Many of the activities on these pages may require adult supervision.
Be sure to tell a grown-up about what you're planning and ask for permission before getting started.

The first two take a lot of space.

Pumpkins

Plant 5 or 6 pumpkin seeds 1 inch apart in a little hill of soil after danger of frost has passed. When seedlings grow, thin to two best plants. Don't plant anything within 3 feet in any direction. Pumpkin vines need a lot of room in which to spread out. Use the pumpkin for a jack-o'-lantern and roast the seeds inside (click here for instructions).

Gourds

Plant gourd seeds the same way you plant pumpkin seeds. Follow the directions on the package to see how much room to leave around the plants. You don't eat gourds; you use them for decoration or make things with them. You can paint them and carve them. People have made rattles, drums, guitars, cups, bowls, ladles, funnels, strainers, cricket cages, birdhouses, and fishnet floats out of gourds. What can you make?

Strawflowers

Strawflowers can be picked, dried, and used for permanent arrangements. To dry strawflowers, cut them at their peak. Remove the leaves. Bunch them loosely together and hang them upside down in a cool, airy, shady place. Later, mix them with dried branches in bouquets.

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