Pummmmpkins!

Not only good for jack-o-lanterns, here are some fun facts about pumpkins:

A pumpkin is really a squash. It is a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash, watermelon and cucumbers.

Pumpkins are grown all over the world on six of the seven continents, with Antarctica being the sole exception. They are even grown in Alaska.

The self proclaimed "Pumpkin Capital of the World" is Morton, Illinois.

Planting Pumpkins:
Pumpkins can be planned directly into your garden by seed or with transplants. If you’re growing your pumpkins in mounds, plant the seeds about 1 or 2 inches deep, in groups of 5. Plant pumpkins in rows with 2 seeds per hole and about 2 to 3 feet between each hole. If you want your pumpkins to mature by Halloween, it’s a good idea to plant them by May or June, but make sure to keep tabs on the soil temperature. Wait to plant your seeds until the risk of frost has past.

Whether you choose rows or mounds, make sure you give your pumpkins plenty of space. It’s preferable that they are surrounded by bare ground without other crops growing. After you’ve planted your pumpkins, frequent weeding is important to keep your pumpkins healthy as they develop.

Also note that you should avoid planting pumpkins where you’ve recently had other vine crops such melons. It’s a good idea to wait at least two years before planting pumpkins in these areas.

How Much to Water Pumpkins:
Pumpkins prefer soil that isn’t too wet, so you should water them infrequently. However, make sure that each watering is a good, deep soaking. A soaker hose or drip irrigation are ideal ways to water your pumpkins. These methods are also helpful to avoid certain common diseases such as powdery mildew. Most pumpkins begin to bloom around late July, so pay close attention to your watering habits during this time. 1 to 2 inches of water a week in recommended, depending on where you live. As the pumpkin fruit starts to develop, reduce watering.

[How to Grow Organic Pumpkins info from: www.pumpkingrowingtips.com]

Health Info:
Pumpkins are rich in Vitamin A and potassium. They are also high in fiber.

Here's some stats on what's in one cup of pumpkin puree:

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 19 gram
• Cholesterol: 0
• Fat: less than 1 gram
• Potassium: 588 milligrams
• Protein: 2.4 grams
• Vitamin A: 310% of RDA
• Vitamin C: 20% of RDA

Recipe: (obviously a baked good because i LOVE baking!)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs 1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola or corn oil
1 cup pureed pumpkin (this is easy to do: cut top off pumpkin, hollow out seeds, then cut pumpkin into quarters. grease a cookie sheet with oil, then place pumpkin cut side down on sheet and bake at around 400 for 30-45 minutes, or until soft. time will vary depending on size and thickness of pumpkin)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Position a rack in the middle of the oven . Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and butter the paper.

Stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices together in a medium bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth and lightened in color, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. On low speed, mix the oil, pumpkin, and vanilla until blended. Mix in the flour mixture to incorporate it. Mix in the chips.

Scoop batter onto baking sheet, and bake until the tops feel firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, about 16 minutes. Cool them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a wide metal spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.