How to plant pumpkin in the raised bed

Garten & Pflanzen Hochbeet
How to plant pumpkin in the raised bed


The most important points in brief

  • This article clearly explains how pumpkins can be successfully grown in raised beds and what special characteristics distinguish this plant, such as its large space requirements and preference for warmth and nutrient-rich soil.
  • Among other things, the Monterosso raised bed from ELEO is recommended, which, due to its stability and weather resistance, is ideally suited for growing large, sprawling plants like pumpkins; A metal trellis helps to guide growth. For optimal yields in raised beds, suitable companion planting, such as the traditional milpa system, is recommended, along with proper watering and fertilizing. Avoid planting unfavorable companion plants like cucumbers, zucchini, and potatoes. ... More precisely, the fruits of the gourd family belong to the so-called pepos – hard shell, delicious flesh.

    If you want to grow pumpkins yourself in your raised bed, there are a few things to keep in mind. We'll explain everything you need to know about growing pumpkins in a raised bed so you can enjoy a bountiful harvest in the fall. We'll also share a delicious pumpkin recipe with you.

    Can you plant pumpkins in a raised bed?

    Generally speaking, pumpkins are undemanding plants that love warmth and require little maintenance. They appreciate the sun but also thrive in shady locations. You can easily grow pumpkins in a raised bed.

    Monterosso powder-coated metal raised bed from ELEO Garden@ ELEO Garden: Beautifully designed, weather-resistant, and offers plenty of space for growing vegetables: The .

     

    Are you still looking for a stylish, sturdy, and modern raised garden bed? Then take a look at our

    Since pumpkins can grow quite large and sometimes produce fruits weighing several kilograms, they are only conditionally suitable for growing on a balcony – if only for reasons of space and structural integrity. Here you should choose varieties that produce smaller fruits; For example, the classic Hokkaido or the mini butternut squash.

    When should you plant squash in a raised bed?

    It is advantageous to start the plants indoors in seedling pots on the windowsill in spring so that they are then strengthened enough to be moved to the raised bed after the last frost – however, direct sowing from May onwards is also possible. In cool temperatures, you should cover the plants with fleece to protect them from the cold.

    Pumpkin plant in bloom planted in a raised bed© ELEO Garden: Pumpkin plant in .

    Which pumpkin varieties can be planted in a raised garden bed?

    Various pumpkin varieties are suitable for growing in a raised garden bed. Among the most popular edible varieties are:

    • Hokkaido (Cucurbita maxima Red Hokkaido): Probably the best-known pumpkin variety in bright orange, whose skin can be eaten. The name is a reference to the Japanese island of Hokkaido.
    • Butternut/Musk Squash (Cucurbita moschata): The fruits can be either round or conical. The flavor is spicy and buttery. The skin should be removed due to its thickness.
    • Casper (Cucurbita pepo): This squash variety likely owes its name to its "ghostly" white-grayish color. Casper is well-suited for painting and also boasts very aromatic flesh. The skin is hard and should be removed.
    • Jack o'Lantern(Cucurbita maxima/Cucurbita pepo): The classic variety traditionally used in America for carving Halloween lanterns. The fruits of this orange squash can grow very large and weigh a considerable amount. Jack o'Lantern is well-suited for soups, jams, and bread baking; however, the skin is hard and should be removed.
    • Spaghetti Squash (Cucurbita pepo): This squash variety gets its name from its cooking behavior. When cooked, its flesh separates into thread-like strands resembling spaghetti. The hard skin should be removed. The yellow fruits develop an elongated shape.

    What plants grow well with pumpkins in raised beds?

    You may have already come across the term Milpa garden. This refers to an ancient cultivation method that is said to date back to the Mayan culture. Pumpkins, corn, and pole beans are grown close together. All three plants benefit from each other – there is an efficient exchange of nutrients, and the plants support each other by providing shade and trellises. Tomatoes and marigolds also go well with it.

    Milpa bed with squash, corn, and beans© flowphoto, stock.adobe.com: A milpa bed consists of squash, corn, and pole beans. 

    The milpa bed is intended to produce high yields. All three crops have in common that they prefer humus-rich soil that retains water. Therefore, you can use nutrient-rich soil or mix in compost for your raised bed.

    If you opt for this time-honored cultivation method, please bear in mind that all three varieties grow very large and tall and will completely fill your raised bed.

    If you don't want to create a milpa bed, make sure not to plant your squash plants next to cucumbers, zucchini, and potatoes. These vegetables have a negative impact on the root growth of pumpkin plants.

    Pumpkin blossom with bees© ELEO Garden: Pumpkin blossoms are a magnificent eye-catcher and popular with honeybees. However, the blossoms are more frequently pollinated by bumblebees.

    Does pumpkin need special care?

    Pumpkins love warmth and need plenty of water. During the peak growth phase, you should also fertilize it regularly, as it is a heavy feeder.

    Pumpkins are prone to powdery mildew in dry and hot conditions. This harms fruit growth, and you should definitely take action if you discover the powdery white coating on the leaves. You can find suitable products at your local garden center to effectively combat powdery mildew. Also, remove any diseased shoots and leaves.

    When do you harvest pumpkins?

    You can tell if your pumpkin is ready to harvest by two things. Tap on the fruits – if they sound hollow, they are most likely ready to harvest. The stem attachment provides another clue. If the skin is pale and woody, you can grab your knife and harvest the pumpkin.

    Pumpkins should be stored in a dry, dark place at 10 to 15 °C – a cellar is ideal. Pumpkins with an intact stem will keep for several months without any problems.

     


    Pumpkin Recipe: Pumpkin with Eggplant and Red Lentils

    Everyone probably knows classic pumpkin soup, and it's delicious. We're presenting you with a recipe inspired by Indian cuisine that will delight your palate with warmth and a variety of spices – a delicious dish for dreary autumn days that you absolutely must try!

    Pumpkin dish with red lentils© ELEO Garden: Admittedly, this pumpkin dish isn't exactly a visual masterpiece – but it certainly makes up for it in terms of taste.

     

    Ingredients for 4 people:

    • 250 g butternut squash (or Hokkaido pumpkin)
    • 200 g red lentils
    • 1 medium-sized eggplant
    • 1 can of chopped tomatoes
    • 1 large onion
    • 3 Garlic cloves 1 finger-thick piece of ginger 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt Oil (rapeseed or sunflower oil) Spices: ¾ teaspoon of mustard seeds 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cumin 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala 1/4 teaspoon ground fenugreek 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pinch chili powder (or more if you like it spicy) 1 teaspoon honey Preparation: Wash the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear. Then place them in a pot with twice the amount of water, bring to a boil, and simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, skimming off any foam. Heat one to two tablespoons of oil in a large pan. Sauté the mustard seeds in the oil until they pop. Finely chop the onion and add it to the mustard seeds. Cook gently over medium heat for ten minutes, until the onion is translucent. Finely grate the ginger and press the garlic cloves. Add both to the onions. Peel the butternut squash (Hokkaido squash doesn't need to be peeled) and cut it into large cubes. Add the diced pumpkin and two tablespoons of water to the onions and cook for about five minutes. Cut the eggplant into large chunks (the peel can be removed if desired) and add it to the pan. Cook for another five minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes and the cooked lentils. Next, stir in the honey, cumin, salt, sugar, garam masala, cinnamon, chili, and fenugreek. Simmer gently for a few minutes until the pumpkin and eggplant are soft and the spices have released their full aroma. Finally, stir in the yogurt. Serve and enjoy this dish on its own or with naan (Indian flatbread).

      • Suitable raised beds for growing pumpkins

      Hochbeet Monterosso Cortenstahl (unbeschichtet) 45x90x68cm Hochbeet Monterosso bepflanzt neben einem kleinen Weg zum Wintergarten | Cortenstahl
      from £175.12
      from £175.12
      £218.90
      Sold out
      Hochbeet Monterosso 45x90x68 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit als 3D-Modell Hochbeet Monterosso 90x90x68 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit bepflanzt in einem grünen Garten
      from £127.60
      from £127.60
      £159.50
      Sold out
      Hochbeet Manarola 40x136x100 cm aus Cortenstahl als 3D-Modell Hochbeet Manarola hinter einer Sitzgelegenheit auf einer Terrasse | Cortenstahl
      from £242.00
      from £242.00
      £302.50
      Sold out
      Pflanzkübel Vernazza 40x40x40 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit als 3D-Modell Pflanzkübel Vernazza 40x40x40 in Metall bepflanzt vor einem grünen Garten
      from £87.12
      from £87.12
      £108.90
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      Hochbeet Manarola 40x136x100 cm in pulverbeschichtet Anthrazit als 3D-Modell Hochbeet Manarola freistehend in einem Garten mit ELEO Pavillon | Pulverbeschichtet anthrazit
      from £175.12
      from £175.12
      £218.90
      Sold out
      Pflanzkübel Vernazza 40x40x40 cm aus Cortenstahl als 3D-Modell Pflanzkübel Vernazza 80x80x40 cm aus Cortenstahl als 3D-Modell
      from £122.32
      from £122.32
      £152.90
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Tip: Aside from the raised bed, you can use a Garden arch, which the pumpkin plant will gratefully accept as a climbing support. The Garden arch will then transform into a pumpkin arch.

Reading tip: Are you now fully in the mood for pumpkins and autumn? Then read our guide to autumn decorations in the garden – with minimal effort you can create a cozy atmosphere.

Annett Zahn
by Annett Zahn Annett Zahn

Plants and herbs are my passion. From a young age, I was able to build up a wealth of knowledge in this area, which my garden constantly benefits from.

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