How to plant pumpkin seeds in the vegetable garden: an easy method
Quick answer: To plant squash seeds easily in the vegetable garden, sow them in pockets (3 seeds) in warm, rich, well-drained soil, from mid-April under cover or mid-May in the ground, leaving 1.5 m between each plant. Water, mulch, and monitor the emergence: squash love warmth and fertile soil! 🥗🌱
📅 When to sow pumpkin seeds?
Warmth is the secret! To successfully grow your squash, sow indoors from mid-April, or directly in the ground from mid-May, when frost is no longer a threat. Squash hates the cold! North of the Loire, really wait until the soil is well warmed up. In mild climates, you can move the calendar forward a little. 🏡
- In a pot indoors: mid-April to early May.
- In open ground: mid-May to early June.
Tip: For a staggered harvest, sow several seeds one or two weeks apart! ⏳
🌾 How to prepare the soil for squash?
Squash is a real foodie! Choose deep, loose soil rich in organic matter. In the fall or at the end of winter, add well-ripened compost or decomposed manure to the area where you plan to plant. Before sowing, loosen and refine the soil: squash roots like to settle in freely. A dose of compost at the bottom of each hole will also work wonders. 👍
💪 What care and maintenance are needed for vigorous squash?
- Watering : Regular but not excessive, especially during flowering and fruit growth. Water at the base.
- Mulching : protects moisture, limits weeds and keeps fruit clean.
- Pruning (optional): Pinch the tip after 4 to 5 leaves to encourage the development of multiple stems and flowers. 🌸
- Surveillance : Watch out for slugs and powdery mildew (white on the leaves). A little ash or natural barriers can help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds generally germinate within a week if the temperature is mild (between 18°C and 25°C). Cooler = slower!
Can we plant in pots?Yes! Get a large container (at least 30 L). Butternut squash and pumpkins thrive if you water and fertilize!
Which vegetables to combine?Beans, sweetcorn, nasturtiums… Avoid proximity to potatoes and zucchini (risk of common diseases). Also discover our kitchen comparisons to cook your harvests! 🍽️
How to harvest and preserve?Harvest when the stem dries: cut with pruning shears, keeping a good stalk. Store in a dry, ventilated and cool place, on straw or cardboard.
🌱 Planting pumpkin seeds: an easy method in the vegetable garden
Want to harvest beautiful butternut squash, pumpkins or other delicious varieties? 😋 Nothing is more satisfying than seeing these generous and colorful vegetables grow in your vegetable garden! Here is my simple method for planting squash seeds , even if you are a beginner or have little space. Prepare your watering can, get out your gloves and get started, you'll see, it's easy and fun! 🥒
Remember to rotate your crops : don't replant squash in the same spot every year to avoid soil-borne diseases. If you want to learn more about planting associations or pest control, check out the excellent article on sowing squash (graines-semences.com) ! 📚