Both pumpkins and gourds are warm-weather crops. They like a rich soil that drains well, plenty of water, and long, warm days in the sun. It’s not unheard of for a pumpkin to sprout from a compost pile.

Both also need plenty of room. Even the smallest pumpkin varieties have vines that are 6 feet long, and 20-foot-long vines are common. Gourd vines can reach 10 to 15 feet, but you can train them to grow up trellises and over arbors. Gourds can be heavy, especially hard-shell gourds, so any support needs to be sturdy.

Once established, pumpkins and gourds have similar needs. Both like a lot of water throughout their growing season, and pumpkins in particular don’t like wet leaves. Creating watering basins or furrows, or using drip irrigation, is a good choice for both. Adding mulch will also help keep in moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilize pumpkins regularly once the blossoms have formed. Gourd growers differ on the need for fertilizer, but adding some once they start to form vines won’t hurt. To keep pumpkins or gourds off the dirt, which can lead to brown spots or rot, slide a piece of plywood or foam underneath each fruit while it’s growing.

Pests and diseases can be a problem for both crops. They’re especially vulnerable to aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers. They can also develop fungus problems, such as powdery mildew.

The best defense is keeping the garden clean and the plants healthy with good air circulation. Handpick insects or set traps. Spraying with blasts of water or insecticidal soap also helps. For powdery mildew, remove infected plants, increase air circulation, and spray with either a baking soda or garlic mixture. For severe problems, try copper soap fungicides, neem, or sulfur.