Oct 14 2008
How to Make Money Growing Pumpkins (Part 1)
If you’ve already grown a patch of pumpkins, then the time is right for you to take some of these ideas and incorporate them into your plan of action on “How to Make Money Growing Pumpkins.” If you haven’t, then start now with your plan for next year. Use your pumpkin patch to make extra money or work it into a seasonal job.
Step 1. Location. Decide on a location to grow your pumpkins. You will need to choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight. This member of the squash family grows in sprawling vines so you will need plenty of room. Of course, this will vary depending on the type of pumpkins you choose. Remember, you should not grow the same crop in a location for more than one year. You especially don’t want to grow another squash plant in the pumpkin location in alternate years. So, next year plant something else here and find another location for your pumpkin patch.
If you only have a small area, try planting them in a row around the outside of your backyard. The vines can then grow over your lawn area.
Step 2. Preparing the Bed. Dig our the growing area to about 2 or 3 feet. I know, this is a lot of work but will pay off in the exceptional crop later on. Mix a good fully decomposed compost and a layer of manure in with the soil. Do not compact your mixed soil as it will deter the pumpkin roots.
Now you are ready to form mounded hills for your pumpkin plants. Your seed packet will tell you how far apart the hills need to be as this will depend on the pumpkin variety. Hills help the pumpkins get better drainage. If the plants get too much water they could be deprived of root oxygen plus it is a better heating environment for the seedlings.
Step 3. Seeds. It would seem you would make the most out of planting the old fashioned jack-o-lantern pumpkins. However, it may be of benefit to grow several varieties if you have the space. Imagine how a huge pumpkin variety will draw in the lookers to your pumpkin stand. And the small pumpkins are wonderful for indoor decorating. However, there are also white pumpkins. Anything out of the ordinary will draw attention. But, your regular pumpkins will probably sell the most.
One pumpkin plant will generally grow 3 to 4 pieces, while the smaller pumpkins can produce up to 12 per plant. The seed packet will tell you to plant 3 to 5 seeds per mound. Once the seedlings have shown themselves you will have to decide which is the strongest one and eliminate the rest. For maximum growth and quality you only want one plant per hill. Make sure to choose a pumpkin variety(s) that will grow well in your area considering if you have a short or longer growing period.
While your pumpkin is growing, place a flat board beneath it. This will discourage bugs, moles and other predators from damaging it as well as any mold from damp dirt.
Step 4. Harvest. Your pumpkins will require at least three months of growing time. Assure that your harvest will be in time to take to market in October. You know your pumpkin is ready to harvest when it seems to have stopped growing, is hard and has reached it’s full color. Use a sharp knife to cut it from the vine, careful not to damage the vine as you may have other pumpkins depending on it. Make sure the pumpkin has been cut with a decent stem (no stem, or very little, is not as appealing when selling). Carry the pumpkin by holding it from it’s bottom side, not by the stem as it could be damaged.
Step 5. Storage. If your pumpkins arrive early and you must store them before your sale, choose a cool and dry location that is pretty dark. Place them on cardboard or wood boards. If the storage period is to be more than a week do the following. Wash each pumpkin in a mixture of a gallon of water to 1 cup of chlorine. Then dry them completely. This solution will destroy any bacteria that could cause damage to your harvested product.
Where to Sell Your Pumpkins
In the next segment of “How to Make Money Growing Pumpkins” we will discuss not only where to sell your pumpkins but what to do with them other that just selling whole ones. If you are looking for a way to make extra income, you may find this is your thing.
