Spookie

BEST TO START OUTDOORS

Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Wait to plant until temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) day and night. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group to give vines room to spread. Or, make circular soil mounds 2 to 3 feet across and 8 ft. apart and plant 4 to 5 seeds in each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, thin to 3 seedlings per hill. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before young plants get crowded.

HARVEST AND USE

Pumpkins need to mature properly, so wait to pick until rinds are fully colored and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail and vines have died back. Then cut, leaving a good stem handle. Let pumpkins cure for 10 days in the sun, then store in a cool dry place and they'll keep for months. Carve Spookies into happy or scary holiday faces or bake them up into sweet spicy pies, cakes, cookies or savory soups.