The next thing I'd like to address is what I've decided to plant in my garden and why. I know you're probably thinking to yourself "Why on earth did you decide to grow pumpkins when you have little to no gardening skills? Are you a dummy?" To answer those questions simply 1.) I have an affinity for pumpkins and 2.) I don't know. To experienced gardeners and pumpkin growers probably yes smile
I've always really liked pumpkins for their visual appeal and the cozy, festive feelings they bring me when I look at them. They grow in a vast amount of colors, shapes, and sizes and they're all so lovely to look at. They remind me of Halloween, Thanksgiving, chilly autumn evenings, togetherness, and delicious fall-time treats. That is what ultimately drove me to try my hand at growing pumpkins.
As for the squash and gourds, I found them very cheaply at the store and thought why not? Squash can be stored for a long time and used in many recipes. Ornamental gourds make wonderful decorations for the holidays and can be used in crafting once they've been dried out. I know this because my mom had a few dried out gourds around the house when we were kids. Ultimately, I think growing these two crops will be fun.
The last thing I wanted to include here was the specific names of what I have planted along with some pictures. Just a warning though, these pictures are super old. I have since thinned out the plants to one per hill except for the squash which I am growing 2 of and the gourds which I'm growing 3 of. They have grown a ton since these pictures were taken and are gigantic now.
Jack O' Lantern Pumpkin
Connecticut Field Pumpkin
Fairytale Pumpkin
Blue Jarrahdale Pumpkin
Lumina White Pumpkin
Table Queen Acorn Squash
Ornamental Gourds