Tips for Growing Pumpkins and Decorating Them for Halloween

Tips for Growing Pumpkins and Decorating Them for Halloween

Autumn is here and pumpkins are a symbol of the season, adorning porches, kitchens, and Halloween celebrations. Growing your own pumpkins can be a rewarding experience, and decorating them allows for creativity and fun. Here are some essential tips for growing pumpkins, followed by innovative ideas for decorating them for Halloween.

Growing Pumpkins

1. Choose the Right Variety

There are many types of pumpkins, each suited for different purposes. For Halloween carving, look for classic varieties like the Jack-o'-Lantern (which is what you see in most supermarkets and the one I used from Tesco in my video). I like growing different types of squash too, they come in gorgeous colours from greens to yellow and even white which make great ghosts!

2. Prepare Your Soil

Pumpkins thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients.

3. Plant at the Right Time

Pumpkin seeds should be planted after the last frost date in your area. In most regions, this is typically in late spring.

4. Space Properly

Pumpkins need plenty of space to grow. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them 4-6 feet apart in rows that are 6-10 feet apart. This allows room for their sprawling vines.

5. Watering Wisely

Pumpkins require consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water them deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation is an excellent option to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote diseases.

6. Feed Regularly

Use a balanced feed or one high in potassium and phosphorus to encourage fruit development. Start feeding when the plants begin to flower and continue every few weeks.

7. Harvest at the Right Time

Pumpkins are usually ready to harvest when they have turned a deep, solid colour and the skin is hard. To harvest, cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving several inches of stem attached. This will help prolong their shelf life.

Decorating Your Pumpkins for Halloween

Once you’ve grown your pumpkins, it’s time to get creative! Here are some fun and innovative decorating ideas to transform your pumpkins into festive Halloween decorations.

1. Classic Carving

The traditional approach to pumpkin decorating is carving. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Draw your design with a marker like I did, then carve along the lines. Consider adding a candle or LED light inside for a spooky glow.

2. Painted Pumpkins

For a no-mess alternative to carving, try painting your pumpkins. Use acrylic paint to create colourful designs, patterns, or even characters. You can also use glow-in-the-dark paint for an eerie effect at night.

3. Natural Accents

Incorporate natural elements into your pumpkin decor. I glued leaves that I found in my garden onto a white squash that created a modern, contemporary autumnal display.

4. Pumpkin Stacks

Stack smaller pumpkins on top of larger ones to create an eye-catching centrepiece. Secure them with skewers or dowels to ensure they don’t topple over.

Using the waste

Lots of pumpkins are wasted this time of year and many people don’t know what to do with the pulp and seeds that they carve out from the middle. My friend, food writer and grower Mark Diacono shares his favourite squash and pumpkin recipes on his Substack here:

https://substack.com/@markdiacono

Leigh - Festival Place's Gardening Guru