October is here!
That means it time to harvest those big, bold pumpkins you have been growing in your backyard.
It doesn’t matter if you want to carve them, store them, show them off for a contest or serve them up at the table. We bet you are itching to get your hands on these amazing fruits.
However, are you sure you know everything about harvesting pumpkins? If you have some doubts or are new to gardening then read on below to get enlightened.
The Signs: How to Know If Your Pumpkins Are Ready?
Don’t make the mistake of picking off pumpkins before they are mature.
Here are a handful of indications that your pumpkins are ripe and ready to go:
1. The Colour Coordination
First of all the vibrant deep orange hues of the pumpkin are a clear indication that it is mature. However, make sure that the lovely colour covers the pumpkin’s entire surface. Patches of green around the rind may mean that it requires a little more time to ripe.
2. Knock-Knock
Slap or thump the surface of the fruit. The pumpkins will produce a distinct hollow sound if they are ripe. Any other sound is a fair sign that the pumpkins need more time under the sun.
3. Smells Fresh
Are your pumpkins emitting that wonderful pumpkin scent? Sniff their necks i.e. the area between the stalk and the fruit of the pumpkin to make sure that they are ready for harvest.
4. Dead Giveaway
Do you notice the pumpkin leaves decaying?
Then there is no need to delay the cutting off of the fruits. As their brown-edged leaves and pale colouring are tell-tale signs that the pumpkin has reached its mature age.
5. Hard to Miss
Pumpkin skin needs to be hard and tough when it is harvested. You can check the surface by trying to puncture the fruit with your fingernails.
Does it get punctured? Then take off your harvesting gear. If it created a soft dent or light bruise then you can collect your crop.
What if you see none of these indicators? If your pumpkins aren’t signalling their maturity then just know that: They are perfectly fine on the vine!
Thoughtful Tips: What to Do When the Pumpkin Is Ripe?
Here are some sensible suggestions to ensure you harvest and store the pumpkins successfully:
- Always leave a length of your pumpkin stalk (3-4 inches) on the fruit when you are harvesting.
- Pumpkins bruise very easily so handle them with a gently.
- Ensure your cutting tool (knife or shear) is sharp when you are harvesting.
- Cure your freshly harvested pumpkins under the sun for some days before storage.
- Never store damaged pumpkins as they will rot in no time.
- Prevent the pumpkins from collecting moisture by storing them on their sides.
- Store in a dark, cool, and dry place for longer shelf life.
Need a suggestion?
Little Fields Farm is booming with some amazing gardening tools that will come in handy for the harvest. Stock your shelf up before things run out!
Happy Harvesting!
