Growing pumpkins in Maryland is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for gardener of all levels . Maryland has a moderate clime , which bring home the bacon optimal conditions for growing autumn pumpkin . summertime are typically hot and humid , with temperature attain the mid-80s and often climbing into the 90s .
winter are stale , with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the scummy 40s . bounce and fall are modest and pleasant , with temperatures average in the mid-60s . The amount of rainfall diverge across the state , with the western and southern country receiving more rain than the eastern and northerly component part of the state .
Popular pumpkin varieties
choose the right diversity of pumpkins for your purposes and climate is an important step in mature pumpkins . If you live in a climate with a shorter originate time of year , you ’ll want to pick a variety that suppurate in under 100 days . These are some pop pumpkin assortment and their close together days to harvest :
Please take note that the 24-hour interval to harvest may change depending on growing conditions , so it ’s best to denote to the seed packet or consult with a local gardening expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Maryland
If you want to get a head start on your pumpkin craw or live in a region with a short growing season , part yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great option . Generally utter , you should aim to start your pumpkin seeds indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before you plan to transfer them outdoors . This timing will give the seedling time to maturate and prepare strong root system , without becoming too large or ancestor - bound . In Maryland , you should plant your pumpkin sow indoors around :
To start your autumn pumpkin seeds indoors , you ’ll need to conglomerate some supply , including seed - starting tray , come - start mix , and a grow light or sunny windowsill . Fill the semen - set out trays with the seed - start mix , and institute one or two pumpkin seeds per cell , planting the seeds about 1 in cryptical .
Place the ejaculate trays in a tender , bright location , and keep the soil consistently moist . Once the seeds have evolve and develop their first set of unfeigned farewell , you may begin to fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedlings go on to originate , you may need to thin them out to one plant per cellphone to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also important to harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors , step by step exposing them to outdoor condition over the course of several mean solar day to avoid shock . With proper care and attention , your indoor - acquire pumpkin seedlings will be quick to graft outdoors and continue their growth into mature , beautiful pumpkins .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedling have grown into inflexible industrial plant and the weather has warmed up , it ’s time to transplant them outdoors . Before transplant , it ’s important to ensure that the territory temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a hazard of frost . The final Robert Lee Frost date in Maryland is :
To educate your garden layer for pumpkin starts , opt a sunny location with well - draining territory . Add plenty of compost or well - rotted manure to the soil , as pumpkins are heavy feeders and require lots of nutrients to thrive .
When imbed your pumpkin starts , make indisputable to space them about 3 - 5 feet asunder , depending on the variety show . Dig a hole that is slimly larger than the root lump of the seedling , and localize the seedling into the cakehole , making sure to bury it up to its first hardening of true leave . This will boost the flora to develop a strong root organisation and establish itself in the soil .
After planting , water your pumpkin come out thoroughly and on a regular basis , verify to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . Adding a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain wet and prevent locoweed .
As the pumpkin vine plant life continue to develop , you may call for to leave extra livelihood in the form of trellises or cages to keep the vines from sprawling too far and taking up too much quad . With proper tutelage and attention , your pumpkin scratch will grow into mature industrial plant and produce beautiful , sizable pumpkin just in meter for the harvest season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your pumpkins outdoors in Maryland , it ’s crucial to provide them with proper precaution . Doing so will avail you get the most out of your pumpkin plants and have an amazing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Maryland
Pumpkins are typically ready to harvest when they have reached their full size of it and the vines have started to dry out . Here are some signs that your autumn pumpkin are quick to be picked :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s of import to use sharp , uninfected shears or a knife to cut the shank about 2 column inch ( 5 centimeter ) above the fruit . Avoid draw or twisting the pumpkin , which can damage the stem and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , stash away your pumpkins in a cool , dry place with secure zephyr circulation to aid them last longer .
