Fall favorite grown for both culinary use and decoration. Vining plants need ample space but are straightforward to grow. Seeds are an edible bonus harvest.
Planting calendar
Start seeds indoors
3 weeks before your last spring frost.
Direct sow / transplant
2 weeks after your last spring frost.
Count back from desired harvest date; takes 90-120 days from seed
Spacing & harvest
Plant spacing: 48-72 inches
Row spacing: 72-120 inches
Days to harvest: 90-120 days
Ready when: Deep, solid color; hard rind resists thumbnail pressure; hollow sound when tapped; stem is dry
Companion planting
Plant near
Corn — Provides windbreak and vertical growing structure
Green Bean — Fixes nitrogen for heavy-feeding pumpkins
Keep away from
Potato — Both susceptible to blight and compete for nutrients
Get pumpkin planting dates for your exact zone
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.