Many people wait until October to begin thinking about pumpkins, but if you want to have homegrown pumpkins to carve for Halloween, you need to start planning in the summer.
With a little bit of care, you can grow your own pumpkins and have them ready to harvest in time for Halloween. Read on to learn more about when to harvest pumpkins.
Pumpkin Harvesting
Pumpkin harvesting generally begins in late September or early October. You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the pumpkin has turned orange and the stem is dry.
To harvest, cut the pumpkin from the vine with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage the stem.
Once you’ve harvested your pumpkins, they’ll need to be cured before they’re ready to use. Curing helps improve their flavor and extends their shelf life. To cure your pumpkins, place them in a cool, dark place for two weeks.
After they’ve been cured, your pumpkins will be ready to use.
Conclusion
So now you know when to harvest pumpkins. Remember, start planning in the summer and you can have your own homegrown pumpkins ready to carve for Halloween.
With a little bit of care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own pumpkins and knowing that they’re fresh and flavorful.
Happy pumpkin harvesting.