So I posted a few weeks ago about leaving 3 pumpkins to decompose in my garden last fall (see post history). I had about 15-20 plants and I culled down to 2, 1 in each front corner of the garden box. These things are huge… Way larger than expected. Is there any way to make this work? Or will they smother everything in their path? I've never grown pumpkin before
by FunnyAsFuck
26 Comments
This is why it’s really not recommended to grow squash, pumpkins, etc in boxes or raised beds. I dedicate ~25×30’+ to squash, pumpkins, etc every year. Their vines grow all over the place. They’re just big plants.
There’s definitely a reason they grow pumpkins in fields. 😬 It’s either going to take over the sidewalk or the bed. They are not small or compact plants.
The one on the left could be trained over the handrail, but that’ll buy you a week, at most, and it won’t stop there; it’ll take over the whole doorway there.
They’re just getting going, too. My composted pumpkin vines get to 10′ long, unless some pest or disease takes them out first.
Depending on what else is growing in the bed beside the planter, you may be able to guide the one on the right to grow vines into that bed. But the one on the left is pretty much blocked in by the house / stairs / pathway. It already looks a little less happy than the other plant. You could try moving that one on the left and planting it somewhere else. It may not survive the transplant, though.
Is that a new pathway? If not, how are you keeping weeds out of the spaces between the pavers?
It’s going to get a lot bigger
This is just the beginning my friend.
Let it go nuts
These are tiny compared with how big they’ll ultimately get.
You haven’t seen anything yet, that is going to get bigger… and bigger….
One day you are going to look back at these pics and realize for pumpkins this is like a newborn phase lol. Best of luck they look great!
Those are still babies. Sorry, but the house belongs to the pumpkins now and you’ll have to move out until it’s time to harvest.
*You haven’t even seen my final form yet.*
Expect 6-10’ vines by the end of season. They can be directed in some new places and spill out on the walk ways.
It’s fine. It’s fun! Let them be. Let go of the idea of a “tidy” garden and be a bit jungley this season.
If you are determined to keep them. A trellis or large arch. They will smother out other sun loving plants because of the leaves that shade them out. You can trim vines to a certain extent but judging from your gardening aesthetic and type A intensity toward the way this looks (symmetry), you won’t be happy and the pumpkin won’t be happy. They don’t transplant well, it’s best to let go and find something more suited to the space and you. If it’s squash or pumpkin you are after there are small bush varieties that may do better. Keep in mind these are just getting started and may triple or quadruple in size depending on variety, sunlight, and care.
You’re worried now? It’s gonna be 25 long, huge leaves 6 pumpkins. You’re going to need a machete
The reckoning hasn’t even begun.
They will get way way way way bigger.
Lolllllllllll
Oh you sweet summer child
That’s still a baby, they can cover 20 feet
They’re going to take over the world.
I grow winter squash and zucchini in 15 gallon containers. I use tomato cages and have them grow vertically. They’ll eventually cascade back to the ground, but the cages do reduce their overall footprint.
i guess you will have a lot of pumpkin pie this fall
I’m guessing you’ve never seen a field of pumpkins then? It’s like field of dreams but with pumpkins. If you build it..
https://preview.redd.it/t59aqw6ldh8f1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a61a0592ddba47e2a227dafe0453da24c2cf10c8
1 pumpkin plant last week.
Those are still baby plants. They will get much, MUCH bigger.
You have loosened the kraken. This plant will grow like no other. You’ll end up with an obsession with every little pumpkin on the vine. Children will come over and challenge your claim to the orange globes. The vines will own your lawn. Good luck.
Suffering from success