Is it too late to plant pumpkins (NE Ohio)?

Question

Okay I obviously didn't do something right because my pumpkins got eaten by what I assume are grubs. Is it too late to plant new ones for harvest in October? And, what do I need to do to prevent the grubs?

Answer 1

I would say, yes, it is too late.  Your plants will grow.  They will probably even flower, but the pumpkins, if any grow, won't ripen in time.  You are starting one month later than what is recommended, so that is the ripening time.

As for grubs, you can go to Lowes or Home Depot and find grub preventative in the lawn and garden section.  This needs to be applied according to package directions for preventative for next year.  

As for this year,  when you till your soil to plant your pumpkin seeds, look carefully.  Hand pick any grubs that you find and destroy them.

Answer 2

You're cutting it close. If you plant potted starter plants of miniature pumpkins you should be OK.

Here is the recommendation for "ideal" starting dates for pumpkin plants:

Giant Pumpkins:

Start indoors from April 25 to May 15th

Set outdoors after the first true leaves form.

Provide cold and frost protection...it's a must.

Jack-O-Lanterns / Field Pumpkins:

Direct sow into the garden from May 15th to June 15th.

Start indoors up to two weeks prior to setting outdoors

Provide cold and frost protection...it's a must.

Miniature Pumpkins:

Direct sow into the garden from May 25th to July 1st.

Start indoors up to two weeks prior to setting outdoors

http://www.pumpkinnook.com/howto/seedsta...

For now, you can use plastic under your pumpkins, elevate them,  & keep your vines free of debris, so grubs can't get cozy & have a place to hide.  For future elimination of grubs,  you can apply  "milky spore" or beneficial nematodes  for long-term  elimination of the grubs.  The grub has to be actively feeding in warm soil & has to ingest some spores. "If the soil is cooler than 65 degrees, the spores just pass right thru without harm".

http://www.gardensalive.com/article.asp?...

According to this article, a  product called Grub-X that is used to eliminate white grubs, is usually applied in July in Ohio  during the egg laying stage to control newly hatching grubs in late summer.Then there will be fewer overwintering grubs or spring grubs to contend with.

http://www.shelbylandscaping.com/html/gr...

Good luck!!!   Hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

Go for it!