How to Grow Pumpkins in Texas
Pumpkins are very useful things indeed. Not only do the vast majority of people buy them for Halloween in order to carve out a scary face, but they are also transformed into the traditional pumpkin pie at every Americans Thanksgiving table. Learning how to grow pumpkins in Texas requires that you understand some additional steps in the process.
Tips for Growing Pumpkins
In order to grow your own pumpkins in Texas, simply follow the simple tips for growing pumpkins listed below.
Pumpkin Growing Preparation
Allow at least three to four months for your pumpkin to grow; the longer it is in the ground the bigger it will be! When growing a pumpkin in Texas it is recommended that you plant your seeds from May to early June.
When growing pumpkins in Texas you need to make sure you have found the right location. Pumpkins thrive in sunshine and deep, well-drained soil. Your chosen location should receive about 6 hours of sunlight per day in order for your pumpkin to grow to its full potential. Ideally, you should allow the pumpkin roots up to 4 feet of growing space. However, a foot or two of soil depth and adequate moisture and nutrition would be more than adequate.
Pumpkins prefer pH of 6.0 to 7.5 but will do fine on soils up to 8.0. If your Texan soil is more acidic than 6.0 then to grow you pumpkin your soil should be limed in order to raise the pH level.
In order to avoid soggy roots when growing pumpkins in Texas, you should create a raised bed as this will allow the pumpkin more root space. This can be made by combining compost and mixed topsoil, which will also ensure that the pumpkins are receiving the nutrients they need from the soil alone.
Planting the Seeds
How to Grow Pumpkins in Texas
The pumpkin seeds should be ½ to 1 inch deep in the soil and should be planted in groups of about 3-5. Each pumpkin should be allowed approximately 2,500 square feet.
Managing Pests and Diseases
When growing your pumpkin in Texas you must be careful about the large amount of pests and diseases that could damage you pumpkin. A major culprit is the Vine Borers. Once these are in the vines it is almost impossible to remove them. You can try to split the vine and thus kill the bugs or inject a solution that will destroy any remaining larvae, but unfortunately nothing is guaranteed. Regularly check the plant leaves for any insects or eggs. You may find an insecticide useful for killing any found. However, you should also keep in mind that certain bugs are highly important for your pumpkins growth, for example bees.
Harvesting Your Pumpkin
Once fully mature (approximately 45-55 days after flowering), the skin on your pumpkin will harden so that a thumbnail will not easily puncture it and the colour will change from green to the normal colour(s) of the particular type or variety in question. Cut them from the vine leaving a few inches of stem on the pumpkin and make sure you store it in a cool dry place until required.