maturate pumpkin in Massachusetts is a rewarding experience as the land has a cracking climate for this vegetable . The moderate clime and abundant rainfall of Massachusetts allow for for a recollective grow season , ideal for raising Cucurbita pepo .
The medium maximal temperature in the summertime calendar month is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit , providing plenty of high temperature for optimal industrial plant outgrowth . Additionally , the cool nights provide the plant with prison term to roost and the moderate humidness levels make it easy for the pumpkin to flourish . With an norm of 45 inches of rain each year , there is no shortage of pee to keep your pumpkins hefty .
Popular pumpkin varieties
take the correct variety of pumpkins for your purposes and climate is an important footstep in grow autumn pumpkin . If you live in a climate with a short growing season , you ’ll need to pick a kind that suppurate in under 100 Day . These are some democratic pumpkin smorgasbord and their close together days to harvest :
Please notice that the day to harvesting may vary calculate on growing condition , so it ’s full to concern to the seed parcel or consult with a local gardening expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Massachusetts
If you want to get a school principal set about on your pumpkin craw or live in a area with a shorter grow time of year , start yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great option . Generally speaking , you should place to start your pumpkin seeds indoors about 4 - 6 week before you plan to transplant them out of doors . This timing will give the seedlings fourth dimension to grow and develop solid root word systems , without becoming too large or root - bound . In Massachusetts , you should establish your pumpkin seeds indoors around :
To start your Cucurbita pepo seeds indoors , you ’ll need to garner some supply , including seed - starting trays , seed - starting mix , and a grow Inner Light or gay windowsill . Fill the seed - starting trays with the seed - start mix , and plant one or two pumpkin seeds per prison cell , planting the seeds about 1 column inch mystifying .
Place the seed tray in a warm , bright positioning , and keep the soil systematically moist . Once the seed have germinated and developed their first set of true leaves , you could begin to fertilize them with a balanced plant food .
As the seedlings continue to grow , you may need to thin them out to one plant per cell to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also crucial to inure off your seedlings before transplanting them outside , step by step reveal them to out-of-door weather over the course of several days to avoid shock . With proper care and aid , your indoor - produce pumpkin seedling will be quick to transplant outside and continue their growth into mature , beautiful pumpkins .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have grown into sturdy works and the weather has warmed up , it ’s time to transfer them outdoors . Before transplantation , it ’s of import to check that that the soil temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° degree centigrade ) and that there is no longer a risk of freeze . The final frost date in Massachusetts is :
To prepare your garden bed for pumpkin vine starts , take a sunny location with well - draining stain . Add plenty of compost or well - rotted manure to the soil , as pumpkins are impenetrable feeders and call for mess of nutrients to thrive .
When plant your Cucurbita pepo start , make certain to space them about 3 - 5 feet apart , count on the variety . Dig a hole that is slightly prominent than the solution testicle of the seedling , and set the seedling into the hole , gain indisputable to eat up it up to its first set of honest leaves . This will encourage the flora to develop a strong root system and establish itself in the filth .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin start thoroughly and on a regular basis , making sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . supply a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain moisture and prevent smoke .
As the autumn pumpkin plants continue to grow , you may call for to provide extra support in the shape of trellises or John Cage to keep the vines from sprawl too far and taking up too much blank . With right tutelage and attention , your pumpkin vine starts will develop into mature plants and produce beautiful , goodly pumpkin vine just in sentence for the harvest time of year .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve plant your pumpkins outdoors in Massachusetts , it ’s significant to cater them with proper care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plants and have an amazing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Massachusetts
pumpkin are typically ready to harvest when they have reached their full size and the vine have started to dry out . Here are some signs that your autumn pumpkin are ready to be picked :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s important to apply sharp , clean shears or a knife to cut the radical about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the fruit . Avoid pulling or twisting the pumpkin , which can damage the theme and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , lay in your pumpkins in a nerveless , dry place with unspoilt air circulation to help them last longer .
