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Want pumpkins this fall? Time to get planting
Growing your own fall decorations
Written by Abby Read
Raising your own pumpkin patch, whether it is for decorations or pies, can be a fun a way to introduce gardening for your family.
Even though pumpkin season is several months away, it’s important to know the prime pumpkin-planting time is now.
Russ Wallace, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist, Lubbock provides tips and basic requirements for growing your own personal pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin planting season in Texas is summer
Sunlight hours and temperature play an important role in how well pumpkins grow in Texas. While too much sunlight and extremely hot weather can damage some plants, pumpkins thrive in early Texas summers.
Different varieties need various amounts of days to become completely ripe. You should choose the planting variety based on when you plan on harvesting your pumpkins for your fall activities.
“The best time of year to plant pumpkins is from early May through June, but it also depends on the variety to be grown,” Wallace said. “Some varieties mature in 85 days while others may not mature for 120 days. So those with 120 days to harvest should be planted early.”
Pumpkins require good drainage to thrive
Knowing the soil in your area is crucial as pumpkins thrive in soils with good drainage. Without good soil, pumpkins might need a change to their water intake, explained Wallace.
“Pumpkins can grow on any soil that has good drainage. In the High Plains pumpkins are generally grown on sandy loams to clay loams,” Wallace said. “If grown on sandier soils they will require more irrigation.”
If the soil in your area does not drain water well, adding organic matter such as peat moss and compost to the soil will give it better drainage. This should allow the soil to become suitable for growing pumpkins and other plants that need good drainage.
Pumpkin water requirements may be higher than you think
With their growing season in the middle of Texas’s hot and dry summers, it’s important to keep in mind that pumpkins need a lot of water to thrive.
“Pumpkins require about 25-30 inches of rain plus irrigation,” Wallace said. “They need most of their water when the fruit is developing/maturing. If water is not uniformly applied while fruit is maturing, the ends of the pumpkins may not fully develop. We see that a lot in high heat, drought conditions.”
Proper watering conditions will set your pumpkin plants up for successful ripening for harvest. Irrigation and good, draining soil will help your pumpkin patch thrive in Texas weather.
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Bowie Boost program 3 explores marketing post-pandemic
“Memorable marketing in the post-pandemic era” will be the feature for the third installment of the Bowie Business Boost on April 16.
Lorie Vincent, certified economic developer, will bring the program that begins at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast and the program 8-9:30 a.m. at the Bowie Community Center.
Registration is $49 which includes all four sessions. The final program is May 21. Register at accelerationbydesign.com/event-details/bowiebusinessboost.
Call the Bowie EDC office at 940-872-4193 for additional information.
Vincent is a professional trainer, writer and economic developer with a focus on community and business marketing. She will share how your audience has changed in the post-pandemic era. Vincent will show you how easy and innovative adjustments to your marketing goals can grow your bottom line and result in strong customer engagement.
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Water line break sprays water to the sky
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Vera Rae
Vera Rae
April 19, 1940 to October 29, 2023
AUSTRALIA – Vera Rae, 82, passed away peacefully after a set of health issues following a fall on Oct. 7, 2023.
Vera was born in Stockport, England to John “Jack” and Alice Gooch. They migrated to Australia following the Second World War, settling in Western Australia.
Vera met the love of her life in 1957, Robert John Rae, and they married on May 30, 1959. They were blessed with two daughters, Jenny and Debby.
Vera loved the Lord, had a strong faith, and was a prayer warrior. Throughout her various illnesses in life, she remained cheerful, gracious, and loving.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Alice Gooch; in-laws, Don and Amy Rae, and nephew, Justin Gooch.
Vera is survived by her loving husband, Robert Rae, Port Kennedy, Western Australia; daughter, Jenny Rae Rizzolo and partner Paul, Bowie, TX, and Debby Rae Harvey and husband Ian, Waikiki, Western Australia; grandchildren, Mandy Jones, Jodie Ehle, Jacilyn Kenny and Bronwyn Has; and great grandchildren, Tahlia, Tanaya, Shelby, Khy, Jordyn, Mollie, Bryce, Brett, Kobe, Lilly, Caitlin, Morgan and Olivia.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Greenfield’s Funerals, Port Kennedy Western Australia.
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