Key Points Growing your own pumpkins brings the joy of fall to your backyard and rewards you with food and decorations. This year, consider bringing the pumpkin patch home with you by planting these gourds from seed in your backyard. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about how to grow pumpkins at home. In most regions, this means planting in late spring or early summer (usually from late May to early June), says Shelly Deaton, garden expert and farmer at EarthSpoke Farms. Plant in rows: Plant your pumpkins in rows, with each seed at least 3 to 4 feet apart.