If the growing area is exposed to wind, install a low fence around the pumpkin plant to prevent leaf damage and desiccation. Moderate feeders prefer a rich loamy soil of good fertility and moisture retention. ![]() Maintain a weed-free zone around the pumpkin plant throughout the growing season.įull sun and soil pH of 5.5-6.5. Provide trace minerals with kelp meal throughout the season. In the first third of the growing season, concentrate on high nitrogen sources, such as fish emulsion in the middle third, increase the phosphorus content with products high in bone meal in the third phase, use products high in potassium, such as greensand. Wetting the leaves encourages fungal problems, so always water at ground level (a drip system is ideal for this).įertilize with light doses of nutrients weekly. The ground needs to be evenly moist, but not soggy, at all times. The cold frame should cover at least a 4-foot diameter area around the young plant.Ĭheck soil moisture daily. ![]() This is essentially a mini-greenhouse, but it doesn’t have to be fancy-four stakes with clear 6-mil plastic sheeting stapled over top is enough. (If you have the space, you can plant more than one seedling if you prepared more than one mound each seedling should be at least 10 feet apart.)Ĭover the seedling with a cold frame to protect it from late frosts and to warm up the ground, which encourages the pumpkin plant to start growing. Once your most vigorous seedling has several leaves, transplant it into the bed that was prepared in the fall. Space bush type plants 24 inches apart in rows 36-48 inches apart. Plant vining types at the edge of the garden to prevent the plants from overtaking the entire site. Sow 1 inch deep, 6 inches apart in rows 48-72 inches apart. For early direct plantings, use floating row covers to raise soil temperature, increase early growth and protect tender plants from wind injury. Sow 1 seed into jiffy pots and transplant out after all risk of frost has passed. Can be started indoors 3-4 weeks ahead of last frost date. Plant after all danger of frost has past and when the soil has warmed to 21 degrees C. In late winter/early spring, start the pumpkin seeds in peat pots about a month before the average date of last frost in your area. Sculpt the bed into a low broad mound, like a pitcher’s mound, and cover it for the winter with a straw mulch or a cover crop. This will be the base of fertility for the giant pumpkin next year. Spread 6 inches of composted cow manure over the bed and till it in. Eight or more hours of sun is a must, and if the area is protected from wind by shrubbery or structures, that’s even better. In the fall, till up a 10-foot diameter bed in a sunny, well-drained spot with rich garden soil.
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