How to Grow a Small Sugar Pumpkin in a Container
- 1). Drill several holes in the bottom and sides of the container. This will allow proper drainage for your pumpkin plants.
- 2). Line the bottom of the container with small stones to prevent the soil from eroding.
- 3). Add potting soil to the container. Fill to within 1 inch of the top. Mix fertilizer into the soil in the method suggested on your fertilizer's packaging.
- 4). Place your pumpkin seeds in a bowl and soak them overnight in water. Drain.
- 5). Create a large mound with your potting soil mixture in the center of the container. The mound should be about 3 feet in diameter. Dig a trench around the bottom of the mound to assist with water collection.
- 6). Plant five seeds 6 inches apart in the center of the mound. Cover securely with soil and water gently with a watering can.
- 7). When the seeds have grown into seedlings, thin the seedling from six to only two to help ensure a healthy crop. Pick the healthiest two seedlings to keep.
- 8). Once the plants have grown to about 2-inch vines, place a trellis near the container to encourage the vines to grow up it. Wrap the vines around the trellis daily for about a week and then they should wrap around it on their own.
- 9). Water your plants daily, enough to keep them moist but not flooded. Fertilize weekly. When your pumpkins begin to emerge, wait until they are a dark orange color before harvesting. Harvest by cutting through the stem, several inches above the fruit itself, with a sharp knife.
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