When can you plant pumpkins
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Knowing when to plant pumpkins is important as they have a long growing season. You need to prepare well ahead for the fall arrival of plump, orange pumpkins, ready to carve for Jack O’Lanterns, or varieties to roast for pies, add to stews and soups and many other culinary uses.
Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, Cucurbitacae, and are actually considered a berry. Cucurbita pepo is the type of pumpkin used to make the jack-o-lanterns seen on Halloween, but there are many different sizes, shapes, colors and flavors.
Once you know how to grow pumpkins you can try many different varieties that you won't generally be able to find at the grocery store.
(Image credit: Clare Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo)
When to plant pumpkins
Because they have a long growing season, it is important to plant pumpkins as early as possible as part of your vegetable garden ideas.
'It is best to wait about 2-3 weeks after the last average frost date in your area, or until soil has reliably warmed to 70 °F,' says Shannie McCabe, horticulturist for Baker Creek Seeds based in Mansfield, Missouri.
Since there are a range of frost dates depending on where you live 'it is best to get online and research the average last frost date for your region,' Shannie adds.
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What is the best month to plant pumpkins?
The best month for planting pumpkins depends on whether you live in a warmer or colder region, and the hardiness zone for that area.
Check the seed packet for the suggested planting time for your zone. You can also look for frost dates in your region in the US by zip code on the Old Farmer’s Almanac .
For many regions the best time to plant pumpkins will be between April and June, but it will also depend on the variety and the time it takes for them to mature ready for harvest and there are various ways to know when to pick a pumpkin off the vine.
(Image credit: Polly Eltes)
When to plant pumpkin seeds outside?
'Pumpkin seeds are ideal for planting directly outside once the danger of frost has passed,' says Matthew Stevens, Agriculture Extension Agent at NC State University Extension-Nash County Center in North Carolina.
'Pumpkin seeds are large enough and germinate quickly enough that they can be direct seeded into the soil with great success,' Matthew says.
'Growing pie pumpkins and carving pumpkins is very similar, as each likes the same types of soil and environmental conditions,' he adds. The timing for when to plant pumpkins of both varieties is essentially the same.
When is it too late to plant pumpkins?
When it is too late to plant pumpkins depends on the growing time for that variety, and also where you live.
'You can most certainly make later succession plantings as long as you do the math comparing the average days to maturity of the variety – listed on the back of the seed packet – and how many frost free days you have left until the average first frost date in your region,' explains Shannie McCabe.
'Add on two additional weeks of buffer to account for the slower growing habit after the summer solstice,' she advises. 'At Baker Creek, we like to plant pumpkins in mid June to avoid the peak of squash bug season, which happens in late May to early June in the Missouri Ozarks.'
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When to plant pumpkins indoors
If you want to give the pumpkin plants a bit of a head start, you could seed them indoors when planning greenhouse crops, 'but they will be ready to be transplanted after just a few weeks,' explains Matthew.
Chris Rusch, member of the Douglas County Master Gardeners program at Oregon State University, advises to start your plants in early April in a greenhouse or cold frame for transplanting out in May. 'Keep only the strongest plants,' he adds.
If you plant pumpkin seeds indoors, it is important to transplant them outside 'before they are three weeks old, as they will become stunted from being even the slightest bit pot bound,' says Shannie McCabe.
How long does it take pumpkins to grow?
It takes pumpkins approximately 75 to 100 days without frost to grow, which is why it is so important to know when to plant pumpkins, so that you get them started early enough to guarantee a fall harvest.
Check the seed packet for that pumpkin variety’s growing time in days. Then count backwards from the time you would like to have pumpkins available. Plant your pumpkin crop before or near that planting date, but after the last frost.
If your pumpkin has a growing season of 100 days, for instance, you will have to plant seeds in mid-July, at the latest, to have pumpkins ready for Halloween.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Do pumpkins like sun or shade?
'Pumpkins love fertile soil and full sun,' advises Chris Rusch.
'Before planting, spade the soil about a foot deep, and mix in some homemade compost, manure and well-balanced fertilizer,' he adds.
How much space do pumpkins need?
Pumpkins need lots of space to trail their thick vines.
Rows should be at least six feet apart. If you're planning a kitchen garden, planting pumpkins at the outer edge of the garden allows you to train the vines away from other plants.
Pumpkins can be even be grown in a city garden, provided they have enough space and adequate soil.
'Pumpkins are vines that spread into rather large plants, meaning you need a good deal of space to grow even one pumpkin plant. Gardeners should plan to provide a bare minimum of six square feet of growing space per plant. Many typical pumpkin varieties can grow vines as much as 10 to 30 feet long, although there are some that are more compact,' explains Matthew Stevens.
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Will pumpkin seeds overwinter in the garden and come up in the spring?
'Anyone with a compost pile knows that pumpkin seeds will survive the winter and regrow in the summer – it is all too common to find a random pumpkin growing out of your compost pile in the spring,' explains Shannie McCabe.
However, pumpkin seeds are quite cold sensitive so it is not guaranteed that they will overwinter. 'Most likely pumpkin seeds survive in a compost pile because of the heat that is generated from the pile. A pumpkin seed sown into a regular garden bed does not have a great chance of surviving a hard winter,' she adds.
'Also consider that a fall sown pumpkin seed may germinate with the first warm days of spring, only to be killed with a late frost.'
How long do pumpkins need to grow?
Pumpkins needs quite a long time to grow. While some kitchen garden ideas (including radishes and salad leaves) can grow in as little as 25 days, pumpkins need notably longer to mature and can take between 80 and 120 days.
When to plant pumpkins for fall
Thoughts of when to plant pumpkins for fall may seem premature following midsummer – but this process is surprisingly more timely than it initially seems. Despite being synonymous with fall, pumpkins are sensitive to the cold, so it is essential to plant your pumpkins no later than early summer – for a healthy harvest for Halloween.
'Late spring to early summer is the best time to plant most pumpkins from seed, but it will depend on two things: the last frost of the season and the variety of pumpkin,' says garden expert and chef Sylvia Fountaine, the CEO and founder of Feasting at Home .
Is September too late to plant pumpkins?
Yes, sadly, it is too late to plant pumpkins in September. This is because the soil temperature is likely to fall under the ideal growing conditions, and they will not have matured before the end of the fall.
‘Pumpkin seed usually germinates in warm weather conditions, so you must sow them when the soil temperature is above 65°F(18°C),’ adds Richa Kedia, CEO of Nursery Lady . ‘So, the pumpkin seed needs to be planted before Mid July if you want to harvest that in the fall.’
Can you winter sow pumpkins?
No, it is not possible to sow winter pumpkins. As the experts suggest, at the latest, you should only plant between mid-May and mid-July. However, if you’re looking for some winter-friendly garden ideas, there are other options to consider.
These include grapefruit, Mandarin oranges, and kiwi fruit.
R.W.Williams is a freelance writer who lives in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Her work has been seen in print and online publications for decades, and she continues to learn and grow every day in the industry. Over the years, she has written about lifestyle, gardening, pets, agriculture, sustainability, retirement, budgeting, celebrities, and more.
Pumpkin Growing - How And When To Plant Pumpkin Seeds
Home › Edible Gardens › Vegetables › Pumpkins
Pumpkins
By: Heather Rhoades
Image by Valentina Sheboltaeva
When do you start growing a pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a question that many gardeners have. These spectacular squash are not only a fun fall decoration, but they can make several tasty treats as well. Pumpkin growing isn’t hard and is even a popular garden activity for a child in the garden. Let’s take a few minutes to learn a few pumpkin growing tips for starting pumpkins from seed.
When to Plant Pumpkin Seeds
Before you can grow pumpkin seeds, you need to know when to plant pumpkin seeds. When you plant your pumpkins depends on what you plan on using them for.
If you plan on making jack-o-lanterns with your pumpkins, plant your pumpkins outside after all chance of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached 65 F. (18 C.). Take into account that pumpkin plants grow faster in hot climates than cold climates. This means that what month to plant pumpkin seeds changes depending on where you live. So, in cooler parts of the country, the best time when to plant pumpkin seeds is in late May and in warmer parts of the country, you can wait until mid July to plant pumpkins for Halloween.
If you plan on growing pumpkins as a food crop (or for a giant pumpkin contest), you can start your pumpkins indoors about two to three weeks before the last frost date for your area.
How to Plant Pumpkin Seeds
Starting Pumpkin Seeds Outside
When you plant pumpkin seeds outside, remember that pumpkins need an incredible amount of space to grow.
It’s recommended that you plan on a minimum of 20 square feet (2 sq. m.) being needed for each plant.
When the soil temperature is at least 65 F. (18 C.), you can plant your pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds won’t germinate in cold soil. Mound the soil up a bit in the center of the chosen location to help the sun heat the pumpkin seeds. The warmer the soil, the faster the pumpkin seeds will germinate. In the mound, plant three to five pumpkin seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm.) deep.
Once the pumpkin seeds germinate, select two of the healthiest and thin out the rest.
Starting Pumpkin Seeds Indoors
Loosely pack some potting soil in a cup or a container with holes for drainage. Plant two to four pumpkin seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm.) deep in the soil. Water the pumpkin seeds just enough so that the soil is moist but not swamped. Place the cup on a heating pad. Once seeds have germinated, thin out all but the strongest seedling, then place the seeding and cup under a light source (bright window or fluorescent light bulb).
Keeping the seedling on the heating pad will cause it to grow faster.
Once all danger of frost has passed in your area, move the pumpkin seedling to the garden. Carefully remove the pumpkin seedling from the cup, but don’t disturb the roots of the plant. Place in a hole 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) deeper and wider than the rootball of the pumpkin plant and backfill the hole. Tap down around the pumpkin seedling and water thoroughly.
Pumpkin growing can be rewarding and fun. Take some time this year to plant pumpkin seeds in your garden.
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favorable planting days according to the lunar calendar
Useful information about pumpkin
| Sowing dates | • for seedlings - April 20 - May 15; • in open ground - May 20 - June 5 |
| Sowing (planting) scheme | • bush varieties - 70x70 cm; • medium climbing varieties - 150x100 cm; • long climbing varieties - 200x150 cm |
| Semloth depth of seeds | 4 - 5 cm |
| predecessors | • Good - potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, corn • Bad - cucumbers, zucchini, squirrels, watermelons, melons, pumpkins | Well-lit area |
Favorable days for planting seedlings at home or in a greenhouse
In the south and middle lane, pumpkins have time to ripen, even if seeds are sown immediately in the garden on May 20-25 (1).
But if the summer is short, and even cool, they may not have enough heat - the seedling method is better there. nine0059
Pumpkin seedlings can be planted at the age of 20 days, so it is easy to calculate when to sow the seeds.
Pumpkin loves heat, does not tolerate frost, so it is more reliable to plant seedlings in the middle lane after June 5th. So, you need to sow around May 15th.
If you are ready to cover young plants for the first time, then pumpkins can be planted in the garden after May 10th. And seeds for seedlings should be sown on April 20.
Favorable days for planting seedlings at home or in a greenhouse: 21 - 22, 25 - 26 April, 2 - 4, 6, 9 - 10, 13 - 14 May.
Auspicious days for planting seedlings in open ground
If you decide to plant a pumpkin in the beds early, after May 10, you will need to cover it with a non-woven fabric.
If there is no desire to mess with shelter, then the landing date should be postponed to the beginning of June, when the threat of sub-zero temperatures has passed. In the middle lane, this is about the 5th number.
The area where the pumpkin will grow should be as lighted as possible from morning to evening - it is very photophilous. And the soil must be fertile. If the soil is poor, clay or peat, pour half a bucket of humus into the hole during planting - it will be enough for the pumpkin for the whole summer. In addition, organic matter will make the soil loose, just like a pumpkin loves. nine0059
The best predecessors are potatoes, legumes (peas, beans), root crops and onions. And after related plants (zucchini and squash, watermelons and melons, cucumbers), pumpkin cannot be planted - they have common diseases.
Harden off seedlings a week before planting. This is easy to do - you need to take it out to fresh air. For example, on the balcony. The first couple of days - for 2 - 3 hours.
Then you can send "walking" for the whole day. The main thing is that she does not stand in the scorching sun - there should be a light shadow. nine0059 Photo: globallookpress.com
Seedlings should be planted in the beds carefully so that the clod of earth does not collapse - if the roots are exposed, the plants will be sick for a long time, and may even die. After planting, the pumpkin must be watered - about 0.5 liters of water per hole.
If the weather is hot outside, the first few days the planted seedlings should be shaded from the sun at noon, when it is the hottest.
Favorable days for planting seedlings in open ground: 9-10, 13-14 May, 1-2, 5-6 June. nine0059
How to determine the timing of planting in your region
It is important that the pumpkin is not killed by frost, so you need to focus on the weather.
In the south, seedlings can be sent to the garden at the end of May. In the middle lane - in early June, and with shelter - after the May holidays.
And in the greenhouse it can be planted in early May.
Tips for caring for pumpkin seedlings
Pumpkin seedlings hate transplanting - if the roots break, they get sick for a long time, and may even die. Because it has huge leaves that evaporate a lot of moisture. And damaged roots simply will not be able to provide plants with water. Therefore, it is better to sow the seeds immediately in separate cups - plastic ones with a volume of 0.5 liters are suitable - to a depth of 4 - 5 cm (2). The cups are placed in a warm place with a temperature of 25 - 30 ° C - in such conditions, the seeds germinate on days 5 - 6 (3). After the shoots appear, it is better to transfer the seedlings to a cooler place, where it will be 15 - 17 ° C during the day, and 11 - 14 ° C at night. And, of course, the place for seedlings should be very bright. In such conditions, she will grow strong and stocky. nine0059
Irrigation. Seedlings should be watered very carefully and rarely, so that the soil dries completely between waterings.
Pumpkin does not tolerate excess moisture! And be careful not to get water on the leaves - they can rot or get sunburned.
Top dressing. Seedlings do not need to be fertilized - before planting in the garden, they will have enough nutrients that are in the soil.
Popular questions and answers
We talked about growing pumpkins with agronomist-breeder Svetlana Mikhailova. nine0011
How to choose a pumpkin variety?
There are 3 types of pumpkins that differ in taste, size and shelf life. The largest fruits grow in large-fruited pumpkins, and they are stored the longest - up to 175 days. The sweetest are nutmeg pumpkins, but they are stored a little less - up to 140 days. The most unpretentious are hard-skinned pumpkins, but they are stored less than others - about 100 days.
Can I sow my own pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkins cross-pollinate very easily, not only with all types of pumpkins, but also with zucchini and squash.
In order for the variety to retain its characteristics, it is important that there are no other varieties and related crops next to it within a radius of 800 m. And this is unrealistic, because almost all summer residents grow zucchini. So it's better to buy seeds. Or isolate the flowers and pollinate them manually. nine0059
Is it possible to grow pumpkins in the suburbs of Moscow, Siberia, the Urals?
You can, well, it's better to choose early-ripening varieties and plant them in a greenhouse - the pumpkin is very thermophilic, in regions with cool summers in the open field, it may not produce a crop. The fact is that at temperatures below 12 ° C, the development of plants is delayed, and at 10 ° C it stops altogether.
Sources
- Shuin K.A., Zakraevskaya N.K., Ippolitova N.Ya. Garden from spring to autumn // Minsk, Uradzhai, 1990 - 256 p.
- Yakubovskaya L.D., Yakubovsky V.N., Rozhkova L.N. ABC of a summer resident // Minsk, OOO "Orakul", OOO Lazurak, IPKA "Publicity", 1994 - 415 p.
- Fisenko A.N., Serpukhovitina K.A., Stolyarov A.I. Garden. Handbook // Rostov-on-Don, Rostov University Press, 1994 - 416 p.
planting dates and growing rules
People have long been deeply reverent for the pumpkin. A huge number of dishes are "tied" to this tropical berry due to its biological value (it is an excellent dietary product) and undeniable culinary qualities (tasty to cook, make juice, eat seeds). Therefore, in order for your table to be distinguished by the maximum variety of dishes, grow a pumpkin in your country house! nine0059
How to properly plant a pumpkin in open ground and grow (care - water, feed, shape), read on.
Content
- 1 When to plant a pumpkin in open ground
- 1.1 depending on the region and climate
- 1.2 according to the lunar calendar in 2023
3 for planting in the ground - 4 Planting a pumpkin in the open ground: where and how to plant it correctly
- 4.
1 Place for landing - 4.2 Preparation of the beds
- 4.3 Methods of planting and growing: How to equip pumpaneous mmary
- 4.4 Direct planting of seeds in soil
- 4.5 Rules
- 4.
- cultivation
- 5.1 Watering
- 5.2 Top dressing
- 5.3 Pollination
- 5.4 Shaping (pinching)
- 5.5 Fruit substrate
- 6 When to harvest pumpkin and how to store it
When to plant pumpkin outdoors
You can plant pumpkin seeds outdoors when the ground is warm enough (at least +8, and even better up to +12 degrees) , and the weather will be stable warm (above +10..+12 degrees).
By the way! Of all cucurbits (zucchini, cucumbers, melons, arzubs), pumpkin is the most cold-resistant. Therefore, even if short-term return frosts occur, the pumpkin will be able to survive, if, of course, it has time to build up the root system. nine0059
Depending on the region and climate
Naturally, pumpkin planting dates differ depending on climatic conditions.
So, in the southern regions, you can start sowing pumpkin seeds in the ground as early as April, in the Middle lane (Moscow region) - in the 2nd-3rd decade of May, and in the Urals and Siberia - in the second half-end of May (3rd decade).
According to the lunar calendar in 2023
Many summer residents resort to the lunar sowing calendar to select a specific day for sowing, planting seeds in accordance with certain phases of the moon. Try it too! nine0059
So, in 2023 favorable days for sowing pumpkins in open ground, according to the lunar calendar, are:
- in April - 22, 24-27;
- in May - 4, 22-24.
Unfavorable dates (the days of the Full Moon and New Moon , as well as the period when the Moon is in Aquarius, because this is a barren and dry sign - is italicized ), when you definitely should not plant a pumpkin in open ground , in 2023 are:
- in April - 6 (Full Moon), 13-16 (Aquarius) , 19, 20 (New Moon ) 21 ;
- in May - 5 (Full Moon), 11-13 (Aquarius) , 18, 19 (New Moon), 20 .
Choosing the type and good variety of pumpkin
Of course, the most delicious are Muscat varieties , but they are the most thermophilic and late ripening. hard-bark 9 also have excellent palatability.0011, they have the earliest ripening period. In general, large-fruited varieties are no less sweet and cold-resistant.
Tip! The site has a detailed overview of the best varieties of pumpkin (nutmeg, large-fruited and hard) .
Tip! Do not choose the largest (giant) varieties.
This is because it is difficult to use the whole fruit at once, and after you cut it, there will be a problem for its storage is . In addition, small pumpkin varieties store better and tend to have a sweeter taste.
Preparing pumpkin seeds for planting in the ground
"Don't expect a good seed from a bad seed.
"
Before planting, pumpkin seeds should be carefully selected (calibrated), discarding all damaged and bent specimens, leaving only the largest and plump .
Next, the seeds should be checked for their suitability for sowing, namely, pour into a container with water for 3-4 hours. Seeds that sink can be planted, but those that remain floating on the surface should be thrown away (they are light and empty). nine0059
Then directly prepare and process pumpkin seeds. This can be done in different ways:
- Soak in a damp cloth in ordinary hot water (50-55 degrees) for 1-2 hours.
Better yet, in one of the growth promoters like Epin or Zircon. You can also grow in them.
- Decontaminate by holding for about 20 minutes in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate (1%, i.e. 1 mg per 1 liter of water), and even better in solution Fitosporin (according to instructions) .
At the end of the time, rinse under clean water and dry until the desired flowability appears.
Tip! In addition to soaking, it is also possible to carry out the hardening procedure. To do this, you need to wrap the seeds in damp cheesecloth and refrigerate for 10-12 hours. Then take out and put in heat for 10-12 hours. So repeat for 3-4 times (3-4 days), in other words, subject the seeds to temperature changes (stress), and then germinate. nine0059
- Just germinate ! To do this, pre-disinfect, and then wrap in a damp cloth (or put between cotton pads, napkins), put in a plastic bag (create a greenhouse effect) and remove for germination in a warm place where the temperature is +22..28 degrees. As a rule, after 2-4 days the seedlings hatch.
Another way to germinate pumpkin seeds is to germinate them in sawdust . To do this, you need to pour sawdust into a jar, pour boiling water over them and cover with a lid.
Then wait a little (so that the temperature drops to room temperature) and add the seeds to the jar of sawdust. Next, place this jar in a plastic bag and put it in a warm, dark place until germination. nine0059
In order for to awaken the old pumpkin seeds , you need to apply the temperature buildup method. To do this, tie the seeds in gauze and alternately lower them into hot water (40-50 degrees), then into cold water (directly from the tap, although it is better to use melted water if you still have snow outside the window). So you need to do 4-5 times, keeping in water for 5-6 seconds. After the procedure, dry and immediately sow on seedlings or in open ground.
Many gardeners successfully plant pumpkins and dry seeds , but in this case, the planting time should be shifted by 5-7 days, in other words, it should be planted earlier.
Important! If you purchased pelleted (treated) seeds , then they do not need any pre-sowing preparation, they can be sown immediately dry.
However, you can sprout them if you wish.
Planting pumpkins in open ground: where and how to plant them correctly
We decided on the timing, bought the seeds, it remains to choose a suitable place for the garden (as well as the method of growing), properly prepare it (fertilize) and plant seeds or seedlings directly (if previously grown at home). nine0059
Planting site
When it comes to choosing a site for successful pumpkin cultivation, it is believed that this vegetable, especially its tops, can grow anywhere. But should not be planted in the shade of , because in such conditions the fruits will be smaller in size and the taste will be worse.
However, many gardeners claim that it also grows well in shady places, for example, in the corner behind the house on a compost heap.
And yet, if you plant the same variety in the sun, the result is simply incredible, of course, if you take care of it accordingly.
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After that it is better to plant
It is good to plant a pumpkin in a place where legumes, various kinds of root crops, cabbage, potatoes, onions and garlic used to grow.
Do not plant after relatives of cucurbits such as watermelons, melons, cucumbers and squash. They have the same illnesses.
Another thing is if you sit after them (pumpkin) green manure .
Garden preparation
Pumpkin loves fertile soil very much . Acidity should be neutral 6-7 pH.
It is quite difficult to grow a decent crop on clay soil. The main problem with clay soil is that the pumpkin does not like damp and wet soil. In addition, the clay does not warm up well, and gourds love it when their roots (legs) are warm .
Even on sandy soil, it grows much better for the simple reason that in this case you can give more frequent feeding, and the plant will be able to receive the nutrition required for normal development.
nine0059
It is very easy to prepare a bed for growing pumpkins: you need to dig it well and deeply, add more humus (8-9 kg per 1 sq.m. of the bed) and wood ash (100-200 grams per 1 sq.m. beds). Also, if desired, you can add 30-40 grams of complex mineral fertilizer nitroammophoska per 1 sq.m of the garden, and then dig again to mix everything.
If your soil is clayey or even loamy, it is advisable to also add sand and high-moor peat for digging. nine0059
Planting and growing methods: how to arrange pumpkin melons
It is recommended to plant pumpkin on raised (high) beds or even on mounds .
We remind you! Pumpkin loves to keep her feet warm.
Therefore, you can make melons right on last year's rotted grass, similar to those on which you can grow other pumpkin plants, for example, the same zucchini.
You can also grow pumpkins on trellis , but in this case you need to plant much closer to each other.
The advantage of this method is that the fruits receive more sunlight and heat, which means they will grow faster and become sweeter. Just remember to tie them up so they don't break.
Another interesting option is the pumpkin growing in a barrel.
The method is completely similar to the method used at growing cucumbers in barrels.
You can grow a pumpkin under the covering material , and then you don't even need to water and weed the pumpkin plantings often.
Direct planting of seeds in the ground
Step by step instructions for planting pumpkin seeds in the open ground:
- Choose a place.
- Prepare the bed, apply all the necessary fertilizers for digging.
By the way! To warm up the ground, you can send a plastic sheet over it in advance.
- Make planting holes with a handful of humus and high-moor peat.
- Rinse liberally with warm water.
- Sow the seeds at a depth of 3-5 centimeters and at a certain distance (depending on the growing pattern of a certain variety, which is usually indicated on the seed package; on average, pumpkins are planted at a distance of 80-120 cm from each other). nine0132
If planting with dry seeds, it is better to sow 2-4 seeds at once in one hole in order to subsequently remove the weaker ones.
By the way! There is an opinion that it is better to sow pumpkin seeds (as well as other pumpkin or gourds) horizontally (i.e. "nose" down, if the seed has already sprouted, then "seedling" down), and not vertically.
- Cover with earth.
- Rinse lightly with warm water.
- Lightly mulch for insulation, e.g. with humus. nine0132
- Close the bed with covering material (spunbond), and even better with a film.
All this is done because all cucurbits need to develop a good root system at first, and for this they need to provide enough heat during the germination period.
Especially it is necessary if the weather is not stable.
Video: planting pumpkins in spring outdoors
Planting seedlings
By the way! The site also has an article on how to plant pumpkin seeds and grow seedlings at home .
Pumpkin seedlings are planted on a pre-prepared bed. The very transplantation from the cups into the ground should be done carefully, slowly taking out the seedlings along with the lump, in no case damaging the root system of the plant.
It is better to make the hole large enough. At the bottom, you need to pour a mixture of humus and ash, spill it with warm water, put a seedling, and then cover it with garden soil. As soon as the landing is carried out, plantings can be mulched with humus (compost). nine0059
Video: planting pumpkin seedlings in open ground
, weeding from weeds, pinching lashes for better fruit set and ripening, as well as top dressing as needed.
Tip! Guide the gourds as they grow so that they do not shade each other and other plants. nine0059
Watering
Water the pumpkin very generously, but not often.
Generally, pumpkins are watered about once a week, depending on the climate.
Watering is especially necessary during the period of fruit growth, namely when the fruit becomes the size of a fist (ie after pollination).
Please note! Pumpkins need to be watered not only under the root, but also around (i.e., the entire garden), because it’s not just that we plant seeds at such a distance. nine0059
All watering should be stopped at the moment when the pumpkin is completely ripe (stops growing in size).
This is necessary for the pumpkin to lie down quietly, and its pulp to pick up sugar.
Top dressing
Top dressing with nitrogen fertilizers should be performed only at the first stages of active growth and development of seedlings, otherwise it will begin to fatten, increase green mass to the detriment of flowering and the formation of ovaries.
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For example, organic fertilizers such as chicken manure or mullein, as well as herbal infusion, are excellent for this. Or mineral fertilizers - ammonium nitrate and urea (urea) .
Almost forgot! Phosphorus is also required by melons, albeit not in the same quantity as potassium. Therefore, it is still necessary to give phosphorus top dressing once during the beginning of the growing season. However, if you have prepared the bed correctly in advance and have already added superphosphate , then you can do without.
Worth knowing! The presence of phosphorus has a direct and positive effect on the availability of nitrogen!
In order for the pumpkin to grow tasty and sweet, it needs potassium supplements. If you are an adherent of organics, then your choice is wood ash (1-2 cups of ash in a bucket of water, pour right under the root or let it brew for a day). Or you can purchase a ready-made potash mineral fertilizer, such as potassium sulfate (potassium sulphate). nine0059
By the way! It is very good to pamper the pumpkin with such top dressing as potassium humate , which contains many necessary trace elements . However, potassium humate is not quite a potash fertilizer.
Pollination
If the fruits do not set, then most likely they simply did not pollinate, in other words, the bees did not fly to your melon or the weather is too cloudy.
Tip! In order not to have to worry about the artificial pollination of the pumpkin, next to it you can plant plants and flowers that bees love. nine0059
So you will have to artificially pollinate the pumpkin. This is pretty easy to do. First you need to choose a dry and warm day (cloudy is also suitable, the main thing is that it does not rain). Next, cut off the male flowers, remove the petals and press the stamens to the pistil of the female flower (they have a small green fruit
Determining that the pumpkin has pollinated is even easier: the flower will begin to dry out, and the fruit will increase in size. nine0059
Video: how to pollinate pumpkins by hand
Question! What if there are no female flowers at all, but only male ones? Why is this happening?
Barren flowers (male flowers) appear in a pumpkin if the plant is in unfavorable conditions or lacks something.
Often this leads to too plentiful and frequent watering.
In this case, watering should be stopped and the plants should be given a short-term drought. nine0059
Alternatively, pinch off the main stem to create side shoots that should have more female flowers.
Shaping ( pinching)
Tip! The site already has a separate detailed article about how to form a pumpkin in the open field .
Fruit mat
To prevent the bottom of the pumpkin from rotting, place a wooden plank under the pumpkin or place it on a crate while the fruit is still in its infancy. nine0059
If you are growing on a trellis, hanging fruit can be placed in nets and tied to supports.
When to harvest pumpkins and how to store them
Pumpkins must be harvested before frost. As a rule, this is done at the beginning of autumn, i.
