Norann Oleson, Editorial Director of Food Gardening Network

Welcome to the planning stage of your very own pumpkin patch!

Pumpkins are amazing. You can transform the sweet orange flesh into pie, cookies, bread, soup, muffins, beer, wine, and more. And don’t forget about the seeds: a little bit of olive oil, some salt, and roast them in the oven. Yum! Delicious. Oh, and nutritious. That’s right. The pumpkin is full of deliciousness that’s good for you!

Of course, some folks just like pumpkins for show. Some like to decorate with ornamental varieties in different colors and textures; others like to dominate with giant specimens weighing hundreds—or thousands—of pounds!

So, here’s your guide to planting, nurturing, and harvesting your pumpkin patch—from seed to table.

First, you’ll get an Introduction to Pumpkins with all the background and history of this beautiful fruit. Find out about its earliest beginnings and how far and wide the popularity of pumpkins has spread.

Then, in this Collection’s Feature Articles, you’ll get the basics about the key ingredients to a successful pumpkin patch, from soil to seed.

Our Plant Profiles will give you a sampling of the types of pumpkins you might want to consider planting, depending on your goal. Jack-o’-lanterns? Pie, bread, and muffins? Seasonal decorations? Pick your pumpkin!

There are so many varieties of pumpkins available for the home gardener, we couldn’t list them all. If you know about (or discover!) other pumpkin varieties that you really like, please let us know by commenting below.

One of the things that makes Food Gardening Network unique is the assortment of super easy and delicious Recipes, so that you can enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor. Pumpkins provide the enthusiastic cook and baker with a lot of delicious options. We’ve chosen a broad selection to ensure there’s something there that will catch your eye (or your appetite), including, of course, a recipe for pumpkin pie. You may have your own favorite pie recipe, but you might want to give ours a try. We have a variation on the theme of the traditional frosted pumpkin muffin, and I think you’ll love it! These recipes cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus snacks. You won’t go hungry!

Next, you’ll learn about Nutrition Facts and Home Remedies & Health Benefits of pumpkins—discover how you can prepare pumpkins to make you feel better inside and out! Pumpkins probably don’t get the appreciation they really deserve; but you’ll be ready to sing the pumpkin’s praises when you see all the benefits it offers!

Pumpkins are pretty easy to grow if you follow some basic guidelines, but we want to make sure you have the tools that you’ll need on hand. We’ve included a list of essential Resources to round out this Collection, so you have easy access to solid information about planting, growing, and harvesting your very own pumpkin patch.

At the end, you’ll find a short Glossary that covers key terms about pumpkins.

From miniature to mammoth, there’s a pumpkin variety waiting for you.

Happy gardening!