Pumpkin

Dramatic, productive and deeply seasonal. Give them rich soil, plenty of space and reliable water — they'll fill a bed by harvest time.

Sprouting this month

First sprouts in 5–7 days

Sow

Apr – May

Plant Out

May – Jun

Harvest

Sep – Oct

Type

Both

Difficulty

Growing Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sow

Transplant

Harvest

This month: Apr

Start seeds indoors this week

•Fill tray with compost
•Sow seeds evenly
•Cover lightly with soil
•Water gently
•Place in warm light spot

Sowing Guide

What you'd find on the seed packet

Sow Depth

2cm

Spacing

90–120cm

Germination

5–7days

Thinning

One plant per station — they need the full space

Grower's Note

Sow seeds on their side to reduce rotting at the seed tip. Each plant needs at least 1–2m² of growing space — don't underestimate it.

Growing Stages

Approximate weeks from sowing to harvest

Sprouting

1wks

Seeds germinate and first leaves emerge. Keep warm and moist.

Establishing

4wks

Root system develops and plant builds structure. Pot on if needed.

Maturing

16wks

Plant reaches full size and begins producing. Harvest at peak.

Total~21 weeksfrom seed to harvest

Companion Plants

NasturtiumMarigoldSweetcornBeans

Climate Control

Today

—C

Humidity

—%

Water

Daily

Sunlight

6+ hours direct sun

Watch Out For

! Powdery mildew appears on leaves from late summer — improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage
! Slugs devastate young plants in wet weather — protect with copper tape or sharp grit
! Fruit left on wet soil will rot — raise on a tile or board as it swells