| The Great Pumpkin Patch |
| The growers of more than 400 varieties of the orange orb share their secrets. |
From "The Dirt On..."
episode DTDO-114 |
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At the Great Pumpkin Patch, the Condill family has turned planting the big orange orb into an obsession. With more than 400 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds on this family-run farm in Arthur, Illinois, there's plenty of evidence that the Condill family is passionate about what they do. Their passion seems to be contagious as well; thousands of visitors arrive each year to feast their eyes on such delights as the giant wall of pumpkins and the worldly squash varieties.Each member of the family is happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors — teaching classes on saving seeds, cooking with pumpkins and growing your own. Here's their advice for gardeners who want to grow a pumpkin patch:
Bruce Condill suggests that gardeners keep their pumpkin patch on the move. "Rotation is extremely important, especially in your backyard," he says. "You can't expect to grow vine crops in the same place every year. If you can get on a five-year rotation, that would be ideal." Pumpkins prefer dry weather and well-drained soil, so it's best to plant them on their own little hill so the moisture can drain away. Don't plant just one seed on that hill. Mac Condill has learned this lesson and encourages gardeners to hedge their bets: "Always plant more than you think you're going to need because if there are squirrels or mice, you'll be surprised what can get them. So plant heavy, you can always thin out when they come up in a couple of weeks." You probably don't have the room for 400 different varieties, but if you can squeeze in a mini-patch and share it with your family, you might just find out why the Condills will never stop growing them. Tips for Growing a Pumpkin Growing pumpkins in your own backyard is easy when you follow these simple steps: When you carve a pumpkin or cook fresh pumpkins for your first fall feast, save the seeds. Select large, healthy pumpkins from healthy plants or choose a good one from your local farmer's market. As you take the seeds out, squish them through your fingers to remove the fleshy parts. Wash and rinse the seeds thoroughly, using soapy, lukewarm water — not hot water. Then, rinse and drain seeds in a strainer. Spread the seeds on a paper plate and allow them to air-dry in a cool, dry area for at least three weeks. Don't cut the time short, even if the seeds already appear dry in less time. Store the seeds in a bag, envelope or jar in a cool dry place. Mark the container with the date and type of pumpkin. Plant the seeds directly in the garden when temperatures consistently reach the low 70s and spring rains have tapered off. Pumpkins love a sunny spot, so choose a place that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
RESOURCES :
The Great Pumpkin Patch
www.thegreatpumpkinpatch.biz
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