They come in sizes from a few ounces to over 200 pounds. Pumpkins are great for making soups, pies, breads, cookies, casseroles and even seed snacks. Unfortunately, pumpkins aren't for everyone. In addition to patience, pumpkins require a lot of space. In fact, each plant will require about 50 - 60 square feet of it.
Pumpkins do best in well-drained soils that are high in organic matter.
For fertilizing, follow the recommendations on your soil test report if you have one. Other interesting varieties include Cinderella, a bush type pumpkin and Lady Godiva, which has seeds without hulls that are excellent for eating raw or roasted. If you want to get creative with your pumpkin, try carving it a little early. Wayne Mclaurin, UGA Horticulture Specialist, suggests making shallow cuts or ballpoint pen markings about one-eighth of an inch deep in the rind. If you draw a face or write a childs name while the fruit is about softball size, these wounds will heal with scar tissue.