Growing Pumpkin
Planting
- Before planting pumpkin seeds, mix the soil with compost or organic manure.
- 3-4 seeds should be planted on a mound of 3 feet in diameter and 1 foot high.
- For high yields, buy certified seeds from an approved agrovet.
Management
- Water pumpkin seeds gently before they germinate then heavily when the plants are fruiting.
- Watering is best done in the morning to avoid water logging since there is evaporation throughout the day.
- Common pests are aphids and cutworms while common diseases are anthracnose and powdery mildew. Before you use any chemical sprays, read the instructions on the label carefully.
Harvesting
- Fruits mature after 3-4 months depending on the variety.
- Pumpkin fruits should only be harvested if the skin has hardened and attained full colour.
- Mature pumpkins should be harvested by cutting the stem at the vine, using a sharp knife.
Click here to download a detailed guide on growing pumpkin.
