Pumpkin Patch Learning Curve

 

This is my second summer of growing pumpkins.  Last year I let pumpkins compost from the previous fall and just transplanted the young plants as they popped up.  And I had more luck than this year!

This year I purchased three packages of seeds -- one was a flat white variety.

And the other two were squatty gray-green varieties.  

This is my ONLY white one.

For a long time the white one was the only one that "set" on the vine.

Now, we are finally getting a few more babies (no white.)

There are quite a few differences from last year, including use of seed.

Last year I planted in a field that used to have livestock,

so maybe the soil was a little better.

(This is my biggest one, I have to lift it with two hands.)

Last year the field had a bit more sun than where I planted this year.

Last year we had more rain than this drought-ridden summer.

Last year the pumpkins plants were surrounded by wildflowers,

this year maybe there weren't enough polinators.

I think the main problem was that I didn't plant early enough.

I planted late May when it was recommended,

I feel like one more month would have been idea.

Probably next year I will plant in this same spot, and one additional area.  

One of these summers I will have a bumper crop in the pumpkin patch!