PUMPKINS and GOURDS and How To Treat Them Nicely

PUMPKINS and GOURDS and How To Treat Them Nicely

Happy Pumpkin

HOW TO PLANT:

Carefully transplant your pumpkin plant after the danger of frost has passed. Space bush or short-vine pumpkins 3-4 feet between plants, and 6-8 feet between rows. Large-fruited varieties should be spaced 4-5 feet between plants and 8 feet between rows. Add about one cup of blended organic fertilizer when planting your pumpkins, and another cup when your plant has 4-6 leaves. Pumpkins and gourds need consistent watering and a lot of sunshine. They bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious). All the gourds are vining varieties and can grow to 15 feet.

DISEASES: Pumpkins and gourds are susceptible to many of the common vine diseases, such as wilts, leaf spots and mildews, as well as several viral diseases. Common control measures include crop rotation, field sanitation, and fungicide applications.

INSECTS: Cucumber beetles and squash bugs can cause problems in pumpkins and gourds. Use Rotenone and/or Pyrethrin for control. Crop rotation can minimize problems with insects.

HARVEST: Pumpkins can be harvested after their rinds are hard and their skins have turned orange. Exposure of pumpkins in the field to prolonged (1-2 weeks) temperatures below 50°F can result in chilling injury and lead to rotting in storage. Leave 3-4 inches of stem on the fruits since pumpkins without stems store poorly. Gourds should be allowed to mature as long as possible on the vine, but should be protected from prolonged cool temperatures like pumpkins. To dry gourds, first wash gently in a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach, carefully removing all dirt, then store in a warm, dry location. Pumpkins and gourds should be stored at 55-70°F and at 70% relative humidity.