Here are some tips for growing pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn.  We have been raising pumpkins and fall ornamental for years.  The Grandkids love to "tromp" through the PUMPKIN PATCH to pick that one very special pumpkin.  We select the ones we want for ourselves and then we invite friends and neighbors over to choose their pumpkins. 

In late September, after everyone has picked their pumpkin, we set up our Harvest Stand in the front drive and then sell our harvest to the neighborhood families.  We don't make a huge amount of money, but we do have lots and lots of fun. 

Growing

You need a lot of space to grow pumpkins.  If you are limited to a small backyard vegetable garden, try the mini varieties such as Baby Boo or Jack Be Little.  Pumpkins require very fertile, rich soil.  Mkae hills for the pumpkins with bags of composted manure--not raw manure, the composted kind that you buy in 25 pound bags at the garden center.

For my part of the country, it is recommended having your pumpkins and gourd planted by mid-June.  Check with the local farmers or your local nursery to see what planting time they recommend.

For directions in planting Indian or ornamental corn, check the seed packet for variety, specific planting dates, which are usually after the last frost date, when the soil temperature is warm, at least 65 degrees.  Plant in side-by-side rows for pollination purposes, and try a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for the corn.

Stake your pumpkin hills with a tall stake when you plant the seeds.  Pumpkin foliage grows anywhere from one foot to three feet tall, and then you can't find the hills to water them.  Don't step on the vines!  Fertilize your pumpkins regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle Grow.

Watch for signs of squash beetle activity and be prepared to fight.  The beetles attach themselves to the vines and drain all the juice out of the pumpkins.  To discourage squash beetles, you can try planting marigolds, catnip, tansy and nasturtiums.  Also, when choosing your varieties for pumpkins, look for mildew-resistant varieties.  A problem with mildew widely affects a pumpkin crop.  It's just one of those things. 

Harvesting

By late July or early August, the Indian corn should be mature.  After gathering them, gently peel back the husks.  String up some rope to hang the ears on and let the corn dry out completely.  Use a protected area, like your garage or a shed.  If you leave them outside the birds will get them.

In mid to late September, watch your foliage on the pumpkin and gourd vines.  The pumpkins will be starting to turn orange, but sit tight.  Wait until the foliage dies back and the stems start to turn brown before you harvest them.  Use a sharp pocket knife to cut the vines, remembering to leave yourself a good stem length.

Carry pumpkins like a ball, not by the stem.  Wash them in a solution of bleach and water.  The bleach water helps stop mildew.  Store your pumpkins and gourds on wood plants or hay bales, not on concrete (they'll rot).

FINAL NOTE:  TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITH YOUR HARVEST--EVERY YEAR THE HARVEST IS DIFFERENT AND THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS CHANGE!!