The Pumpkin Harvest is In

3 years ago

Yesterday was the day we decided to bring up the pumpkins from the garden. Alyssa helped, she is now 9 years old. She lopped off the pumpkins from the vines and helped get them to the walk where they were washed off with a mild bleach water. They then set in the sun to dry. I got 18 from my little garden. There is one more left a bit longer on the vine to try and ripen a bit more. I don't plan to do any thing with these pumpkins, but may get some pie pumpkins from my daughter. Alyssa took several of the pumpkins home with her and the others will find homes soon. What do you do with pumpkins? Pumpkin is a big part of my dog Izzi's diet. I like to make pie with them and once in awhile pumpkin cake. I might make bread too, but to me bread is just cake in a different sized pan.

Sue

Featured Answer

ediej1209 AL Zn 7

3 years ago

Last year, my son's SIL gave me some "melon"plants. Uh, they turned out to be pumpkins. About 1-1/2 times the size of a typical acorn squash and all kinds of colors. I was hoping some of them would self-seed for this year, but didn't get any.

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Comments (15)

schoolhouse_gwagain
3 years ago
In past years I have tossed old pumpkins onto the compost pile. One year a monster vine grew and I got nine pumpkins.

Same with gourds, after their decorating duties are over, I place them under a crabapple tree at the edge of the yard by the field. Most always get a vine and blossoms, but not always gourds. Right now there is a small plant growing with two big yellow blooms. I'm not sure there's time for any fruit to happen.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked schoolhouse_gwagain
arcy_gw
3 years ago
I can't wait until October when I will harvest mine. I only grow the mini's meant for decorations. Last year I had the cutest basket filled for my door step. It was a bountiful year...I won't have as many this year.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked arcy_gw
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Pumpkins have never lasted all the way to Halloween for us. (I'm in StL.) I guess if we planted them later in the summer, the timing might be better. If the vine is dying back, she might as well pick the pumpkin and bring it into the cooler house. I don't know for certain, but I think they ripen and then rot quicker out in the heat. At the very least she should peek at the bottom of the pumpkin where it rests on the ground to make sure bugs aren't gettting at it. Yes, I think it might help to set it on something to raise it off the ground. If it's becoming clear that the pumpkin won't make it to Halloween, I'm sure her kids will be really disappointed. But maybe they could then learn to like it as a vegetable or as pumpkin pie!
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chloebud
3 years ago
arcy, I love your basket of pumpkins!

I'm such a pumpkin lover but have never grown them. A friend of mine has grown some for me. These are from a few years ago.

These mini sparkler pumpkins were store bought, but I'd love to grow them myself. I have some right now that I bought in September of last year. They can last a long time.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked chloebud
sjerin
3 years ago
I can't believe Alyssa is 9! It seems only yesterday you were expecting her birth. What fun you've had with that little girl, MS. She's very lucky to have you for a grandma.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked sjerin
georgysmom2
3 years ago
I just made some pumpkin scones. I don't know what they taste like yet.....they're in the freezer. Will know next week. :-))) They're served with a cranberry butter.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked georgysmom2
Kathsgrdn
3 years ago
I used them for display only. My one hill of pumpkins were destroyed by vine borers this year. I was hoping to get a couple for carving for Halloween when my exchange students came, but nothing is working out this year. The one lopsided pumpkin I got had started to rot by the time I went out and cut it off the vine. They're fun to grow so I may try again next year.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked Kathsgrdn
schoolhouse_gwagain
3 years ago
One year, the pumpkin vines grew up into the nearby privet hedge. The hedge forms an arch through which one can walk. I was always worried the pumpkins might suddenly fall on an unsuspecting visitor's head - or mine! I don't remember if they did fall or I removed them.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked schoolhouse_gwagain
chisue
3 years ago
What golden beauties.Time to sit down and enjoy "Cinderella" again. (Love those cartoon mice.)
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked chisue
maifleur03
3 years ago
I have not done it but those minis can be cleaned out and either baked and filled with soup or other stuffing.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked maifleur03
chloebud
3 years ago
schoolhouse, I love the hanging pumpkins!

I always worry about the squirrels attacking my pumpkins on display outside. So far it's never happened and we have lots of squirrels running around here. Do NOT want to find this! :-(
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked chloebud
amylou321
3 years ago
I use them for decoration. But I enjoy when other people use them for pie or a savory, spicy soup and share.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked amylou321
chloebud
3 years ago
For anyone interested, this is a simple pumpkin soup I like. I confess I do use canned pumpkin when I make it. It works nicely but sugar pumpkins would also be good if you want fresh pumpkin. This is nice to serve in a hollowed out pumpkin "tureen."

Pumpkin Soup

1 large onion, chopped
1/2 stick butter
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups canned pumpkin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups heavy cream
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
Pinch each of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, or to taste (see *Note below)

Optional garnishes: cubes of cream cheese, dollop of sour cream, minced chives, parsley, or roasted pumpkin seeds

Sauté the onion in butter until it is limp but not browned. Sprinkle with curry powder, and continue to cook for a few minutes. In batches, in a blender or food processor (or using an immersion blender for the entire mixture), puree the onions with the pumpkin and salt, then add the cream, continuing to blend. Transfer this mixture to a soup pot or saucepan and whisk in the chicken stock. Heat slowly, seasoning with the spices. Do not allow to boil. Serve hot. with desired garnishes.

*Note: Use a very light hand with the cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. You don't want the soup to taste like liquid pumpkin pie. Start with a pinch of each and check the taste. Alternatively, use only the allspice, or a pinch of ground cloves, and increase the curry powder slightly.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked chloebud
Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
3 years ago
I love to grow the mini pumpkins for my grandchildren. I have some orange and white ones. They enjoyed planting them and watching them grow. We just use them for decoration inside because the squirrels 🐿 have a great time eating them if I try to put them on the porch. Last year I sprayed my big one with a clear vanish and they left it alone. Anything you have outside they eat or steal. They can strip Indian corn in a few minutes and run. Lol.
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked Patti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
3 years ago
I use them for decorating. Last year one of them was being eaten. I didn't know what was eating it. It was a possum! So after I was done with them I broke them up into chunks and scattered them along the back fence line for any of the animals to enjoy. And they did!
Marilyn Sue McClintock thanked ravencajun Zone 8b TX