Planning your pumpkin patch

What to expect ....
Returning growers already know it takes a giant plant to grow a giant pumpkin.  The main vine on these plants will grow 50 feet if you let it but most of us limit its length.  How big is a giant plant?  Plan for your plant to be 400 to 750 square feet.  That means a space 25 x 30 feet with as much sunlight as possible. 

What to do ....
Believe it or not next years pumpkin starts with fall patch preparation.  Giant pumpkins are heavy feeders so we want to provide them with as much food as possible.  Rototill or turn over the soil in your pumpkin patch and add some good organic matter. Cow manure is good to add in the fall and till it into the soil.  Fall is also leaf time so don't let them go to waste.  Leaves are a good source of organics for your patch and you need to put them somewhere anyway.  I use Maple leaves in my patch,  lots and lots; all I can get.  I grind them up into a confetti like state before tilling into the soil.  I avoid oak or nut tree leaves.  You can use them but its probably best to compost them for a year first.  Pine needles are not recommended either because they don't break down quickly and also lower the Ph (not good). 

Winter projects....
Winter is the time to work on the things you will need to start your pumpkin season.  In order to get your plants outside early enough you will need to protect them from early season frost which is fatal.  These cold dark months are a fine time to build your hoop houses and perfect your seed germination methods.  Each of these problems have several solutions.  Its also a good time to consult some more in depth resources to help you learn how to recognise problems and care for your plants.