In case you were still wondering, I thought I'd give the final update on my most recent pumpkin-growing effort. When last we discussed the pumpkin patch, I had one small pumpkin prospect still growing. In late November, I finally harvested the last of my summer garden, including that pumpkin. As you can see, it was still small and green. (Note the random beet I found growing in a hidden corner of the bed.)

With nothing to lose, I decided to put the pumpkin on the windowsill and see what happened. After several weeks, I was delighted to find the pumpkin turning a lovely bright orange. I kept it as a decorative accent in the kitchen for a while, but never made an attempt to cut into it or eat it.

So, I guess the 2010 pumpkin patch was not a complete failure. I am determined to to better this summer, though. I think I'll devote my currently-fallow lower bed completely to squash and use what I learned last year--use a soaker hose, fertilize often--to hopefully grow at least two, decent-sized pumpkins by Thanksgiving. Maybe my son will even get that homegrown jack-o-lantern this Halloween. You never know.

1 Comment

1. Christian on 2/12/2011 06:34:00 PM

   Good luck with the next pumpkin patch! There's a pumpkin patch at the school where I teach. It's really great and the students love it. I hope to have my own, but am not sure how to get started.
   
   Take care,
   Christian