GROWING NOTES

Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. To save space, or for a handsome garden centerpiece, Mini Jack vines can easily be trained up fences, trellises or tepees.

HARVEST AND USE

All pumpkins need to mature properly, so wait to pick until rinds are fully colored and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail and vines have died back. Then cut, leaving a good stem handle. Let them cure for 10 days in the sun, then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months. In the kitchen, hollow them out, then stuff and bake them for dandy little soup or vegetable tureens.