Growing Pumpkins
Having your own pumpkin garden can be fun and rewarding in several ways.
Planting pumpkins is not as hard as what you might have thought but you
definitely have to know how it is done so that you will have a good
harvest.
Soil and Planting
Pumpkins love warm climates so it best that planting should be done when
the cold weather had long passed. A spot in your garden that has a full
exposure to the sun would be a good choice to sow the seeds. Make sure
that the soil is warm otherwise they will not germinate. Look for a spot
where you can allow the vine of the pumpkin to spread. Seeds should be
planted about 6 to 8 inches apart. Sow the seeds in loosely packed and
moist soil which has been fertilized with organic materials. The plant
should also be protected from strong wind, a spot where the direction of
the wind is not contradicted would be best.
Fertilizing and Watering
Pumpkins have a medium to high requirement of nitrogen. After planting
the seedlings will actually benefit if it is fertilized adequately.
Protect the plant from slugs and snails in the early development stage
because they will eat the sprout entirely. Keep the plant away from
weeds.
Pumpkins can take short period of hot and dry weather very well but the
plant consumes a lot of water. When watering, do not get water on the
leaves to drive away fungal diseases. It will also help fight off fungal
diseases if the plant is watered in the morning instead of the evening.
Water the plant well specially when the fruit has started to grow
because it is during this time that the plant become too thirsty. Make
sure that the water reaches several inches below the ground to reach the
roots of the pumpkin as they are deep-rooted. A week to ten days before
the plant will be harvested, cut off the water so the fruit can be
stored longer.
Harvesting
When the vines starts to dry off that is one signal that your pumpkin is
ready to harvest. However, the most important indication that the
pumpkin is ready is when the shell has started to toughen. The pumpkin
should be ready to harvest between 12 to 20 weeks after planting them.
If the shell is soft then it is still immature. Use a sharp knife to cut
the stem and leave the stem on so the pumpkin will not quickly rot.
Storage
After harvesting, leave the pumpkin out to be directly exposed to the
sun to give it more time for the shell to harden. It should still be
protected from cold temperature but if it needs to be displayed in the
open and it is cold, cover it with a towel or a blanket.
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