Butternut Pumpkins

I love pumpkin so much! Butternut is my absolute favourite. These plants can grow up to 2-3 metres so make sure you give them lots of space and you will reap the rewards of lots of pumpkins!  Here are some growing tips for you to grow your own delicious pumpkins:

1. Timing is Everything

  • Sowing Season: In most areas, the best time to plant butternut pumpkins is from late spring (October to November) to early summer (December). If you’re in a warmer climate, you might even get away with planting in late summer (February to March).

2. Find Your Perfect Spot

  • Sunshine: Look for a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.

  • Space: Butternut pumpkins need room to spread, so choose a location with plenty of space.

3. Prepare the Soil

  • Soil Quality: They thrive in well-drained, sandy loam enriched with organic matter. Aim for a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

  • Amendments: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to create a nutrient-rich environment.

4. Planting Your Seeds or Seedlings

  • Seed Depth: Sow seeds about 2-3 cm (1 inch) deep.

  • Spacing: Space seeds or seedlings 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) apart to give them room to grow. You can plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then thin them out later to the strongest seedling.

  • Water: Water the area well after planting.

5. Caring for Your Pumpkins

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development. Deep watering once a week is usually best.

  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. It also keeps the pumpkins clean!

  • Fertilizing: After about 4 weeks, you can feed them with some more compost and some Seasol.

6. Pest and Disease Control

  • Watch for Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs.

  • Disease Prevention: Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal diseases.

7. Harvesting Your Pumpkins

  • Timing: Butternut pumpkins are usually ready to harvest 80-100 days after planting. They should have a hard skin and be a deep beige color.

  • Harvest Method: Cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving a few inches attached to the pumpkin. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.

9. Storing Your Pumpkins

  • Store your harvested pumpkins in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. They can last for several months if stored properly!

10. Extra Tips Just for You

  • Companion Planting: Try planting them alongside corn or marigolds to help with pest control.

  • Crop Rotation: Rotate your pumpkins with other crops each season to keep your soil healthy and minimize pest issues.

  • Save seeds: You can clean and dry your seeds, store them in an air tight container for the next year.

  • Plant seeds or seedlings on a day when it is not too hot as the seedling needs a gentle transition from the seedling pot to the garden.

If you have any questions or needing some additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can send me an email: aplotincommon@outlook.com or message me on Instagram. I would love to see some photos of your pumpkins!

Tash xxx