Jensen, garden expert and founder of Gemstone Farm. "Sand or fabric goes beneath them to keep rot at bay," she adds. Common Pests and Diseases Pumpkins attract squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Both garden pests can be controlled by a combination of hand-picking, using row covers early in the season, and applications of neem oil. Pumpkins also face powdery mildew on their leaves. Manage this common ailment by watering at the base of the pumpkin plants or through drip irrigation and ensuring there is enough space for good airflow between your pumpkin plants. Frequently Asked Questions Can you throw pumpkin seeds on the ground? Unfortunately, you cannot treat pumpkin seeds like you might a wildflower mix and just throw the seeds on the ground and expect them to grow, says Deaton. Pumpkin seeds will need good contact with the soil. What happens if you plant pumpkins in October? Planting pumpkins in October is generally too late unless you live in a frost-free climate. Plus, pumpkins need about 90 to 120 days to reach maturity, making them unlikely to reach full size by fall harvest. How long do pumpkins take to grow? On average, it takes three to four months from planting a seed until the pumpkin is ready to harvest. Explore more: Garden Vegetable Garden Ideas