Pumpkins & Squash: Gourd-geous Garden Stars

Autumn is here, and we just finished gourd season in our school gardens. Underneath all the curly vines, these colorful characters become more than just fall decorations; they’re garden rockstars, classroom champions, and tasty ingredients for snacks, meals, and desserts.

Let’s dig into the wonderful world of pumpkins and squash!

Meet the Gourd Family
First things first: pumpkins and squash are both part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, gourds, melons and, of course, our beloved pumpkins and squash. Right now, stores are full of Winter Squash varieties, like acorn, spaghetti, and butternut. These thick-skinned squashes can be stored for months and are perfect for school gardens like Ground Ed’s, because our students can plant them in May/June and return to harvest their bounty in September or early October. 

For the past several years we’ve been growing the Cinnamon Girl pumpkin, because their compact vines take up less garden space and each productive vine produces 4-8 medium sized pumpkins. Plus, they are powdery mildew resistant, which allows them to thrive and grow through this common garden disease.

Why Pumpkins & Squash Are Perfect for School Gardens
Besides being showstoppers in terms of size and color, these plants are amazing additions to a school garden for a bunch of reasons:

• Big Leaves = Living Science: Their giant leaves offer shade, reduce weeds, and are a perfect way to study photosynthesis in action.
• Fast Growers: Great for engaging younger students since they can actually see daily progress!
• Pollinator Paradise: Their bright yellow blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and garden curiosity.
• Edible Education: From seeds to snacks, kids can experience the full life cycle of a plant, and the harvest is equally fun, though you might need a wheelbarrow!
  
  

From Garden to Table:
Pumpkins and squash are not just pretty faces, they’re delicious and nutritious, too! Pumpkins pack a ton of vitamin C along with potassium. And a single tablespoon of pumpkin seeds offers plenty of magnesium along with heart-healthy omega-6 fatty acids. 

Here are a few simple recipe ideas:

• Roasted Squash Bites: Cube and roast with olive oil and cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Smoothies: Blend with banana, yogurt, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
• Squash Soup Day: A cozy classroom event that brings everyone together (bonus: use garden herbs!)
• Seeds For Snacks and Salads: Dry roast them in a skillet or in the oven, seasoned with salt or other delicious spices, savory or sweet.
  
  

Pro Tips for Growing Success

• Give ‘Em Space: These plants love to sprawl. Create a designated “vine zone,” try a vertical trellis, or seek out a compact variety like Cinnamon Girl. If you have a large space and want really big pumpkins, we suggest trying the Renegade variety.
• Mulch Up: This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Watch for Pests: Squash bugs and vine borers can be troublemakers - keep an eye out and always check for these visitors under the leaves!
  
  

Celebrate The Season!
Growing pumpkins and squash connects kids and grownups alike with the rhythms of nature, and the reward is vibrant vines, brilliant blossoms, and tasty treasures. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, making soup, or just admiring their beauty as they make their way across your garden, we can be thankful for these engaging plants that provide so much! Next year, try planting these winter-wonders in late Spring and see what sprouts for your students!