Once the vines start producing pumpkins, what is best to place under the pumpkin to prevent rot from moisture on the ground? As they get larger and I would like to maintain a round pumpkin, should I rotate them on the ground or try to sit them up? I don't want pumpkins with flat sides. I am currently just starting seedlings, but the area the vines will be growing on is filled with small - almond size - rocks.
Actually, the small rocks may be to your advantage as it will assist in drainage.. I see to problem is proping up the pumpkins or even trellising so that the pumpkins hang down. Back when I was only 12 I grew pumpkins and we went away for a 3 week vacation. When we cam back, the pumpkin vine had grown into a bush and continued. It had already started a decent pumpkin. We supported the vine but not the pumpkin. It weighed 22 pound at harvest. Best chilhood memory that got me started gardening!
The vines get very thick and can tolerate being moved as the pumpkin first forms.
Another idea would be to place lattice or smoe type fencing beneath but you can't predict the direction the vines will go. I am also assuming that you are hoping for just a few pumpkins.
When do pumpkins go orange?
They should begin turning orange some time in fall. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pumpkin/getting-green-pumpkins-to-turn-orange-after-the-pumpkin-vine-dies.htm
What color is the pumpkin on the inside when it is ripe?
My plants look heathy but there seems to be more flowers than pumpkins. Is this common? I've never grown one before, but this one came up from last Halloween. There are some babies on the plant.
As with squash plants, this is typical behavior. They will produce mostly male (non-fruiting) blossoms early in the season (which normally fall off) and will gradually start to produce more female blossoms as the season progresses. Give it some time and you will see it start fruiting.
I'm growing pumpkins on uprights in raised beds. They are blossoming profusely and setting lots of pumpkins, but the little pumpkins are turning yellow and falling off. I am also having this problem with winter squash, which is growing right next to the pumpkins.
Squash and pumpkins are very similar and fruits fall off for the same reasons. With this in mind, here's an article that should help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/squash-fruit-falling-off-the-plant.htm
What is the best formula for fertilizing pumpkins? I have drip irrigation set up and the option to inject.
Early in the season, use a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorous (K) and then as the season progresses, use a balanced fertilizer.
I know that I am most probably being impatient, but will my pumpkin plant produce any female flowers? It's produced about three male flowers so far and no female ones. And by the looks of things it seems as if none are on the horizon either. What should I do? Will they ever arrive? Any info would be gratefully received, even if it's just to tell me to stop being so impatient.
It is just a waiting game. Plants will produce many male flowers early on to make sure that when the female flowers do appear, that there will be plenty of pollen for them. Normally, once male flowers appear, you can expect female flowers within about 1-2 weeks.
Thank you, Heather. Now that I know that, I can wait excitedly.