A Beginners Guide to Growing Pumpkins

Pumpkins at a Glance

	Pumpkins
Sow indoors	April–May
Plant outside	Late May–June
Harvest	September–October
Position	Full sun and sheltered
Difficulty	Easy–moderate
Spacing	Around 90cm–1.5m or more
Containers	Possible with compact varieties
Soil	Rich, fertile and moisture-retentive
Watering	Frequent during dry weather
Feeding	Regular once fruiting begins
Frost hardy	No
Time to harvest	Around 4–5 months

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Why Grow Pumpkins?

Pumpkins are worth growing for more than Halloween.

Depending on the variety, they can be used for:

• Soups
• Curries
• Roasting
• Pies
• Risottos
• Stews
• Baking
• Seeds

Many pumpkins also store extremely well.

A properly ripened and cured pumpkin harvested in autumn can potentially remain usable for months.

There’s also something particularly satisfying about growing them.

Pumpkin plants develop rapidly during summer, producing enormous leaves, long trailing vines and spectacular yellow flowers before the fruits begin swelling.

For children, they can be one of the most exciting crops in a vegetable garden.

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Pumpkins, Squash and Courgettes

Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbitaceae family.

This includes:

• Courgettes
• Summer squash
• Winter squash
• Cucumbers
• Melons

Pumpkins and winter squash are particularly closely related, and the names are sometimes used rather loosely.

From a gardener’s perspective, the important distinction is usually the variety itself.

Check:

• Mature fruit size
• Plant spread
• Days to maturity
• Storage ability
• Culinary use

Some varieties bred as pumpkins are excellent for eating.

Others are primarily selected for producing large decorative fruits.

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When to Sow Pumpkins in the UK

Pumpkins need warmth and have a relatively long growing season.

For most UK gardeners, sowing indoors around:

April to early May

works well.

This gives the plants a head start without producing enormous seedlings too early.

Pumpkins grow very quickly.

Sow them in February and you may have huge plants taking over your windowsill long before it’s warm enough to put them outside.

Late April is an excellent starting point for many gardeners.

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Can You Sow Pumpkins Directly Outside?

Yes, but the UK growing season makes indoor sowing more reliable.

Direct sowing can be attempted around:

late May or early June

once:

• Frost risk has passed
• Soil has warmed
• Weather is reasonably settled

In cooler areas, starting indoors gives the plant valuable extra growing time.

For beginners, I’d usually recommend starting pumpkins in pots.

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How to Sow Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are large and easy to handle.

Use individual pots around:

8–10cm wide.

Fill them with good-quality seed or multipurpose compost.

Plant one seed per pot approximately:

2–3cm deep.

You can sow the seed on its edge rather than laying it completely flat.

Cover with compost and water.

Place somewhere warm.

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What Temperature Do Pumpkin Seeds Need?

Pumpkin seeds germinate best in warm conditions.

Aim for roughly:

18–24°C.

You don’t necessarily need a heated propagator if your home is warm enough.

Under good conditions, seedlings can appear quickly, often within:

5–10 days.

Once they emerge, give them plenty of light.

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Looking After Pumpkin Seedlings

Pumpkin seedlings develop rapidly.

Initially, you’ll see two large seed leaves.

These are followed by the first proper pumpkin leaves.

Keep the compost:

moist but not waterlogged.

Give seedlings as much light as possible.

Turn pots regularly if growing on a windowsill.

If roots begin filling the container before outdoor planting conditions are suitable, pot the plant into a larger container.

Try not to disturb the roots unnecessarily.

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When Can Pumpkins Go Outside?

Pumpkins are frost-tender.

Don’t plant them permanently outside until:

all realistic risk of frost has passed.

For many UK gardens, this means:

late May into early June.

In colder regions, you may need to wait longer.

The soil should also feel reasonably warm.

There’s little advantage in putting a heat-loving pumpkin into cold ground simply because the calendar says May.

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Hardening Off Pumpkin Plants

Plants grown indoors need to be gradually introduced to outdoor conditions.

Over approximately:

7–14 days

put them outside during the day in a sheltered position.

Initially, bring them back under protection overnight.

Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors.

This allows the leaves and stems to adjust to:

• Stronger sunlight
• Wind
• Cooler temperatures

Once conditions are warm and plants are hardened off, they can be planted permanently.

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Where Should You Grow Pumpkins?

Pumpkins want:

sunshine, warmth and space.

Choose a sunny and reasonably sheltered position.

Avoid areas exposed to strong winds because the plants have large leaves that can become damaged.

The soil should be:

• Fertile
• Rich in organic matter
• Moisture-retentive
• Well drained

Pumpkins are hungry plants.

Preparing the growing area properly makes a significant difference.

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How Much Space Do Pumpkin Plants Need?

More than most beginners expect.

Depending on the variety, a pumpkin vine can travel:

several metres.

Allow approximately:

90cm to 1.5m or more between plants.

Large trailing varieties may need significantly more space.

Always check the seed packet.

If your garden is small, look specifically for compact or bush varieties.

Don’t plant three vigorous pumpkins into a tiny raised bed and expect them to stay there.

They won’t.

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Preparing the Soil for Pumpkins

Pumpkins thrive in rich soil.

Before planting, add plenty of:

well-rotted compost or manure.

You can prepare individual planting stations by digging a generous hole and incorporating organic matter.

This helps provide both:

• Nutrients
• Moisture retention

Pumpkins grow a remarkable amount of foliage in just a few months, so they need good growing conditions to support it.

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Growing Pumpkins on a Compost Heap

Pumpkins have traditionally been grown on or beside compost heaps.

There’s a good reason.

Compost provides:

• Rich growing conditions
• Moisture retention
• Warmth
• Plenty of nutrients

A pumpkin vine can then trail away from the compost heap across surrounding ground.

If you have a mature compost heap, planting a pumpkin nearby can be a very efficient use of space.

Avoid planting directly into unfinished material that is excessively hot or unstable.

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How to Plant Pumpkins Outside

Dig a hole somewhat larger than the plant’s root ball.

Water the young plant before transplanting.

Carefully remove it from its pot while disturbing the roots as little as possible.

Plant at approximately the same depth it was growing previously.

Firm gently.

Then water thoroughly.

Leave plenty of room for the vine to spread.

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Growing Pumpkins in Raised Beds

Pumpkins can be grown in raised beds, but the vines will often need to trail outside them.

One useful approach is to plant pumpkins:

near the edge of the raised bed

and direct the vines onto:

• Paths
• Gravel
• Unused ground

This allows the roots to benefit from fertile raised-bed soil without sacrificing the entire bed to foliage.

Be careful not to create a trip hazard across frequently used paths.

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Growing Pumpkins in Containers

Yes, pumpkins can grow in containers.

However, variety choice is essential.

Choose compact or bush varieties rather than giant trailing pumpkins.

For one plant, use a container of at least:

40–50 litres

with good drainage.

Larger is better.

Pumpkin plants have substantial root systems and need enormous amounts of water during summer.

Container-grown plants also require regular feeding.

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Can Pumpkins Grow Vertically?

Some smaller pumpkin varieties can be trained vertically.

You need a very strong support.

A mature vine carrying several pumpkins becomes heavy.

Suitable structures include:

• Strong trellis
• Reinforced arches
• Sturdy pergolas
• Heavy-duty frames

Small fruits can often hang naturally.

Larger pumpkins may require slings made from soft material to support their weight.

Don’t attempt to grow giant pumpkin varieties on flimsy garden netting.

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Pumpkin Vines

Once established, pumpkin vines can grow rapidly.

The main stem travels across the ground while producing:

• Leaves
• Side shoots
• Flowers
• Tendrils

You can gently direct vines towards unused areas of the garden.

Do this while stems are still flexible.

Don’t force mature vines into sharp turns because they can split.

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Should You Prune Pumpkin Vines?

You don’t necessarily need to.

If you have plenty of space, vines can be allowed to grow naturally.

In smaller gardens, pruning can help control growth.

Once several healthy pumpkins are developing, you can pinch out growing tips beyond the fruit.

This can help restrict the plant and direct more energy towards existing pumpkins.

Avoid excessive pruning.

The plant still needs plenty of healthy leaves to produce energy.

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Male and Female Pumpkin Flowers

Pumpkins produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant.

Understanding the difference is useful.

Male Flowers

Male flowers grow on relatively long, thin stems.

They often appear first.

They produce pollen.

Female Flowers

Female flowers have a small swollen structure directly behind the flower.

It looks like a tiny pumpkin.

If successfully pollinated, that tiny fruit begins growing.

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Why Does My Pumpkin Have Flowers but No Fruit?

This is extremely common early in the season.

Pumpkin plants often produce lots of:

male flowers first.

Female flowers usually follow later.

So don’t panic if the first several flowers fall away without producing fruit.

The plant may simply not be ready yet.

Other reasons for poor fruit set include:

• Lack of pollinators
• Cold weather
• Very hot weather
• Water stress
• Poor plant health

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How Are Pumpkins Pollinated?

Pumpkins depend heavily on insects, particularly bees.

A bee visits a male flower, collects pollen and transfers it to a female flower.

Once pollinated successfully, the small pumpkin behind the female flower begins growing.

Growing pollinator-friendly flowers nearby can help encourage insect activity around your vegetable garden.

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How to Hand-Pollinate Pumpkins

If your plants are producing female flowers but fruits keep failing, you can pollinate them yourself.

It’s straightforward.

First, find a newly opened male flower.

Remove it from the plant.

Gently peel back the petals to expose the pollen-covered centre.

Then rub this against the centre of an open female flower.

Alternatively, transfer pollen using a soft artist’s brush.

Morning is generally a good time because pumpkin flowers may only remain open for a relatively short period.

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How Often Should You Water Pumpkins?

Pumpkins need plenty of water.

Their large leaves lose significant amounts of moisture during warm weather.

As fruits develop, water demand increases further.

During dry weather, give plants a:

deep, thorough watering.

Avoid repeatedly sprinkling tiny amounts onto the surface.

You want moisture reaching the root zone.

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Water Around the Roots

Try to water at the base of the plant rather than soaking all the leaves.

Wet foliage can encourage fungal disease.

Some gardeners bury a small pot beside the plant and pour water into it.

This helps direct moisture deeper into the soil.

Once the fruit begins swelling, maintaining consistent moisture becomes particularly important.

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Should You Mulch Pumpkins?

Yes.

Mulching is particularly useful for pumpkins.

A generous layer of:

well-rotted compost or organic mulch

around the plant helps:

• Conserve moisture
• Reduce weeds
• Protect the soil
• Add organic matter

Keep mulch slightly away from the main stem.

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Do Pumpkins Need Feeding?

Yes.

Pumpkins are hungry plants.

Once the plant is established and begins flowering and fruiting, regular feeding can help.

A high-potassium feed, similar to tomato fertiliser, is commonly used once fruits begin developing.

Earlier in growth, the plant benefits from sufficient nitrogen to produce healthy leaves.

The aim is balance.

Too much nitrogen later in the season can encourage enormous vines while fruit development disappoints.

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How Many Pumpkins Does One Plant Produce?

It depends heavily on the variety.

A smaller-fruited pumpkin might produce:

several fruits per plant.

A variety bred for very large pumpkins may produce only:

one or two substantial fruits.

Growing conditions also matter.

For beginners, two healthy plants can often provide a very useful crop.

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Should You Remove Some Pumpkins?

Sometimes.

If a plant is carrying more fruit than it can realistically mature before autumn, thinning can help.

Removing a few small developing pumpkins allows the plant to direct more energy into the remaining fruits.

This is particularly important if you’re trying to grow:

very large pumpkins.

Competition growers may allow only one pumpkin to mature on each vine.

For ordinary kitchen pumpkins, that’s unnecessary.

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How to Grow a Giant Pumpkin

Giant pumpkin growing can become an entire hobby in itself.

The basic principles include:

• Choose a giant variety
• Prepare extremely fertile soil
• Give the plant enormous amounts of space
• Water consistently
• Feed regularly
• Select the strongest fruit
• Remove competing fruits
• Protect the pumpkin from damage

Varieties descended from Atlantic Giant are commonly used for enormous pumpkins.

Don’t expect a record-breaking fruit from ordinary Halloween seed.

Genetics matter.

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Protecting Pumpkins from Wet Ground

Once fruits become substantial, avoid leaving them directly on permanently damp soil.

You can place something underneath, such as:

• A piece of wood
• A flat tile
• Straw
• A purpose-made fruit support

This keeps the base cleaner and can help reduce rotting.

Avoid damaging the vine while moving the pumpkin.

Once fruits become large, leave them in position.

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Should You Turn Pumpkins?

Generally, no.

You’ll sometimes see people rotate pumpkins to improve colour.

This risks:

• Snapping the stem
• Damaging the vine
• Bruising the fruit

It’s usually better to leave a healthy developing pumpkin alone.

If you want to reposition a small fruit slightly, do it very gently and early.

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Common Pumpkin Problems

Pumpkins are generally vigorous plants, but there are a few common issues worth understanding.

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Slugs and Snails

Young pumpkin seedlings can be particularly attractive to slugs and snails.

A newly planted pumpkin can disappear surprisingly quickly.

Protect plants during their first few weeks outdoors.

Once they become large and established, minor damage is much less important.

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Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is very common on pumpkin leaves later in summer.

It appears as:

white powdery patches.

To reduce the risk:

• Maintain good airflow
• Give plants enough space
• Keep roots consistently watered
• Avoid wetting foliage unnecessarily

Some mildew towards the end of the season is often unavoidable.

If fruits are nearly mature, it may not significantly affect your harvest.

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Why Are My Pumpkin Leaves Turning Yellow?

Possible causes include:

Natural ageing

Older leaves eventually die.

Overwatering

Waterlogged soil can damage roots.

Underwatering

Pumpkins also suffer badly during drought.

Nutrient deficiency

These are hungry plants.

Disease

Check for other symptoms.

Don’t diagnose an entire plant based on one old yellow leaf near the base.

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Why Are My Baby Pumpkins Turning Yellow and Falling Off?

This usually means the young fruit has aborted.

One of the most common reasons is:

poor pollination.

The tiny fruit begins developing but wasn’t fertilised properly.

Other causes include:

• Cold weather
• Water stress
• Plant stress
• Too many fruits

Try hand-pollinating female flowers if the problem continues.

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Why Is My Pumpkin Not Growing?

Once successfully pollinated, pumpkins normally develop fairly quickly.

Slow growth could indicate:

• Cool weather
• Drought
• Poor soil
• Insufficient feeding
• Root damage
• Too many fruits on the plant

Check the overall health of the vine.

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Best Pumpkin Varieties for Beginners

There are lots of excellent varieties.

Jack O’Lantern

A classic orange pumpkin suitable for carving and cooking.

Good for: Halloween pumpkins.

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Connecticut Field

A traditional large orange pumpkin.

Produces substantial fruits suitable for carving.

Good for: Larger Halloween pumpkins.

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Small Sugar

A smaller pumpkin with sweet flesh.

Much more manageable than giant varieties.

Good for: Cooking and smaller gardens.

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Baby Bear

Produces relatively compact fruits.

Useful for cooking and decorative use.

Good for: Families and smaller pumpkins.

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Rouge Vif d’Etampes

An attractive flattened French variety with deep orange-red skin.

Sometimes known as a Cinderella pumpkin.

Good for: Cooking and ornamental value.

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Atlantic Giant

The classic choice for anyone wanting to experiment with very large pumpkins.

Requires plenty of space and feeding.

Good for: Giant pumpkin growing.

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Pumpkins for Eating vs Pumpkins for Carving

Not every pumpkin is equally good in the kitchen.

Large Halloween carving pumpkins tend to have:

• Thinner flavour
• More watery flesh
• Larger internal cavities

They’re edible, but not necessarily the best culinary choice.

Cooking varieties tend to have:

• Denser flesh
• Better flavour
• Higher sweetness
• More useful texture

If eating is your priority, choose a variety bred specifically for flavour rather than size.

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Can You Eat Halloween Pumpkins?

Yes.

Carving pumpkins are edible.

Instead of throwing the flesh away, you can use it in:

• Soup
• Curry
• Bread
• Puree
• Roasted dishes

The seeds are edible too.

Clean them, season them and roast them.

However, never eat a carved pumpkin that has been sitting outside for several days and has begun deteriorating.

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Can Pumpkins Grow in Partial Shade?

Pumpkins prefer:

full sun.

They need plenty of energy to produce large fruits.

A little shade may be tolerated, but heavily shaded plants are likely to produce less.

Aim for at least:

6 hours of good sunlight

where possible.

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Can You Grow Pumpkins in Scotland?

Yes.

The main challenge is the shorter, cooler growing season.

For Scottish gardens, I’d recommend:

• Starting seeds indoors
• Choosing earlier-maturing varieties
• Growing in a sunny sheltered position
• Using dark ground-cover material to warm the soil if useful
• Protecting young plants during cool early-summer weather

Don’t plant outdoors too early.

A healthy plant put outside in warm soil in June can quickly outperform one struggling in cold conditions since early May.

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When Are Pumpkins Ready to Harvest?

Most pumpkins are harvested during:

September and October.

Several signs indicate maturity.

The skin becomes hard

Try gently pressing it with a fingernail.

Mature skin should resist marking.

The colour develops fully

This depends on variety.

The stem becomes hard and corky

A mature pumpkin often develops a dry, woody-looking stem.

The leaves begin declining

As autumn arrives, the plant naturally starts dying back.

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Harvest Pumpkins Before Heavy Frost

Don’t leave mature pumpkins exposed to severe frost.

Frost can damage the fruit and reduce its storage life.

If frost is forecast and the pumpkins are reasonably mature, harvest them.

You can continue curing them somewhere protected.

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How to Harvest Pumpkins

Use:

sharp secateurs or a knife.

Cut through the stem rather than pulling.

Leave approximately:

5–10cm of stalk attached

where possible.

The stalk acts as a natural handle visually, but don’t actually carry pumpkins by it.

A broken stem creates an entry point for rot.

Lift the pumpkin by supporting the fruit underneath.

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Don’t Carry Pumpkins by the Stalk

This is worth repeating.

A pumpkin might feel securely attached.

But a heavy fruit can suddenly separate from its stem.

Once the stem breaks away, the pumpkin is more vulnerable to rotting during storage.

Always carry large pumpkins with both hands supporting the base.

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How to Cure Pumpkins

If you want to store pumpkins, curing is important.

After harvesting, place them somewhere:

• Warm
• Dry
• Well ventilated
• Protected from frost

Ideally, allow around:

7–14 days

for the skin to harden properly.

A greenhouse or sunny sheltered spot can work while temperatures remain suitable.

Protect fruits from cold nights.

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How to Store Pumpkins

Once cured, store pumpkins somewhere:

cool, dry, frost-free and well ventilated.

Avoid piling them on top of one another.

Place them with space between each fruit.

Check them regularly.

If one begins:

• Softening
• Moulding
• Rotting

remove it before the problem spreads.

Properly stored varieties can last for several months.

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Can You Save Pumpkin Seeds?

Yes, but there’s a complication.

Pumpkins can cross-pollinate with certain other compatible squash varieties.

That means saved seed may produce something quite different from the pumpkin you originally grew.

If you’re growing an open-pollinated variety in isolation, seed saving is more predictable.

To save seeds:

1. Choose a fully mature pumpkin.
2. Cut it open.
3. Remove the seeds.
4. Wash away the surrounding flesh.
5. Dry thoroughly.
6. Store somewhere cool and dry.

Seeds from F1 hybrids won’t necessarily produce plants identical to their parent.

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What Can You Grow Around Pumpkins?

Because pumpkin vines create lots of shade, companion planting underneath mature plants can be difficult.

Early in the season, however, you can potentially grow quick crops around them before the vines take over.

Examples include:

• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Spinach

Harvest these before the pumpkin foliage becomes dense.

Some gardeners also grow climbing beans or sweetcorn with squash as part of the traditional Three Sisters growing method.

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What Is the Three Sisters Method?

The Three Sisters is a traditional Indigenous American growing system involving:

corn, climbing beans and squash.

The idea is that:

Corn provides support for the beans.

Beans fix atmospheric nitrogen through their association with soil bacteria.

Squash spreads across the ground, helping shade the soil.

It’s an interesting example of companion cropping, although adapting it successfully to UK conditions requires careful variety choice and timing.

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Crop Rotation for Pumpkins

Pumpkins belong to the cucurbit family.

That includes:

• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Melons

Avoid growing cucurbits repeatedly in exactly the same location where practical.

Rotation can help reduce recurring pest and disease problems.

Because pumpkins are hungry feeders, it’s also useful to replenish the soil with organic matter before the next crop.

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What Can You Grow After Pumpkins?

Pumpkin plants are usually cleared after the first frost or once harvesting has finished.

Depending on timing, you could follow them with:

• Garlic
• Autumn onions
• Winter salads
• Green manure

Alternatively, add compost and leave the bed prepared for spring planting.

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Growing Pumpkins Month by Month

Month	What to do
January	Plan varieties and growing space
February	Prepare beds and add organic matter
March	Finish preparing the growing area
April	Start pumpkin seeds indoors
May	Sow remaining seeds and harden off young plants
June	Plant outside once frost risk has passed
July	Water, feed and watch for flowers
August	Support developing fruit and continue feeding
September	Allow fruits to ripen and reduce excess growth
October	Harvest before heavy frost and cure pumpkins
November	Store pumpkins and clear old vines
December	Check stored fruits regularly

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What You’ll Need to Grow Pumpkins

Pumpkins don’t need complicated equipment.

I’d recommend:

Pumpkin seeds

Small pots for sowing

Multipurpose or seed compost

Large containers if container growing

Well-rotted compost or manure

Watering can or garden hose

High-potassium feed

Secateurs

Plant labels

Boards, tiles or straw for supporting fruits

For most gardeners, the best investment isn’t a specialist gadget.

It’s plenty of good-quality organic matter and a reliable way to keep the plants watered during summer.

[See Our Recommended Raised Beds →]

[See Our Recommended Garden Hoses →]

[See Our Recommended Garden Compost →]

[Essential Equipment Every Gardener Needs →]

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Pumpkin Growing FAQs

Are pumpkins easy to grow?

Yes. Once established, pumpkins are vigorous plants. Their main requirements are warmth, fertile soil, water and enough space.

When should I sow pumpkins in the UK?

April to early May is ideal for starting most pumpkin varieties indoors.

When can pumpkins be planted outside?

Usually from late May into June, once frost risk has passed and conditions are warm.

How much space does a pumpkin plant need?

Large trailing varieties can spread several metres. Allow around 90cm–1.5m or more between plants and check your variety’s specific requirements.

Can pumpkins grow in pots?

Yes, particularly compact varieties. Use a very large container, ideally around 40–50 litres or more.

Do pumpkins need full sun?

Yes. A warm, sunny position usually produces the best results.

How often should pumpkins be watered?

Water deeply during prolonged dry weather, particularly once fruits begin developing.

What should I feed pumpkins?

Once flowering and fruiting begin, a high-potassium feed such as tomato fertiliser can be useful.

Why does my pumpkin plant have flowers but no pumpkins?

The plant may initially be producing only male flowers. Poor pollination can also prevent female flowers from setting fruit.

Can I hand-pollinate pumpkins?

Yes. Transfer pollen from a newly opened male flower to the centre of an open female flower.

Why are tiny pumpkins turning yellow and falling off?

Poor pollination is a common cause, although water stress, cold conditions and poor plant health can also contribute.

How many pumpkins grow on one plant?

It varies by variety. Smaller-fruited types may produce several pumpkins, while giant varieties may produce only one or two large fruits.

How do I know when a pumpkin is ripe?

Look for hard skin, mature colour and a firm, corky stem.

Can pumpkins survive frost?

No. Pumpkin plants are frost-tender, and mature fruits should ideally be harvested before hard frost.

How long can pumpkins be stored?

Properly cured storage varieties can potentially keep for several months in cool, dry and frost-free conditions.

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Final Thoughts

Pumpkins are one of those crops that make a vegetable garden feel alive.

In spring, you start with a seed small enough to fit in your hand.

By midsummer, the vine may have travelled halfway across the garden.

By autumn, there can be several substantial pumpkins hiding underneath the leaves.

For a beginner, I’d recommend starting with:

two plants.

Choose a manageable variety if your garden is relatively small.

Give each plant a generous planting hole filled with well-rotted organic matter, put it in the sunniest suitable position and make sure you can reach it easily with a hose or watering can.

Once fruiting begins, keep watering and feeding regularly.

If tiny fruits repeatedly fail, try hand-pollinating the flowers.

And once autumn arrives, don’t rush to harvest just because the pumpkins have turned orange.

Let them mature properly on the plant where conditions allow.

Wait for the skin to harden and the stem to become corky, then harvest before severe frost arrives.

Cure them properly and your autumn pumpkin harvest doesn’t have to disappear on Halloween.

It can provide food throughout the months that follow.