develop pumpkins in Kentucky is a corking venture for farmers and gardeners alike . With the summertime months providing an teemingness of sunshine , the DoS ’s climate is idealistic for pumpkin cultivation .
Temperatures during the summer calendar month commonly set out from the mid-70s to the mid-80s , allowing for the Cucurbita pepo plants to fly high and produce an abundance of pumpkins . Kentucky also see plenty of rain throughout the mature season , ensuring that the grime remains moist . Which is essential for healthy pumpkins crop in Kentucky .
Popular pumpkin varieties
take the right salmagundi of pumpkins for your purposes and climate is an of import stride in growing pumpkin . If you live on in a climate with a short get time of year , you ’ll want to piece a variety that matures in under 100 days . These are some democratic pumpkin variety and their approximate days to reap :
Please note that the days to harvest time may vary depending on growing conditions , so it ’s best to refer to the seminal fluid packet or refer with a local gardening expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Kentucky
If you want to get a head start on your pumpkin harvest or live in a region with a scant growing season , starting yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great option . Generally speaking , you should aim to start your pumpkin vine seed indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them out of doors . This timing will give the seedling time to grow and develop strong radical system of rules , without becoming too big or root - bind . In Kentucky , you should plant your pumpkin seeds indoors around :
To start your pumpkin seeds indoors , you ’ll take to cumulate some supply , including seed - starting tray , seed - start mix , and a grow light or cheery windowsill . Fill the seed - starting tray with the seed - starting mix , and plant one or two pumpkin seeds per cell , implant the seeds about 1 column inch cryptic .
Place the seed trays in a warm , bright location , and keep the soil consistently moist . Once the seeds have burgeon forth and develop their first lot of true leave , you may begin to inseminate them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedling continue to rise , you may necessitate to thin them out to one plant per cell to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also important to harden off your seedling before transplanting them outside , step by step reveal them to outdoor conditions over the course of several days to void shock . With proper care and attention , your indoor - grow pumpkin seedlings will be ready to transplant outside and bear on their growth into mature , beautiful pumpkins .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have grown into sturdy plants and the weather has warmed up , it ’s time to transplant them outdoors . Before transplanting , it ’s important to make certain that the soil temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a risk of icing . The last frost escort in Kentucky is :
To devise your garden bed for pumpkin starts , choose a gay position with well - draining soil . lend plenty of compost or well - rotted manure to the dirt , as pumpkins are heavy feeder and postulate scads of food to thrive .
When found your autumn pumpkin starts , make certain to space them about 3 - 5 feet aside , depending on the motley . get the picture a hole that is slenderly large than the root testis of the seedling , and place the seedling into the hole , make believe certain to bury it up to its first solidifying of reliable leaves . This will advance the plant to develop a impregnable tooth root organization and establish itself in the soil .
After planting , water your pumpkin starts thoroughly and regularly , have sure to keep the soil systematically moist but not waterlogged . Adding a layer of mulch around the plants can aid retain moisture and foreclose weeds .
As the pumpkin plant proceed to farm , you may necessitate to allow for additional support in the phase of trellises or John Cage to keep the vine from sprawling too far and remove up too much space . With proper fear and attention , your pumpkin vine starts will grow into mature plants and produce beautiful , tidy pumpkins just in clip for the harvest season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your pumpkin outdoors in Kentucky , it ’s significant to provide them with proper charge . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plants and have an amazing harvest home !
When to harvest pumpkins in Kentucky
Pumpkins are typically ready to harvest when they have reached their full size and the vine have take up to dry out . Here are some signs that your autumn pumpkin are ready to be break up :
When harvest home pumpkins , it ’s significant to use piercing , clear shears or a knife to dilute the stem about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the fruit . Avoid pulling or wrick the pumpkin , which can damage the stem and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , store your pumpkins in a cool , dry place with skilful air circulation to help them last longer .
