Slightly misleading snap in that I took it a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday in a community garden in Bundoran, County Donegal. It does go to show however, that squashes and pumpkins can grow very well outside in Ireland, even on a coastal breezy site.
Don’t they just capture everything that is quintessentially autumn. Are you growing any pumpkins this year?
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I’ve grown a Japanese variety this year, and have got lots and lots off the plant… and they taste so delicious. I must get more varieties next year.
There were several varieties here Margaret. Would you believe I’ve never grown a pumpkin in my own garden!!! I’m thinking of sourcing some seeds from The Organic Centre which is where these came from I believe, or Brown Envelope Seeds who’s pumpkins will have been tried and tested in Ireland.
I didn’t know you could grow these outdoors in Ireland, I had thought they needed a warmer climate than ours, but if they’re growing in Donegal then surely we can grow them anywhere on our island! I know Dad has grown some in his polytunnel in the last couple of years, but don’t know if he’s ever tried them in the garden. Great snap, love those autumn colours 🙂
Thanks Eadaoin and yes, it seems we can! The trick is to start them off early indoors or undercover as seedlings so they can be planted out as soon as the last frost has passed. I’m inspired to give them a go here next year now 🙂
The best ones I’ve grown this year have been hubbard varieties and because we had good weather in the West Midlands they’ve grown really well. My larder will be filled with them soon!
I’ve still got about 4 to collect from the allotment and I need to harvest the ones in my garden still but I’m waiting out until there’s a hint of our first frost.
Hasn’t it been a fantastic year from them, I’m so hoping we have another like it next year! Mmm to lots of soups and roasted squash dishes in your house 🙂
Lovely image and great to see community gardeners doing so well. We used to provide seeds, growing medium and info on pumpkins to the locals schools. Pumpkin Atlantic Giant is a firm favourite in the garden centre although non grown this year.
Thanks for that Brian. Pumpkins are such a fun veg/fruit to grow as the children have the excitement of Halloween to look forward to! I’m hoping we can do something similar with schools next year 🙂