| How to grow pumpkins
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How to grow pumpkins
Things to know for how to grow pumpkins
Pumpkins come from a family of plants called cucurbits. They are closely related to squash, gourds, melons, and cucumbers. Pumpkins grow in the field on plants which have long sprawling vines that cover the ground. Pumpkin seeds are planted in the field from the last week of May to the middle of June. After seeds are planted, they will sprout (germinate) in 7 to 10 days, depending on the variety. During this time, seeds need moisture and warmth this is important in learning how to grow pumpkins.
Once seeds have germinated, they will send up their first leaves, called seed leaves. Next, the true leaves will appear. As the leaves develop, and the vines spread, an extensive root network develops in the top 12 inches of soil. These shallow roots can be found as branching offshoots all along the vine. They gather most of the food, moisture, and air for the plant\'s growth. In order to learn how to grow pumpkins know that there is a strong tap root which can grow as deep as 2 to 3 feet. Tendrils develop along the vines to anchor the plant.
Another thing to notice while learning how to grow pumpkins that yellow flowers (called blossoms) begin to appear after the first three weeks of growth. Male blossoms, which produce pollen, are seen first. About a week later, the female blossoms follow. Female blossoms are easy to spot, because they have tiny pumpkin at their base. Blossoms live for only half a day, and will not open in cold, rainy weather. When both male and female blossoms appear on the vine, bees transfer the pollen from the males to the females. This is called pollination.
Steps for how to grow pumpkins
STARTING SEEDS: Start seeds in 4" peat pots about May 1-10 depending on local conditions. The tendency is to start too early, which generally works against the grower. The plants will need warm soil and settled weather to grow well. Giant pumpkin seeds germinate best at 80 - 95 degrees F. Germination will be slow and may fail at cool room temperature of 65 - 70 degrees F. in order to learn how to grow pumpkins , a commercial propagation mat may be used, or a warm microenvironment found. Some examples would be: Over a hot water tank, in the oven with just the light on, in a cooler chest with warm bottles of water inside, on a mantle near a stove, etc. Excess heat is to be avoided. Seeds may be pre-spouted between moist towels to 1/4" root protrusion and then planted one to each 4" pot, rooted side down and 1/2" soil over the rounded end.
TRANSPLANTING: This is important process in learning how to grow pumpkins. After 2 - 5 days transplant potted plant to prepared growing beds. Protect young seedlings with properly ventilated cloches or mini-greenhouses. Water as necessary to avoid heat stress or wilting. When well-established cloches may be removed. Wind protection may be needed until plant is well anchored with vines on the ground. Mound soil over vines at several leaf axils to stabilize plant and to encourage secondary rooting from the vines. Water as needed adding balanced soluble fertilizer to water once per week. Control weeds with mulching, shallow cultivation, and hand weeding as necessary. Remember, shallow roots may extend 4 ft. or more out from perimeter of the plant.
How to grow pumpkins >
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