Just Say No to Abuse Declaring War on Terrorism. Pumpkin culture requires diligent pest, weed and disease control. All varieties require well-drained soils. Vines grown on sandy soil require addition of liberal amounts of organic compost and supplemental irrigation. Most pumpkins prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH reading between 6.0 to 6.5.
Many gardeners get good results by incorporating a cup of fertilizer into the hill before sowing.
Pumpkins are a warm-season crop and are intolerant of frost. Since pumpkins are sensitive to nematodes, successive crops should be rotated. Make sure that the seeds you purchase have been treated with a fungicide to prevent rotting. Treated seeds will be coated with a neon pink color. Gloves should be worn when handling treated seeds to prevent exposure.