My Pumpkin Patch from Seed to Harvest
Because a pumpkin patch usually isn't the most attractive looking garden, we have situated it in a far corner of my farm, where the vines are free to ramble at will. Last spring was very cold and wet and Shaun, my gardener, finally planted the seeds towards the end of June. I like a great variety of cucurbits (pumpkins and gourds) and Shaun, with Wilmer's assistance, planted more than 30 different kinds. Here is the pumpkin patch from start to present day.
A list of what was planted - Turks Turban, Lebanese White Bush Marrow, Snake, Apple, Marina Di Chioggia, Autumn Wings , Galeux d'Eysine, Ten Commandments, Boston Marrow, Dinosaur, Kakai, Rouge Vif d'Etampes, Birdhouse, American Tondo, Wolf, Sweet Dumpling, Corsican, Queensland Blue, Golden Hubbard, Potimarron, Dipper, Musquee De Provence, Long island Cheese, Warty Long Hardhead, Bule, Connecticute Field Pumpkin, Confection, Triamble, Red Warty Thing, Costata Romanesco, Warty Pumpkin, Thick Margin Silver Seed, Jarrahdale, Knucklehead, Costata Romanesco, and Specialty Bliss
Sources - Homestead Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange and Johnny's
1 This is a colorful display of our very first pumpkin and gourd harvest. There are still many more to be picked.
2 This is how the seeds arrive from Homestead Seeds - cute little corked bottles.
3 These seeds have been coated with a treatment to keep pests at bay after planting.
4 June 22, 2009 - Shaun started by making mounds and covering them with black plastic as a form of mulch to keep heat and moisture in.
5 Using a sharp knife, he made slits in the plastic, where the seeds would be planted.
6 Shaun planted 5 seeds per mound.
7 Pushing the seed through the slit and into the mound
8 Wilmer is finishing up on the last mound.
9 This is the finished pumpkin patch with ample room for the vines to wander.
10 On July 7, 2009 - The Costata Romanesco was poking through.
11 As were the Specialty Bliss.
12 August 25, 2009 - The vines are well-established.
13 Another view
14 Shaun had fertilized and mulched with manure and hay from the stables.
15 A vibrant squash blossom
16 An immature Long Island cheese pumpkin.
17 September 22, 2009 - An overview of the pumpkin patch
18 Connecticut field pumpkin
19 Long Island cheese pumpkin
20 Hubbard squash
21 A dinosaur gourd and a Tennessee sweet potato
22 A very long snake gourd
23 Potimarron
24 Rouge Vif D'etampes
25 A ripening jack-o-lantern
26 This is called a warty pumpkin, for obvious reasons.
27 Who's been eating this Marina Di Chioggia pumpkin? Horrors!!!
Photos By Eliad Laskin
LOVE them!
Posted by: Isle Dance | September 23rd, 2009 at 1:42 am
Is it really fall and time for pumpkins already? Where did the summer go?
I am busy harvesting my bumper crop of tomatoes and making salsa and roasted tomato sauce. I haven't even looked at the pumpkins yet, but I do admit I am looking forward to some good pumpkin soup!
Posted by: Clayvessel from Pie in the Sky | September 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 am
I have long wished I could have a pumpkin and gourd patch, but the room it takes is daunting!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | September 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 am
Beautiful pumpkins! I wish I had a green thumb...
Posted by: Beth | September 23rd, 2009 at 8:52 am
Hi Martha,
Wow, just look at your pumpkin and gourd display already! What a variety! I haven’t seen gourds around here half that size and the cost is pretty high for just a few in a bag at the grocery store. I usually end up with the fake ones so I can use them again.
~
And look at the color of that Potimarron pumpkin, so orange and a great shape. It must be nice to say, I think I’ll plant some pumpkins and gourds, and then actually have them grow and beautifully too. Lucky you! I might think about planting things but they don’t grow like yours do. I’m always taking a chance. Gee, I hate the soil down here.
~
Well, at least whatever ate your Marina Di Chioggia picked an ugly, warty one. It must have tasted good though.
~
Thanks Martha for the view of your pumpkin patch – I really enjoyed it! Now I’m in the mood for Halloween. Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Beautiful Martha!
Pumpkins in the NE are in sorry shape due to the rainy weather as you know we had in the summer. You at least have a bumper crop!
I love the variety "Rouge Vif D'etampes"! I grew those one year.
I am still harvesting my Roma tomatoes! I feel very lucky to have those in my garden this year!
BTW, Martha, what happened to your show in CT?? We now have the MARTHA show airing a day late!! Talk about horrors!! Is there anyway we can get you back to the day of shows??? Please advise the fans on what to do! thanks!
Paula
Posted by: Paula M. | September 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
Have you thought of trying to grow using organic methods? I noticed the picture of pre-treated seeds. It would make a great article for the magazine also.
Just wondering. Every effort counts.
Thanks!
Holly
Posted by: Holly | September 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Absolutely loved the pumkins & gourds (cucurbits).....thanks for the new word! Autumn is my favorite season..all the beauty of nature just for us. THANKS!
Posted by: Natalie | September 23rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
Man, it sure is good that the fruits on these cucurbit vines (I learned a new word, and I LOVE it!) form later in the season, because they'd've surely rotted with the wet summer we've had in the northeast! As any seasoned gardener knows, too - it was a good idea to give them p-l-e-n-t-y of room to grow and spread, and I agree - they eventually don't end up too awfully pretty to look at (except when the field becomes peppered with shades of orange [giggle] ).
~
I LOVE to see displays of mums, pumpkins and gourds in autumn. I usually dwell on the harvest theme when October arrives, as I don't celebrate Halloween. Nature's bounty lasts well up into November, especially as the weather starts to become cooler and cooler, and spans those two months in autumn. Many years when I DID decorate with these, when December 1st rolled around, everything was still in good shape and not spoiled. It was sometimes difficult to discard them in order to change to Christmas/wintertime decorations.
~
Nevertheless, it's wonderful that you've grown your own cucurbits (and we expect that you would! [giggle] )...I'm sure you have several lovely vignettes displayed throughout your grounds and gardens, Martha. They're cheerful and welcoming, especially as the leaves begin to change color and the air gets a little nippier.
~
In closing, I will just HAVE to wish you today (and prob'ly won't be able to resist on other days [giggle]):
~
Happy Fall, y'all!
=^..^=
~
"Not every soil can bear all things."--Virgil
~
(...yes, I giggle alot!...)
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 23rd, 2009 at 11:11 am
What a fantastic variety and a great display on the bench. It is such great fun to have access to pumpkins and gourds to decorate the home at this time of the year! From a previous blog, I printed out a detailed map of your garden/property. Where is the remote area that you planted the pumpkin patch?
Posted by: Brian | September 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 am
I love this time of year... the pumpkins and gourds are just beautiful examples of abundance, aren't they?
I'm curious - how do you use your crop? It looks as if it is a large garden plot. Is it all used in cooking and decor or are some sold / given away?
- Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | September 23rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Hi Brian - The pumpkin patch is located near the contemporary house, which is used for storage right now.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | September 23rd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Beautiful! I have grown my own pumpkins. Didn't do that this year because I had filled the garden with pepper plants and tomatoes, and had no room left over. Miss the pumpkins, though. Maybe next season, and add some gourds, too. That would be nice. One of those gourds looks like a crane.
Posted by: Charlene | September 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Gorgeous! when i see them it makes me smile and borderline giddy! what an anticlimactic finale though a smashed/rotten poor old thing!
Thanks martha!
Posted by: Meg | September 23rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I tried to grow pumpkins one year..took over my entire yard! They grow like crazy! Problem I had was that most of them were eaten!! I was so dissappointed! I ended up with only 2 pumpkins and I had to cover them up to save them from the animals! How do you keep the animals away?
Posted by: barb | September 23rd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Awesome! Have you ever tried to grow on of those thousand pound giant pumpkins? I want to try that someday.
Posted by: Alyzabeth | September 23rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Hi Martha,
It was great talking to you again, yesterday. The harvest looks great! I've got some butternut and goodsized hubbard hanging on my fence this year. I used your idea of pantyhose cut in bands to tie the vine to the fence. Then, I used the bands to make a net to support the large hubbard... it's hangin' in there. Let me know if you would like to see a few pictures of our "cave dinner" we had on 9-11-09.
The table and decor was designed as if you were coming to our dinner. I'm off the Portland, Oregon in the morning for a family visit, and a Jason Mraz concert at the Rose Garden Arena!
Best,
Nancy from Descanso (east of San Diego)
'
Posted by: nancy natter | September 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Martha I lost my pumpkins to rot like i lost my tomatoes down here in Scarsdale
Posted by: Carl | September 23rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Wonderful Pumpkins!! Love the variety. Would make a great paintig.
Posted by: Elizabeth McNamara | September 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Thanks for the great photos! You do such a fantastic job of keeping your blog filled with interesting photos and descriptions of your activities. I really enjoy reading it. Your passion for what you do shines through.
Posted by: Sofia | September 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Hi Martha
So with all the bloggers jumping on the wagon for autumn decor, the pumpkin patch is just a fantastic decor concept. Any chance you would be interested in creating some design concepts at Furniture and Design Ideas?
Posted by: Nicolette | September 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
These are so beautiful! I <3 pumpkins. I wish I had room enough for a garden.
Posted by: Andrea | September 23rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I love your pumpkin garden! I never knew there was such a variety of pumpkins. That sure is a pretty display of pumpkins you have. What on earth ate the one in your last picture? Can't blame Francesa & Sharkey!
Posted by: Sherry | September 23rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
What an awesome slideshow! I loved how you showed the how-to aspect, instead of just the finished product
Posted by: Liz | September 23rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Aren't they all so cute...including the seed bottles. A wonderful display of different shapes and sizes. Here in Vancouver the pumpkins have ripened almost too quickly and there is concern that they could be a little mushy by Hallowe'en.
Posted by: sherey | September 23rd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
We started heritage pumpkins from seed indoors this year. "Big Max" variety. I had no idea that our pumpkin "patch" and our butternut squash "vine" would merge into a massive crawling (sometimes growing an inch a day in August)vine/patch. It's been absolutely fun and informative for the kids and for me! I just wish I had listened to my partner who grew up in the country when she said..."I don't know, our pumpkin patch was always in the far away corner of the property...do we have room for pumpkins?" Also? Made pie from one of our squashes based on your Honey Acorn Squash recipe from the original "Desserts" collection. Fantastic!
Posted by: Sarah Fowlie | September 23rd, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Hi Martha, These are the most beautiful cucurbits I think I have ever seen. The variety of shapes and colors are absolutely the best. I've tried growing them, but to no avail. Maybe I will try again next year. I had no idea that there were that many different varieties. These photos are certainly beautiful. I was fascinated with the one of the dinosaur squash and the Tennessee sweet potatoes. Were those really sweet potatoes or a type of squash?! Even with a poor growing season, you had some fabulous results anyway. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 23rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
the tiny corked bottles alone are enough inspiration to start a pumpkin patch. love all the photos and am just amazed at the growth rate of the vines...incredible.
Posted by: KMS | September 23rd, 2009 at 5:22 pm
As always, you lead the way to sustainability; one season at a time. Thanks, Martha!
Posted by: cherishthis | September 23rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Quick lets get out the carving knife. LOL Martha you're the best, and I'll tell you this Blog is the best!! You don't have to post these things but you do. Cheers to it, and the leafs are falling I'm sad no more summer! Oh well great wishes for the week. Kristin Looking forward to Halloween items!!
Posted by: kristin svens | September 23rd, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Love your pumpkin patch. Kinda reminds me of Linus's patch in " It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!"
Posted by: Maureen | September 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I`m friggin jealous,very,very ,very nice!Planted my stuff to late..lol,got 1 pumpkin,but i`ll give you a run for your money next year.God bless
Posted by: Norman Rudy | September 23rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I love pumpkins. In the South of Brazil, they cook a small pumpkin, with sugar. The caramelized pumpkin just melts in your mouth. I can't grow pumpkins in my yard. I am not sure why... may be the clay soil?
Thanks for sharing your beautiful pumpkin patch. Next time, I will try the seeding approach you mentioned in the beginning. Thanks again
Posted by: luizacc | September 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Hi Martha, I called you on your radio show. I am happy to say I have a 3 pound pumpkin growing in my garden. I ended up getting female blooms on my vine. So excited. If you want I will e-mail you a picture of the final product.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | September 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Luv ya!!!!! We do not know here on earth without ya!!!! Like to be in your show,Physical and spiritual health enhanced by healthy food.lol!!!
Posted by: Rosy | September 24th, 2009 at 7:08 am
your garden is amazing. one of these days, i'd like to start a garden in the backyard. any ideas on how to start a vegetable, fruit & flower garden in a small space? would love some information on it.
love the seed bottles.
Posted by: KIM | September 24th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Hi Martha! What a beautiful representation of your pumpkin crop! And I loved the foggy farm photos as well
. My sisters and I went to your show for the first time yesterday and really enjoyed it. Seeing the video clip of your fantastic garden was one of the highlights. Hope you get to rest up after your busy days in the city!
Posted by: Mary P | September 24th, 2009 at 10:11 am
beautiful variety!
now you just need a busload of kids in your pumpkin patch!
Posted by: Wendy | September 24th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I simply love your page about your pets!
I really wish you would list under types of
breeds my dog breed which is Cairn Terrier.
They are great dogs oh and talk about Halloween
and the great fall season who better then for
Dorothy to take with her then Toto.
My boy Frodo looks just like Toto and my girl
Willow she is a great wheaten color.
Have a great fall season!
Linda
Posted by: Linda | September 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Hi I just watched your show about your home in Maine, OMG !! it,s beautiful, I live in Ellsworth, and work at Hannaford, I love going down to the Island, it,s great and relaxing !!. Last fall my husband and I took a three hour carriage ride it was awesome, the bridges were amazing, the Fords must have been very caring and genorous people to do all that. The part I like the most in your house was the linen roller closet,that was really cool ! Thank You for showing your home it was incrediable, and I understand why you love MDI.
Posted by: Patti | September 24th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Today was my first time to browse through your twitter comments. I am hooked. Your pumpkin patch is amazing! Fall is my favorite time of year, as it is for so many. I live in Southern Indiana where fall bursts into color with trees changing to brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows blending in with the greens and browns. The best time to see the colors is the third week in October. Trees are already starting to show signs of the changing season. Some of the best places to see are "Little" Nashville in Brown County Indiana,with it's quaint little shops, and Madison in Jefferson County Indiana with it's historic downtown decorated for fall. Both areas have all the fall colors throughout the towns and the beautiful rolling hills surrounding them full of the colorful trees. I tend to get excited and wordy. You should come and visit these areas sometime. My husband is a great tour guide. Your magazine is the only one I subscribe to regularly.
Posted by: Kimberly Niehause | September 25th, 2009 at 9:32 am
how do you keep the funguses off the vines? what do you spray with?
libby
Posted by: Libby | September 26th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Sigh I want to grow some pumpkins! Its unlikely the owners of my apartment building would be happy with me after that. Well enjoy them for me : )
Posted by: Kristina | September 26th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Hi, Martha I really enjoy your blog. The first thing i like to do when i get up every morning is to read your blog.You really get me going every day,Your a real inspiration! Thanks Martha! Love , Michelle Giles.
Posted by: Michelle Giles | September 26th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
My very favorite time of the year....love viewing your property all veiled in fog. Do the dogs walk with you in the A.M. Joan
Posted by: joan gonzales | September 27th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I really enjoy your pics.I only have two pumpkins out of four hills this year. My bumper crop this year was tomatoes. Jeanie from Wisconsin
Posted by: Jeanie | September 30th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
PS I love the cover of this month's Living.
Posted by: Norbie | October 3rd, 2009 at 10:40 am
Great I see some cool gourds and squash Here I haven't seen before. Like the cheese pumpkin and the warted pumpkin...COOL!!!
Have to grow them this year, rather next year
I love pumpkins and gourds and such. This is my favorite time of year
Specially my indian corn on my farm is the greatest. And this year I grew a whole lot of broom corn...for crafts
Shelley Simon
K. D. S. Garden Patch PIes and More
Posted by: Shelley Simon | October 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Beautiful results from your Pumpkin Patch.
Posted by: Jennifer Dobbins | October 7th, 2009 at 10:09 am