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Pumpkins
Jun 8, 2021 21:55:56 GMT -6
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Post by badgerfowl on Jun 8, 2021 21:55:56 GMT -6
hopefully this is the start of an impressive before and after pumpkin patch picture. The left side of this pic is my 2 rows of pumpkins that is about 250 yards long. My dad and I planted it last weekend by hand in 95 degree weather and I sprayed it all with round up the next day. Tonight I overseeded this strip with full season brassicas- kale. I've never planted kale before, but it was worth a shot. We need a lot of rain, but if the weeds are killed I should have a chance. I also planted mine in 95 degree heat this last weekend. I soaked mine prior to planting hoping for germination without rain. We’ll see if it works. Can always replant.
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Post by smsmith on Jun 9, 2021 9:41:02 GMT -6
Any ideas on how drought tolerant pumpkins are once they're a week or three old?
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Post by benmnwi on Jun 9, 2021 10:53:56 GMT -6
Any ideas on how drought tolerant pumpkins are once they're a week or three old? Pumpkins are pretty tough and I've never had any die outright from drought. They wilt away and look like crap, but then they bounce back when rain returns. But normally the dry weather hits later in the summer when the pumpkins are older, so this is a little different.
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Post by smsmith on Jun 9, 2021 13:54:29 GMT -6
Do you guys spray your pumpkins for bugs and/or diseases? In previous years, we've had powdery mildew hit our vines in late summer/early fall. Those are usually wet years though. I haven't had any major bug issues on cukes or squash, but have read it can be problematic.
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Post by benmnwi on Jun 9, 2021 14:48:25 GMT -6
I've never sprayed my pumpkins, but I do occasionally notice some bug damage on the vines or leaves. Despite the damage there are always lots of pumpkins produced.
Dry spells seem to negatively impact production more than anything, especially on sandy ground sections. The pumpkin plants don't die, but they just go dormant and the sandier the ground the longer it takes for them to snap out of that. If there are enough of those dry spells the pumpkins on those vines are much smaller than those grown on better ground.
I'm a little worried that this dry weather will slow the early summer pumpkin growth and that may lead to more weed pressure. Normally the pumpkins grow so fast they smother most adjacent weeds with their large leaves, but they aren't setting any growing records so far this month.
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Post by smsmith on Jun 10, 2021 9:25:56 GMT -6
Just got in from spraying deer and groundhog/rabbit repellent on my pumpkin vines. Watering the houseplot for the last week or so has paid off with almost all of my pumpkin seeds germinating and some really starting to take off. I suppose if I have to water them once a week for the rest of the summer...that's what I'll do. A few dozen pumpkins out there would be fun to watch.
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Post by daydreamer on Jun 10, 2021 9:40:52 GMT -6
Just raked up 24 mounds for pumpkins to be planted this afternoon and I'm sweating my balls off still after taking a shower.
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Post by benmnwi on Jun 13, 2021 21:34:32 GMT -6
my pumpkins are sprouting. No rain since planting, but the better dirt had enough moisture to germinate the seeds. The dry sandy areas aren't growing yet, but hopefully we get some rain. Ive watered a pumpkin section by my house and those should do pretty well. The majority of the pumpkins need some rain or it will get ugly soon.
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Pumpkins
Jun 13, 2021 21:57:21 GMT -6
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Post by badgerfowl on Jun 13, 2021 21:57:21 GMT -6
my pumpkins are sprouting. No rain since planting, but the better dirt had enough moisture to germinate the seeds. The dry sandy areas aren't growing yet, but hopefully we get some rain. Ive watered a pumpkin section by my house and those should do pretty well. The majority of the pumpkins need some rain or it will get ugly soon. The pumpkins I soaked prior to planting germinated w/o rain. With no rain in sight, it will, as you say get ugly I’m afraid. This weather sucks. Glad at least part of my pumpkin experiment worked.
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Post by smsmith on Jun 14, 2021 9:53:49 GMT -6
I'm going to throw some spaghetti squash seeds in a hill by the "irrigated" pumpkins
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Post by benmnwi on Jun 14, 2021 10:50:15 GMT -6
I'm going to throw some spaghetti squash seeds in a hill by the "irrigated" pumpkins In my irrigated pumpkin area I also added rows of a number of different squash varieties and watermelons. This hot weather should make things grow fast if they can be watered. I'm not a big fan of summer squash and zucchini, but I also planted a bunch of each for some home grown pig food. They produce some impressive tonnage and they mature sooner than the pumpkins and watermelons, so I thought it was worth a shot.
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Post by smsmith on Jun 14, 2021 18:30:32 GMT -6
my pumpkins are sprouting. No rain since planting, but the better dirt had enough moisture to germinate the seeds. The dry sandy areas aren't growing yet, but hopefully we get some rain. Ive watered a pumpkin section by my house and those should do pretty well. The majority of the pumpkins need some rain or it will get ugly soon. The pumpkins I soaked prior to planting germinated w/o rain. With no rain in sight, it will, as you say get ugly I’m afraid. This weather sucks. Glad at least part of my pumpkin experiment worked. I decided to try soaking the spaghetti squash seed overnight. I'll plant them tomorrow morning. Seems like a good idea
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Post by smsmith on Jun 15, 2021 7:47:22 GMT -6
The pumpkins I soaked prior to planting germinated w/o rain. With no rain in sight, it will, as you say get ugly I’m afraid. This weather sucks. Glad at least part of my pumpkin experiment worked. I decided to try soaking the spaghetti squash seed overnight. I'll plant them tomorrow morning. Seems like a good idea Went out and fed a few deerflies as I planted the squash seed. Soaking overnight sure plumped them up. It'll be interesting to see if they pop quickly or not.
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Post by smsmith on Jun 15, 2021 20:19:48 GMT -6
I never should have started watering my pumpkins. Now I'm unwilling to let the damn things dry up in the drought. The clover/alfalfa out there is sure liking the water too. About the only patch of green ground in the area.
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Post by kooch on Jun 15, 2021 20:34:57 GMT -6
I was hoping to go up this coming weekend and check on mine, among other things. I should have put a cell camera with fresh batteries on them. I bet they are cooked. Can't go up this weekend now due to some other commitments. Maybe next. I really want those pumpkins to make it.
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