Pumpkins and squash are easy to grow here in Planting Zone 5. 

Obtained a load of aged sheep manure and started a talked about Permaculture idea of replacing lawn grass with food plants. Did two experiments, two piles each. The lessor result the experiment was piling up a small mound of sheep manure right on the grass. Approximately two feet in diameter and a foot high.

In these mounds I planted Winter Luxury pumpkins, which did well, and Striped Green Cushaw squash, which did alright, but not to its potential, methinks.

In the next experiment I dug out the sod, then dug out a pit placing the dirt to the side. Next I placed the sod grass-side down in the bottom of the pit. Finally, I mixed close to equal parts of dirt and sheep manure filling the pit and making a mound.

This experiment faired much better with obviously more luxuriant vines and plump squash. Even some of those Winter Luxury pumpkins snuck in the planting (really, I had no idea), and did ok. 

So as of this day I have harvested the squash and cleaned up the old vines. I smoothed out the piles taking up more lawn, added some compost, then planted buckwheat. The buckwheat won't last long, but will add its body to the soil for the next planting this fall which will be garlic. 

Then I'll find other spots for similar experiments next spring!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R_qnQ7m-0s