How to grow pumpkins

Pumpkins are a delicacy that is consumed in nearly every part of the country. They can be grown across the country too.

Currently, prices range from sh1,000 (farm gate) for a medium-sized one to sh5,000 for a large one at retail prices. Each plant produces as many as 30 per season, which results in over 9,000 per acre or more. If the moderate price is sh1,000, then that is sh9m per acre.

Pumpkins are perhaps one of the easiest foods to grow. There are over seven varieties in Uganda, which include sweet cream, bala, dulu, onziga, sunfish, sugar pie and anderina.

Pumpkins can be grown in almost any part of Uganda. In most cases, farmers just throw a few seeds near the homestead or in the banana garden. The seeds then develop into plants without much input from the farmer.

However, they can also be grown in a more organised system. There are seeds readily available in farm inputs stores, however it is important that one asks whether they are large, oval or round. Some are white skinned, others green and some dotted.

The first step in planting pumpkins is to dig a hole of 3ftx2ft and 3ft deep. Then plant four seeds evenly in a hole.

Before planting, the seeds should be soaked the previous day.

No fertilisers added in a pumpkin garden apart from organic manure.

When they are two months old, the plants are pruned of any excess leaves. In case they are attacked by pests, a mixture of red pepper, tobacco and animal urine can be applied, according to experts from the apiculture and vegetable research at the National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCCRI) at Namulonge, Wakiso district.

Animal urine is more potent if it is kept for a fortnight before use. Options for artificial pesticides include durbsban 4E, cooper fungicide, indofile m45 and urea.

Harvesting starts 90-120 days (about three to four months) from the date of planting. The harvested pumpkins can be stored for between eight and 36 weeks, if they are not disposed of immediately.

Compiled by Joshua Kato (editor, Harvest Money)