Starting our pumpkin seeds.

When we decided to enter a giant pumpkin contest last year, we had no idea that we would be hooked on growing pumpkins.  We saved hundreds of pumpkin seeds....giant pumpkins, sugar pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns.  We dried and saved as many seeds as we could although we did use some Jack-o-lantern seeds for our Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.  They sat on the windowsill during the harsh and cold winter.  Now that there's a glimpse of spring in the air, it's time to get this year's crop started!  On average, it takes 150 days for a giant pumpkin to grow.  We'll keep you posted throughout the process.

We purchased pots that will be put right into the ground as well as starter pellets that the seed will go into.

I use cookie sheets when starting my seeds in order to catch any water that may leak out of the pots.

Water is added to the pellets and they expand for seed preparation.

My seeds are just waiting!

These are sugar pumpkin seeds.

These are giant pumpkin seeds.

The plugs are meant for smaller seeds but I like the way it keeps the pumpkin seed in the center of the pot when adding soil.

 A layer of potting soil is added.

 I'll make sure to water every couple of days without saturating the cup.

With any luck, I'll have an assortment like this in my garden next October!