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Dillsburg, PA

I have only grew the large type variety and really don't understand the suggested seed spacing on the packets. I am growing Howdens to the really small decorative pumpkins. How much room do I need for Howdens and other hard stem pumpkins?

5/24/2009 1:33:24 PM

Reed Point Montana

crowding is not a real big issue with field pumpkins and squash so i usualy just put a seed every 4-12inches in a row depending on what type it is being large or small squash. The hard part is having a good watering method once the plant vine over covering the ground making it difficult to get in there. I usualy plant them in deep trenches so that the water cant break out of the row but if your just growing a small patch a overhead sprinkler of hose would save water and work best. GOOD LUCK!

~mid~

5/24/2009 8:58:40 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Our field pumpkins are in rows 8 feet apart with 5 foot spacing between the plants. Crowding is an issue. 4 inches is to close unless you are growing carrots :)

5/25/2009 5:27:00 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Thanks, that answers my question.

5/26/2009 4:51:19 AM

Reed Point Montana

if you have nothing but time and space im sure that works great but i usualy grow a few hundred of them and theres really no need for the much spacing unless your going to treat them like ag's wich is very much energy consuming expecialy with store seed.

5/30/2009 3:24:04 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Oh like I am pulling this number out of my magical hat. It comes from a commercial pumpkin growing guide. Planting more seeds closer together will not increase your yield. It will result in crowded plants, which will increase your chances for disease.

How big of pumpkin can you get growing 4" apart?

Plant a few 4-12 inches and a few 5 feet apart and report your results.

5/30/2009 10:05:16 AM

Ohio

I plant my field pumpkins about 2 to 3 feet apart and have found that its still not enough room for them(not the bush variety).
Hopefully next year I can get the field tilled below the house and have 1 ,maybe 2 acres of the smaller varieties, if I do this I will plant them a lot further apart. The bush type variety pumpkins I will keep them a little closer together.

6/10/2009 5:07:55 AM