Fall can not be the same without these orange pumpkins, and let’s face it: With a single plant taking up to 90 cm of space, it’s easy to assume you don’t have enough room to grow them.
Especially in urban areas, you don’t have much room for the plants to sprawl out.
That’s why, growing pumpkins vertically is such a cool hack, and today, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how you can grow them even in your tiny backyard spaces.
Let’s get straight into it.
Why Grow Pumpkins Vertically?
As of now, you know limited space is the primary reason we grow pumpkins vertically, but that’s not it; many other factors are forcing us to do so.
The foremost one is its protection against pests.
When pumpkins are on the ground, they are more susceptible to pests and diseases. By hanging them, the proper air circulation reduces moisture retention, which eventually lowers the risk of these issues.
Moreover, harvesting the pumpkins that are off the ground is easy.
No need to bend and move to find the perfectly ripped one. Everything is just in front of you, visible and within range.
Choosing the Right Support for Your Pumpkin Vines?
Growing those heavy pumpkins off the ground is not that easy. You need firm support to make them grow according to plan.
There are options like using Trellises, A-frames, or fences, but let’s be real: they are not strong enough to handle the weight of growing pumpkins.
That what to do?
You must go with durable materials like metal or treated wood that won’t collapse throughout the season. With the supports all set up, the next thing to figure out is whether to start your pumpkin seeds indoors or plant them straight outside.
How to Grow from Seed?
Now when we can grow pumpkins in a very limited space, here you might be thinking if I should grow them indoors or directly sow them outside in a natural environment.
You can head start by seeding indoors.
Indoor Seeding:
You just need composite-rich soil because pumpkins are heavy feeders, so the soil is the most important part.
You must put them in front of a sunny windowsill, ideally a heating mat and dome.
Once they are almost halfway done, turn off the heating mat and remove the dome. When they have 3-4 leaves it’s time to harden the process and get the seedlings conditioned to the outdoor environment before you plant them out.
Remember: Here’s the timing key: you can’t have them indoors for too long as this will lead to some root diseases.
Direct Sow Outside:
You can also directly sow your pumpkin seed outdoors.
For this, always use compost-rich soil. The ideal soil you need for this is 18” but at least 12” is a must.
Keep in mind the temperature is the key element, plant them when the overnight temperatures are over 10°C/50°F.
Now that your pumpkins are planted and starting to grow, the next step is to guide their vines as they climb to ensure they grow strong and healthy.
Step-by-Step: Training Pumpkin Vines to Climb with Ease
Training pumpkin vines to climb is a piece of cake once you know the tricks.
And… That’s it!
How to Secure Heavy Fruits as They Grow?
You might be thinking: Will the fully ripped pumpkin fall off? The answer is simple: “NO.” it’s not.
They have strong stems to hold the heavy fruits. Yet, you can create slings or hammocks using materials like clothes, mesh bags, or any nylon stockings to avoid any chance of falling.
Quick Tip: Remember you have to check these slings or supports regularly and change them based on the pumpkin’s growth.
Fertilizing and Watering Tips for Vertical Pumpkins
Watering your pumpkins the right way is like keeping a steady rhythm—they need consistency. Keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t go overboard.
Too much water, and you’ll end up with soggy roots, which can lead to rot. A good trick? Water deeply but less often to empower strong roots.
When it comes to fertilizers, pumpkins love a boost of phosphorus and potassium. Think of it as their fuel for flowering and fruiting.
Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to keep the vines strong and the pumpkins plump.
Just don’t overdo it, or you might get more leaves than fruit.
Harvest Time! When and How to Pick Perfect Pumpkins
It’s not that difficult to check if your pumpkins are ready to harvest. The pumpkins with a deep, rich orange color with a dry stem are the ones ready to crack.
Most importantly, once you’ve picked the fully ripped pumpkins, store them in a cool, dry place.
This way, pumpkins will stay fresh for weeks or even months. Now, sit back and admire your harvest—it’s the reward for all your hard work!
