Sandy soils can be used if water and fertility programs are carefully managed. The soil pH should be in the range of 6.0 to 6.5 although pumpkins tolerate slightly more acidic conditions. Pumpkins are a warm-season crop and do not tolerate frosts. This should not be a problem in most cases since pumpkins grown for October market would be planted in late July. Because of this late planting date, pumpkins are very suitable as a double crop to follow other spring vegetable crops, particularly those grown on plastic mulch.
Pumpkins require moderate amounts of water to develop uniformly shaped fruits and high yields.
Since production will likely occur during periods of high rainfall, beds should be used to prevent flooding. The pumpkin variety situation is changing rapidly with the hybrid varieties becoming more prominent. Many pumpkin varieties produce large plants with long vines. In general, the plants should be spaced 4 to 5 feet in the row with 8 to 9 feet between the rows. Smaller-fruited varieties can be grown at higher populations.