Don’s Expert Answers: when should i pick my pumpkins? do i look for color of the flesh or change in weather temperature? any advice would be great.

Question From: 
nigel baxter in  narre warren sth,  melbourne VIC

 

Nature of problem: 
when should i pick my pumpkins? do i look for color of the flesh or change in weather temperature? any advice would be great.

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
butternut pumpkin

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
nil

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
soil and compost

 

How often do you water the plant:
dependant on rainfall

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
4-6hrs

 

What type of plant is it:
gutter pumps

 

How long since you planted it:
grew naturally from veggie scraps dug into soil

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
yes, dynamic lifter

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
out

 

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground: 
ground

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
nil

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
thank-you so much for your interest and time, will look forward to any advice. kind regards, nigel.

 

Answer: Pumpkins are ready to pick when the stem adjoining the pumpkin turns from green to brownish and the pumpkin sounds hollow when knocked with your knuckles.  Don