Some pumpkins can cross-breed with other squash if they are related closely enough, but the fruit will be the same as what you planted. If the seed you planted was the result of unintentional cross-breeding you could have an interesting mix. I have linked a helpful, and short article. Here is a link that might be useful: Cross-Breeding of squash

Ani, leaves harbor pest eggs and disease spores. By removing the leaves you open the canes up so they can be sprayed with the Neem or a dormant oil spray. It really has nothing to do with hardiness or root growth, just the general health of the plant. Roses in our local climate start to drop their oldest leaves as a natural growth cycle. By removing the leaves, we're doing what nature is going to do for us anyway. The only spray I use in my garden is one round of Volck's Dormant Oil spray after I prune in January. When using any oil-based spray, the temperature has to be under 60F, including reflected heat coming off block walls, so it can be tough getting even one round sprayed. The dormant oil spray helps to suffocate eggs and spores and should only be sprayed when the roses have no leaves. Because I often have roses from other people's yards come through mine for raffles or trades, I'm also trying to keep a disease called San Jose Scale out of my garden. Some great nurseries to purchase roses from in the metro-Phoenix area are Berridges, 4600 block E Camelback, Bakers, 40th Str & Osborn and Harpers, Hayden, south of Thomas. These aren't the only nurseries, of course, but they're well-known for quality roses and knowledge of rose culture.

Which species of ginseng do you have? I assume Panax quinquefolium (the American ginseng), about which I don't have much information. I can provide some information about Panax gingseng (the Chinese ginseng) if you that would help. Apparently the American species and goldenseal grow well together. It doesn't say so in the following, but goldenseal is partially parasitic on certain grasses or other plants, and won't do well without them. I don't know if ginseng is one of them. Anyway, here's what I have on goldenseal. I didn't include the information on growing from seed, since you already have the plant. Grown from seed, the plant will yield a mature root in 5-6 years. Prefers humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil and shade, such as that provided by hardwood trees such as oak or poplar. Tolerates a variety of soil types, except heavy clay or sandy soils. Prefers a pH around 5.5-6.5. It takes 2-4 years to yield a mature root from a 2 year old seedling. Tops will appear the second summer after planting. Most first-year seedlings develop only a cotyledon  true leaves appear the second year, and sets of true leaves and flowers appear in the third year. Each plant can produce a single, green, raspberry-like fruit which turns red and ripens in summer. The plant dies down slowly after the fruit matures. Mature plants should be dug up after 4-5 years, as the main root will rot after that. The runners will continue on and will reseed. Because they like similar conditions, Goldenseal and ginseng can be grown successfully together. Harvesting: Harvest the leaves at the last moment before they start to drop, and dry for future use. Harvest the roots of plants at least 6 years old in autumn, after the tops have died down. Wash carefully, then dry them until they snap cleanly, but not until they are brittle. To collect seed, harvest the fruit when fully rip. Mash the fruit and ferment for several days in water until the flesh can be easily removed from the seed. Then decant and rinse with fresh water until the seeds are clean. The seed is small, round, black and hard, and should never be allowed to dry out.

Your plant is a Peperomia obtusifolia, aka 'Baby Rubber Plant'. But that name is a bit unhelpful as 'Rubber Plant' usually denotes Ficus elastica and until I saw the picture I thought you had a baby one of those ;-). They are very easy to propagate just by cutting pieces off at a node and inserting in growing medium, or even a glass of water. You'll find plenty of help if you have more questions over on the House Plant Forum which is much livelier than this one. Here is a link that might be useful: House Plant Forum