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A Mountain Hearth

Tales of Modern Homesteading and Outdoor Adventure

September 28, 2015

A Plethora of Pumpkins

When we went out to do a little work in the garden this weekend, we found quite a surprise hiding under the pumpkin vines and nasturtiums. Not only were the pumpkins ripe early, there were a lot more of them than we were expecting! The Magic Lantern, Goosebumps, Cinderella and Small Sugar pumpkins we sowed in the spring had become such a jungle that we weren’t really sure what was going on in there. We went in there to dig sweet potatoes, which turned out to be a total bust, but we didn’t care when we found these instead.

Not only were there carving and eating pumpkins, but there were Autumn Wings gourds, Jack Be Little pumpkins, and Baby Boo decorative pumpkins in the mix. They sure are some colorful characters.

There are still plenty more gourds to come, growing strong around our garden fence. Although I would love to take credit for this great idea, it was not on purpose. They just grew so vigorously that  they had nowhere else to go. This gave me ideas, however, for how to plant my gourds next year using the fence as a trellis.

The gourds weren’t the only ones who decided the fence was the cool place to grow. This Fairy Squash caught on and put itself on display right along the top.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is being greeted by cheery orange pumpkins and gourds when I walk up the front steps. It balances out the fact that the days are getting shorter and the rain is setting in. Plus, it’s a reminder that Halloween is just around the corner. This holiday is a big deal in our house, and every year we seem to come up with new, crazy jack-o-lantern ideas.

Really, one can never have too many pumpkins.

Filed Under: Camping, Garden, Homesteading, Life

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Winkel's Crazy Ideas says

    September 29, 2015 at 4:43 am

    Loove all your pumpkins!!! There is something warm and comforting about pumpkins as the days grow darker – a vibrant splash of colour to replace the Summer flowers. Pam in Norway

    Reply
    • LaraColley says

      September 29, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      They are indeed 🙂

      Reply
  2. EMMA says

    September 29, 2015 at 8:18 am

    Goodness what an amazing collection of pumpkins! we have lots this year too, and I'm very motivated to try different variteties next year.
    Too many pumpkins….never!!!

    Reply
    • LaraColley says

      September 29, 2015 at 2:09 pm

      I agree! This warty one, Goosebumps, was a new one for me, and it is going to be so much fun for carving! I have tried some of the giant pumpkin varieties on the past, and those are on my list for next year.

      Reply

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Out here in Oregon, I enjoy the rough-hewn life of a modern homesteader and mountain woman, weaving the outdoors into the fabric of daily life. Whether tending this McKenzie River homestead hearth or a campfire in the backcountry, I find great enjoyment in the work of a sustainable life. Gather around as I share my tales of outdoor adventure, conservation, restoration, land stewardship, wildcrafting, handcrafting, growing food, and keeping chickens. It is my hope to share ideas and inspiration, and strengthen connections with the land and wild places. Read More…

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