Pumpkins are round, orange fruits typically associated with autumn. They are known for their versatility in cooking and carving, and are often used in pies, soups and festive decorations.

Growing calendar
Sow indoors	May
Plant out/transplant	June
Harvest	July-October

How to grow pumpkins and squashes

Sow seed in pots, 1.5cm deep on their side. Harden off and transplant 60-90cm apart. Choose fertile soil in sunny sheltered site.

Mulch to conserve moisture. Pinch out growing tips of trailing stems when 60cm long. Protect from slugs. Place larger fruit on a tile to stop rotting

Harvesting and using pumpkins and squashes

Cut with 10cm stalk when fruit have coloured and sound hollow when tapped, but before frosts. Let skin harden in the sun for 10 days if storing. Flowers are edible.

Growing notes
Difficulty	Easy
Germination time	5-8 days
Average time to harvest	14-20 weeks
Equipment needed	Mulch (compost), tiles
Average plant size	45cm tall, 120cm wide
Family group to grow with	Cucurbits: courgettes, marrows
Seed saving notes	2 - Annual, can cross-pollinate
Key nutritional content	Vitamin A, vitamin C