Your comments and tips

21 Apr 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi there, depending where you live I read on an abc gardening page in a sub tropical environment that pumpkins could be grown throughout the year .I put mine in late decmber and they are simply powering along with many fruit now softball size .I hope this helps.

Reply or Post a new comment

15 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Pumpkins are best planted when soil temperatures have reached 15-17 degrees C. This varies between climate zones, Australia is a large country. A soil thermometer is aa good investment to check this. They usually cost around $20.00. If you plant seedlings in February you would need to have about 4 frost-free months to harvest. As for ethics many companies sell what looks good or what people want. Tomato plants are available in Victoria as early as July. They will not do well until mid to late October when the soil has warmed up and many will die. This suits the seedling growers as they will sell more plants as replacements. Having said that if you have a sheltered spot you could get tomatoes going earlier. The best thing to do is to check the planting times on this site relevant to your area and don't be tempted by what's on offer.

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Jan 17, Gabriella Hont (Australia - temperate climate)

What is the best way to water pumpkin plants? Do you water near the original base or do they grow roots elsewhere?

Reply or Post a new comment

04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

The best way to water pumpkins is at the roots as overhead watering will encourage mildew development. And, yes they do send down roots from the running stems so if you can trickle water them it will definitely help. Trust this helps.

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Jan 17, elizabeth starrett (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

December I noticed in my garden an unusual plant growing from kitchen compost . Now at the end of January it has spread over the lawn, someone said it was a pumpkin, I can identify many fruit forming, like a glob shape with yellow flower,, and long stems with yellow flowers the fruit is a light green color.How can I know at this stage, it a pumpkin, and not a weed. thanks

Reply or Post a new comment

04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

It is fairly likely to be a pumpkin from discarded kitchen scraps. It could also be a melon, cucumber or sqush if youu have eaten them. The flowers with the long stems are the male flowers which will pollinate the flowers with the round 'glob' on them. Compost grown pumpkins usuall thrive so it sounds like a bonus! Trust this helps.

Reply or Post a new comment

26 Jan 17, cheryl thomas (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Hi there,I have planted jap pumpkin seedlings.I also have butternut growing but the jap hasn't flowered like the butternut.Both lots of seedlings were planted at the same time.I have zucchini growing next to the jap.Can yiu suggest any solution.Thanks Cheryl Thomas.

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Jan 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Pinch out the ends of the vines

Reply or Post a new comment

21 Jan 17, Joanne (Australia - temperate climate)

My pumpkins are just forming "tenis ball size" with only 30days or less until it gets cold. I have planted late, November late but it's not made much difference to zucchini & cucumber but I'm hoping for mature pumpkins in 80days. Has anyone else had mature pumpkins by then?

Reply or Post a new comment

26 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Depending where you live you would normally get warm weather into Mid-March. If the pumpkins aren't ripe by then make pumpkin soup and freeze the excess or grate them into zucchini recipe quantities and freeze them in stead of zucchini. Sorry I can't help more.

Reply or Post a new comment