As you know, from classics such as the Pirate 6-Bed Rotation system, the vegetable garden is divided up into six areas which I still obstinately refer to as quarters. The last of these quarters to get planted out is generally the pumpkin break.

Now, this year, I’ve had a couple of problems with my pumpkins.
(at which point we might as well clear up the title - pumpkins are winter squashes and winter squashes are Cucurbita in the family of Cucurbitaceae. Cucurbitaceae - the gourd family - has over 900 different species, a huge number of which are edible, and includes winter and summer squashes, loofahs, calabash, cucumbers and melons. And watermelons as well. So no, cucumbers and melons are not pumpkins, but they are all gourds. )
You kinda want to put your pumpkins out when they have a…
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