Pumpkin – Vegetable garden

Pumpkin fruit is one of the widely grown vegetables that is incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins. This humble backyard low calorie vegetable contains vitamin A, flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as leutin, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance. Pumpkins are a warm-season vining crop. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. They belong to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, along with watermelons, summer squash, and zucchini. Pumpkins are in the genus Curcurbita and are usually referred to as cucurbits. They actually come from a variety of species, including C. maxima, C. mochata, C. pepo, and C. argysoperma. They

are a good source of vitamin A and fiber but are mostly desired for their decorative value.

How to grow and maintain Pumpkin:

Soils:

Pumpkin incline toward natural, rich, very much depleted, sandy soils for best development. Most soils will in Utah are fine given they are all around depleted. Before planting, join up to 4 creeps of all around treated the soil natural matter. Apply 4-6 measures of universally handy manure (16-16-8 or 10-10-10) per 100 square feet before planting.

Planting:

Pumpkin can be developed from seed or transplants. Seed ought to be planted 1-2 inches profound. Transplants ought to have 3-4 develop leaves and a very much created root framework. Pumpkins ought to be planted when soils are 65ºF or after ice peril has past. Plant 4-6 seeds in hills 4 feet separated. After they have two leaves, thin to two plants for each hill. Transplants ought to be planted 2-3 feet separated in the line with columns 4-6 feet separated. Abstain from harming the roots when planting which moderates foundation and development.

Mulches:

Dark plastic mulch warms the soil, rations water, and controls weeds. Plastic mulches permit prior planting and development, particularly with transplants. Set out the plastic, secure the edges with soil, and cut gaps for the seeds or transplants. When utilizing plastic mulches and column covers, seeds or plants can be set out 2 weeks before the last ice. Try not to apply natural mulches until soils are hotter than 75ºF. Grass clippings, straw, daily papers, and so on., additionally preserve water and control weeds.

Water:

Water profoundly and occasionally, 1-2 inches every week. Utilize trickle water system if conceivable. Mulch around the plants will save soil dampness and lessen weed development. Inundate with the goal that dampness goes profoundly into the dirt. Diminish watering sums as the natural products mature

Fertilization:

After the vines create runners, side dress with a nitrogen manure (21-0-0) utilizing 1-2 tablespoons for each plant or hill. Join the compost no less than 6 inches far from the plant.

Harvest and Storage:

Pumpkins take 45-55 days to mature after flowering. Pumpkins are mature when they are fully colored, when the vine begins to die back, and when the rind is hard and impervious to scratching from a fingernail. Mature fruits should be harvested with the stem attached and stored where they will not freeze.