Growing Pumpkin

12 Apr 22 Megan (Australia - temperate climate): Every year I plant pumpkin seeds with no success. But late in the season self planted seeds grow and I’m lucky to get one pumpkin before the frosts come. What am I doing wrong..
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13 Apr 22 Mike (Australia - temperate climate): The biggest mistake with pumpkin, beans, peas, corn etc is they are over watered and rot in the soil at planting time. Too much water and high temps cause them to rot. Temperate zone planting is Sept - Dec. To plant in Sept to mid Oct probably requires to have them in a warm place or indoors to germinate. Try and use a light soil/potting mix/seed raising soil. Or even a combo of these with some perlite. You want the soil to drain freely. Prepare your pots or garden soil and give a good watering, then plant the seeds, don't water again until day 4-5 and only lightly. Or another way is to place some paper towel on a plate, put your seeds on the paper, cover with another piece of paper towel. Give this a good watering and drain off the excess water. Re wet it morning and night draining off the excess water. When the seeds have sent out a tap root plant them into your moist soil.
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