Pumpkins

Pumpkins are sensitive to frost and prefer warm soil, so don't be in a rush to plant early in spring. Wait until about 2 weeks after the last frost, when the soil is about 70F (22C). There's no reason to start pumpkins inside, unless you're trying to grow a long-season variety in an area that gets early frosts. Direct seed 1 - 1.25 inches (2 - 3 cm) deep on a hillside, with 4 or 5 seeds per hill. Space your hills roughly 4-8 feet (1.2 - 2.4 m) apart. If you have to start early, plant inside in successively bigger pots before transplanting outside, being careful not to disturb the root at any point (peat pots, are best). Cutting back on water and reducing temperature hardens the plant before transplanting. Plant transplants once all danger of frost has passed. Mulching helps suppress weeds and retain moisture. To discourage squash borers from laying eggs, mound soil around the base of the plants.