Pick your jack-o'-lantern

The idea of using pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns is such a tradition that it’s hard to imagine anything else would ever have been used, but rutabagas were. In Germany, rutabagas, turnips and potatoes were hollowed out and used as lanterns to celebrate fall harvest festivals. This custom spread to the British Isles and was then brought to America by immigrants. Here Native Americans introduced the immigrants to pumpkins. Pumpkins became used for many things, including jack-o’-lanterns. Thus a tradition was born.

It’s easy enough to grow pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns, but pumpkins have several specific needs. The seeds will only germinate in warm soil. When the soil has warmed to 65 degrees and the nights are above 50 degrees, you can plant your seed outside. They also need the appropriate amount of space. A jack-o’-lantern-sized vining pumpkin will need 100 to 150 square feet. Like all squash, they need rich soil so dig compost and fertilizer into the rows or hills. Feed with fertilizer several times during the growing season. Water them deeply about once a week or more often during very hot weather. If powdery mildew develops on the leaves, spray them with neem oil. You might need to do this several times. With luck and a little work, you will harvest your pumpkins at the end of September or after about 100 to 120 days.

You will know your pumpkins are ready to harvest when you push your fingernail against the pumpkin’s skin and no dent is left behind. Cut pumpkins from the vine with pruners or a knife, leaving a 2- to 3-inch stem. The pumpkin will last longer with the stem attached. Keep them in a cool, dry place until time to carve them. After carving, the pumpkin will last about 10 days, if kept cool.

Here are the names of some seeds to try. For large jack-o’-lanterns, plant Gold Rush or Connecticut Field. For medium-sized, use The Hobbit, Autumn Gold, Jack-o’-Lantern, Magic Lantern or Sunshine. If you want a spooky white jack-o’-lantern, try Lumina, Polar Bear or Moonshine. Finally, if you want the biggest jack-o’-lantern in Mason County, try Big Max, Big Moon or Mammoth.

■ Erika Stewart has been a Mason County Master Gardener for 12 years. She works at Catalyst Garden in Shelton, which provide fresh vegetables for The Saints’ Pantry Food Bank.