Today I removed my 4th of July wreath, and replaced it with a more autumn-like wreath. As surely as it is almost 100 degrees hot today, my garden has begun its shift toward fall. After all, retail stores have already begun selling their fall decorations.
Image Credit: Oriental Trading
And since I must grow most of my autumn decor, I need a head start.
Pumpkins can grow from seed in about 90 to 110 days.
Today is July 5, 2023
August 2, 2023, is 28 days from July 5.
September 6, 2023, is 63 days from July 5.
October 4, 2023, is 91 days from July 5.
Indeed, July 5 is a great time to plant Halloween pumpkins in Mississippi:
Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin – Image Credit: Ferry Morse
Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkins should be ready to harvest in 100 to 105 days, and if I plant my Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkins today, they should be ready to harvest on October 19, 2023. Perfect. My goal is to plant a bunch of Jack o’ Lantern pumpkin seed tomorrow and have a pumpkin carving party. Hmmmm! I’ll try.
Pumpkin Growing in Jacki Kellum Garden in 2022
But the real pumpkin party starts long before the pumpkins are ready to harvest. Watching a pumpkin grow is a feast.
But Pumpkins are Only Part of Fall Decor
Image Credit: Public Domain
Corn stalks are part of holiday decor, too. It is not too late to plant a little field of corn.
Silver Queen Corn – Image Credit: Ferry-Morse
I started planting the beans for the above teepee on June 9. At that time, I also added some cherry tomato plants that vine. Less that a month later, the teepee is already taking shape. On July 1, I planted mini pumpkins that will also grow up this teepee. Today, July 5, I began a similar teepee for my front garden. It will be just right when trick-or-treaters come to my front door.
The Following is The Old Farmer’s Almanac list of Last Planting Dates for Zone 7b – Water Valley, MS.
Bell Peppers Last Plant Date: Jul 12
Broccoli Plant Jul 19 Plant Again Aug 16
Cantaloupes Last Plant Date: Jul 2
Carrots Last Plant Date: Sep 1
Corn Last Plant Date: Jul 22
Cucumbers Last Plant Date: Jul 27
Eggplants Last Plant Date:Jul 12
Green Beans Last Plant Date: Frost Jul 27
Jalapeño Peppers Last Plant Date: Aug 1
Lettuce Last Plant Date: Sep 20
Okra Last Plant Date: Jul 22
Peas Last Plant Date: Aug 26
Potatoes Last Plant Date: Jul 12
Pumpkins Last Plant Date: Jun 12
Radishes Last Plant Date: Sep 25
Spinach Last Plant Date: Oct 5
Tomatillos Last Plant Date: Jul 22
Tomatoes Last Plant Date: Jul 17
Turnips Last Plant Date: Sep 20
Watermelons Last Plant Date: Jul 2
Winter Last Plant Date:Jul 17
Zucchini and Summer Squash Last Plant Date: Aug 1