Planting Pumpkins : Step by gradation
1 . take the right localization : Pumpkins command full Dominicus , so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 - 8 hour of unmediated sunlight per day . secure the area has well - draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 .
2 . get up the soil : Before planting , loose the soil by till or digging it to a deepness of about 12 inches . hit any rocks , pot , or debris that may hinder pumpkin growth . comprise organic matter such as compost or well - rotted manure to ameliorate territory birth rate and drain .
3 . Sow the seminal fluid : Pumpkin germ can be direct sow in into the garden or protrude indoors . If starting indoors , plant the seeds in biodegradable pots about two weeks before the last wait frost date . Sow the seeds 1 inch deep and keep the filth consistently moist until they sprout .
4 . Transplanting seedlings : If you started the germ indoors , transfer the seedlings to the garden once all peril of Robert Lee Frost has passed and the grunge has warm . blank space the seedlings 2 - 3 feet apart in row that are 6 - 8 feet apart , or provide enough distance for the vines to spread if implant in hill .
5 . Mulching and watering : Apply a layer of constitutional mulch around the plants to suppress weeds , retain wet , and regulate soil temperature . urine the plant deeply , supply about 1 column inch of pee per workweek , either through rainfall or irrigation . Avoid overwatering to preclude source bunk .
6 . plunk for the vine : As the pumpkin vines start to grow , they may benefit from financial support . you’re able to use treillage , stakes , or even place stalk or cardboard under the developing fruit to keep them off the ground . This helps forbid rot and pests .
7 . Pollination : Cucurbita pepo have both male and female flowers . Bees and other pollinators are essential for transferring pollen between the flowers . To encourage pollenation , quash using pesticide that may harm bees and other beneficial insect . If you detect a lack of pollinators , you may hand - pollinate by transferring pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers using a small brush or cotton wool swab .
8 . Pest and disease direction : Monitor your autumn pumpkin imbed regularly for sign of pests such as aphid , crush bugs , or cucumber beetles . Remove any moved leave of absence or use constitutive insect powder if necessary . Additionally , watch out for diseases like powdery mould or decompose , and take appropriate preventive metre such as space plants right , providing good air circulation , and avoid overhead watering .
9 . Harvesting : The clip to harvest pumpkins depart depending on the sort planted . broadly speaking , pumpkins are quick for harvest when they have strive their full color , the rinds have harden , and the stems have start to dry out out . When harvesting , cut the base cautiously with a sharp tongue , leaving a few inches attached to the fruit . treat the pumpkins gently to void any damage .
10 . Curing and repositing : After harvest , pumpkin vine should be cured to extend their ledge spirit . Cure them in a warm , well - ventilated expanse for about two weeks , allowing the skins to harden . Once cure , store pumpkin in a cool , dry place with temperature between 50 - 55 ° F ( 10 - 13 ° degree centigrade ) . Properly salt away pumpkins can last for several month .
By following these steps , you’re able to successfully raise pumpkins in your garden and enjoy a bountiful harvesting . recollect , gardening is a journeying , and each time of year convey new experience and challenges . Enjoy the process and the rewards that get along with it !
Caroline Bates
