My friend has had a volunteer pumpkin growing in her flower garden all summer, which has become a real treat for her and her children. She's hoping to be able to pick it and use it in October maybe for Halloween.

Can anyone give her advice on when to harvest it? She said it has already turned orange. Also, any other suggestions, such as does it need to be raised off the ground, etc.

Thx! Sheri

If the vine is dying back, she might as well pick the pumpkin and bring it into the cooler house. I don't know for certain, but I think they ripen and then rot quicker out in the heat. At the very least she should peek at the bottom of the pumpkin where it rests on the ground to make sure bugs aren't gettting at it. Yes, I think it might help to set it on something to raise it off the ground.

If it's becoming clear that the pumpkin won't make it to Halloween, I'm sure her kids will be really disappointed. But maybe they could then learn to like it as a vegetable or as pumpkin pie!