Published: October 14, 2009 09:51 am      

Pumpkins have a rich history

Pumpkins are closely related to squash, cucumbers, watermelons and gourds. These plants are all in the plant family known as Cucurbitaceae. It is native to Central America. Native Americans boiled, roasted, dried and made bread from pumpkins.

In the settlement of Jamestown, the rind was dried for storage to be used in the long winter months. Colonists, having to be resourceful, made a pumpkin beer and used the roasted seeds as treats. They even used half of a dried rind as a hat.

The first pumpkins grown in Kentucky were just south of Richmond in Madison County by Captain Nathaniel Hart. Luckily, he shared his bounty with other settlers, and added pumpkins all throughout the trails of Kentucky.

Pumpkins can be planted as early as May 10 and as late as July 1 in the eastern portion of the state. To have a pumpkin for Halloween, it is best to plant your seeds by mid-June. The best method of planting is to make small hills of soil every 8 to 12 feet in each direction (depending on the variety) and plant two to three seeds per hill.

To many, a pumpkin is a sign of the harvest season. If you want to have a pumpkin last, it is best to not carve it, but where is the fun in that? Pumpkins should be harvested when there is a deep, solid color and a hard rind. They should be picked before a frost. When choosing a suitable pumpkin, look for one that has a least a three-inch stem attached. For storage, place this vegetable in a cool, dry place, otherwise it will be more prone to early decay.

If you want to make your Jack O’ Lanterns last, it is recommended to wipe the pumpkin off with a little soap and water or with an anti-bacterial wipe before carving. This will cut down on the likelihood of the pumpkin rotting too quickly. Once having made your cuts, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly to the exposed surface. Another method of keeping your carved pumpkin fresh is to cover it in plastic and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to display it.

Beekeeping class

Don’t forget that this Saturday from at 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., we are holding a beekeeping management class at Meadowbrook Farm. If you are interested, please call 859-623-4072 to reserve a seat.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.