When it comes to giant pumpkin growing there is always something you can be doing. Even in the off season.
If you are new to growing giant pumpkins, welcome. It’s a fun and exciting hobby/pastime/sport for all ages.
In the off season you may be getting pumpkin cabin fever. Proclaiming to anyone that will listen, “why can’t I grow now” or start thinking “I should start super early in a greenhouse”
No matter your stage of giant pumpkin growing experience. There are some things you can be doing right now, even if you aren’t growing just yet.
Here’s my list of 5 things you could be doing in the giant pumpkin off season. In no particular order.
Decide if you are going to grow giant pumpkins
The first thing on my list is to decide if you are going to grow in the upcoming season.
For new giant pumpkin growers, this can be daunting. Seeing the amazing results other growers have can seem scary. But everyone started somewhere.
With more people connected via the magic of the internet, you have a much better starting position than growers ever did 20 to 30 years ago.
Make the decision. Are you going to take the orange pill, or the orange pill. Yes or no. If you are reading this, it should be an easy decision. 🎃
Work out your budget
It’s a great time to work out your budget. I like to think of pumpkin growing budgets in 2 different ways.

Budget – Money
First off there is how much you can afford to spend during the growing season. This could be for seeds, tools, sprays, fertiliser, the list can go on and on.
There are different levels of growing as well. So work within your budget. You can have fun and learn a lot on a limited budget.
Budget – Time
The other thing to think think about is budgeting your time. Want amazing results, then you are going to have to put in the work.
Don’t have much time? Work with what you can spare. Don’t steal time from other commitments. It might seem OK in the beginning, but when you are all alone in your pumpkin patch after you family moved out, you might be wondering what went wrong.
For us Southern Hemisphere growers a big consideration is managing growing through the Christmas and New Year’s period. Traditionally a time where a lot of people go away on holiday.
Plan ahead
Think about what you need. It could be as simple as a place to grow a giant pumpkin and giant pumpkin seeds.
It might be equipment you need to help you during the growing season. Or you might be wanting to up your game in a certain area so will need to do some research.
Automation for watering or dialing in the fertilising comes to mind. Trying new products. Or it could be working out who can help you lift your massive giant pumpkin at the end of the season.
A little planning now can help reduce stress during the giant pumpkin growing season.
Research
This is what can really help jump start a growers season.
If you are new to this, it can be overwhelming with some of the information out there. Try to research as much as you can before asking a question.
While everyone is super friendly, it can help if you have looked first. Whatever your question it’s probably been asked before.
One thing to keep in mind is that overseas based growers might be talking about things that aren’t available to you, or they could have a different name.
Or that bug they have to deal with might not actually be of concern to you. For example, vine borer beetles are a big thing to be wary of in the US, here in NZ, they aren’t a thing.
Learn from others mistakes, or learn what they are doing. Maybe these things will be added to your planning for the upcoming growing season.
Maintenance
Take care of the gear you already have on hand. Make sure everything is in good condition.
Do you have anything that needs sharpening? Oiled? Or maybe even checked for leaks. Whatever the case is, make sure the items you already have on hand are in good condition.
If they aren’t maybe add them to your plan. Either to replace or upgrade, then see if they fit into your budget.
Bonus thing to do – Network and be part of the community
Talk to people in your area. For larger overseas locations you will probably have a growers club nearby. Here in NZ, you might find other people locally that are growing. Or you might find people that are keen to grow a giant pumpkin.
I’ve got a guide on how to run a pumpkin event here.
The internet can help find people even if they are far away as well. Don’t be afraid to join in on conversations on BigPumpkins.com or on one of the many Facebook pages out there.
For advice and inspiration you can’t go wrong with the giant pumpkin growing community.
Conclusion
It’s up to you to do what you want during the giant pumpkin off season. Have a rest, be productive, learn new things or just chill out until the season comes around again.

Growing giant pumpkins is a passion that I love sharing. 🎃 If you’ve found my content helpful or entertaining, why not say thanks with a coffee? ☕
It’ll fuel my next giant pumpkin adventure!