Jonathan R. Schultheis Extension Horticultural Specialist Department of HorticulturalScience North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service North Carolina State University Pumpkins were used by American Indians long before Columbus visited our shores, and pumpkins readily found their way to the first Thanksgiving table. Pumpkins were used by early settlers much as we use them today for food and decoration.
All pumpkins have hard shells when mature.
Soils Pumpkins are well-adapted to most North Carolina soils. The soil should be well-drained. The optimum pH is 6.0 to 6.5. Take a soil test to determine pH and fertilizer requirements. Varieties Pumpkins and winter squash can be divided as follows.