If you are thinking of planting pumpkins at home to prepare exquisite dishes such as soups, sweets and obtain the best nutrients, in addition to providing decorative value, You should know that from May to early June is the best time to do it.
It is a very rewarding experience to be able to have them in your garden and enjoy them. With a little planning you can do it even if you are a beginner because it is actually very easy.
Practical guide to planting pumpkins in the garden
This easy-to-use guide will explain everything you need to know to successfully plant pumpkins and enjoy your own harvest.
choice of place
The first step in planting pumpkins is to decide where in the garden you would like to plant them, as well as how many you would like to grow.
You also have to choose the variety Since they come in a variety of sizes and colors, you have to choose the one that best suits the needs of the climate and space.
The small and medium-sized ones are easier to grow.The largest varieties are the best for decorating. Bush varieties also exist, but they take up more space in your garden.
Small varieties can also be grown in pots, but they grow best in the ground.
Since pumpkin plants need a lot of sunlight, be sure to choose a spot in the garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.
Prepare the soil
The soil must have good drainage, since Pumpkin plants do not thrive in waterlogged or poorly drained soil. Once you've found the right spot, the next step is to prepare it for planting.
Start by loosening the soil and clearing the area. Remove stones, sticks, and weeds.
It is important to improve the soil, you can do this by adding a mixture of compost, You will be adding nutrients that the plants need and will also help improve the soil texture.
You can add homemade compost. Adding mulch is a good way to retain moisture and eliminate weeds.The right fertilizer should be rich in potassium. Adding it every two to three weeks will help promote healthier growth and develop fruit.
Choosing the right seeds
When it comes to choosing the right pumpkin variety to grow, there are literally hundreds of different options to choose from.
Choose the one that suits your tastes and growing conditions, such as a smaller variety for pots or a larger one for open areas. Once you've decided on the variety, Make sure you buy high-quality seeds at a reputable nursery or seed supplier.
Before planting, it's also important to prepare the seeds. Start by soaking the seeds in a bowl of water for 12-24 hours. which helps to soften the seed coat and encourage faster germination.
Planting and caring for your pumpkins
Once you have the seeds and the soil prepared, the next step is to plant them. Start by making holes in the soil about 2,5 inch (1-2 cm) deep, and place 2-3 seeds in each hole.
Cover the seeds with soil and press it gently to ensure good contact with the soil. Finally, Water the area well to allow the seeds to settle and encourage germination.
As your pumpkin plants begin to grow, you'll need to provide plenty of water and nutrients. You can also add mulch at the base of the plants. to help retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Additionally, it's a good idea to monitor for pests and diseases, and address any problems that arise to prevent them from spreading.
Harvest and store pumpkins
Pumpkins are ready to harvest in September or October when they have turned bright orange and a firm stem. They can take between 85 and 120 days to harvest, depending somewhat on the variety you choose.
To harvest them, Simply cut them 2,5 cm from the stem end and place them in a warm, sunny, dry place. to cure for a few weeks before storing.
To store them, you should do so in a well-ventilated place at a temperature of 10 to 15°C, and make sure they do not touch each other.
Depending on the variety, pumpkins They can be stored for three months and up to six months under ideal conditions. You need to check them for signs of deterioration or rot.
Tips for a bountiful harvest
Remember that watering at the right time is essential, since a lack of water can cause the pumpkins to be very small or irregular.
They require constant and balanced watering throughout its growing season. A great option is to use a drip irrigation system for slow, yet deep, and balanced watering.
Apply mulch to control moisture and weeds and avoid constant manual labor.. In addition, it maintains soil moisture, which is essential for good growth.
Apply the fertilizer in a balanced way because overdoing it can result in very large vines growing, but with few pumpkins.
If you notice this problem, reduce fertilizer and check pollination. A good tip is to apply Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) to the edges of vines as they begin to grow. This product can help provide overall plant vigor in soils low in magnesium. A tablespoon around each plant is sufficient.
It promotes pollination, making it ideal for successful pumpkin cultivation. To achieve this, avoid broad-spectrum insecticides during flowering and add pollinator-attracting flowers near the pumpkins.
Check and act immediately against pests such as slugs and snails, aphids, red spiders and White fly. Also from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew which can cause a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
Check the plants and destroy any insects and pest eggs you see, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to remove aphids; And something very important is to place the plants separately so that there is great air circulation, which is very beneficial to avoid mold and fungi.
Harvest at the right time. Don't leave ripe pumpkins out, especially if it's cold or rainy, because even though they're hardy, they can rot or be attacked by insects.
Now that you've successfully grown and harvested your own pumpkin, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Pumpkins are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as soups, stews, baked goods, and even Halloween home decor. So now's the time to enjoy your homemade harvest!