Jack Be Little pumpkin harvest, 2003

I have some pumpkins growing for the first time......

I have pumpkins growing too, first time. I'm hoping for enough to eat and some to carve at Halloween. I have two that have definately pollinated and are growing well, then several more that I have been hand pollinating over the last week or so. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I love your photo, How many plants did you have to get a bumper crop like that? I wish I had your space and more time to grow other things. I may have a go at Melons next year after looking at your photo. Shame about the vines collapsing.

In reply to Samba, when we arrived here we had a big empty field. A neighbour had kindly ploughed it and harrowed it. To fill up some of the space we just put in twenty or thirty Jack be Little plants and this was the result! It's great to have a lot of space, but on the other hand, weeding can become a full time job.

I'll bet! Wow, I love the size and shape of the Jack be Little's. I will try that variety next year. I'll stick to a couple of vines as my garden is very small and not really suitable for pumpkins at all (space wise) but if you dont try you don't get.

I agree with you, they are pumpkins of a sensible size and attractive little fruits/vegetables... one makes a good meal. You can just take them whole and pop them in the oven to bake.
Then take the top off and add some butter or sauce... they're delicious. Or you can steam them whole and do the same.
The Sweet Lightning are equally good and the taste when they are still young is totally different to courgettes/marrows etc.

Food for thought!

Have you tried either crown prince or butternut. Both squash varieties are versatile in the kitchen and reliable croppers.