Why would you want to save Halloween pumpkin seeds? Considering the high price of pumpkins at the grocery store, having your own pumpkin patch doesn't seem too ridiculous, does it? After all, you've already bought the pumpkin. There are plenty of seeds in there, so why not? You might want to make some tasty pumpkin seeds in the oven instead. Still, even if you do that, you can set a few aside to plant next year.
If you want eating pumpkins, you're better off buying seeds. The Halloween pumpkins you buy in the store are the type best used for carving. Eating pumpkins have thicker, sweeter pulp. Still, if you just want to carve your pumpkins, go ahead and save this years Halloween pumpkin seeds to plant next year. You won't be disappointed.
Do you have room for a pumpkin patch?
A pumpkin patch takes up a lot of space. One plant can spread out as far as twenty feet. They might even encroach on neighboring property. That's OK, of course, if you have the space and they don't mind getting a few free pumpkins out of the deal. If you don't have friendly neighbors, be sure to locate your pumpkin patch well away from yard borders.
How hard is it to grow pumpkins?
Pumpkins are among the easiest garden crops to grow. In fact, they practically grow themselves. Just make a hill with a gully around it. Plant two or three seeds at the top of the hill. Water daily in dry climates. Watch for the ground to dry in damp climates. Six hills like this will produce all the Halloween pumpkins you can use and then some.
You might get a bumper crop.
If you plan to save Halloween pumpkin seeds to plant next year, be careful how many you plant. Pumpkins are a high yield crop. Of course, you could share your bounty with a local food bank. You could even sell your pumpkins in the front yard. Save your friends and neighbors from the high cost of store bought Halloween pumpkins too.
You might also get a giant record breaking pumpkin.
Go ahead and save your Halloween pumpkin seeds to plant next year. All it really takes to grow a giant pumpkin is a lot of water and fertilizer. If you baby them enough, you might have the biggest jack-o-lantern on the block!
