How to water a pumpkin in open ground: step-by-step instructions for beginner gardeners

Pumpkin is a moisture-loving crop that requires moisture at all stages of growth. Thanks to irrigation, the plant receives nutrients, microelements and oxygen. But many novice gardeners neglect the rules of agricultural technology, and therefore do not receive the harvest that they planned to harvest from the beds.

In this article, we will figure out how often to water a pumpkin, what water is suitable for irrigating plants, and what mistakes in care should be avoided.

How to water a pumpkin in open ground

Most often, pumpkin grows in open ground. In this regard, when moisturizing, it is worth taking into account climatic conditions. In hot climates, the soil may crack due to lack of moisture, causing the plant to die. Gardeners should pay special attention to the frequency and volume of irrigation.

Frequency and volume of irrigation

Frequency of crop irrigation depends on the climatic conditions in which the plant grows. Irrigation should be plentiful, but rare.

Pumpkin, like any plant, needs clean and warm water.

Important! Dirty water can lead to disease and death of the plant.

Pumpkin should be watered with water at room temperature. from +20°C to +25°C. It is better to do this in the morning or evening. On average, 8-12 liters of water are needed per bush.

Pumpkin irrigation by month

Depending on weather conditions, pumpkins are planted in the ground in early or late May. In cold regions - in early June. During this period, the plant needs frequent and abundant watering..

In July, the frequency of watering decreases. During this period, the ovaries are formed. The plant no longer needs frequent feeding.

In August, the pumpkin continues to be watered, but in smaller quantities. Due to this, the fruits accumulate sugar and form a thick crust. A month before harvesting, the pumpkin is no longer irrigated.

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Irrigation of pumpkin at different periods of plant development

The frequency of watering the pumpkin varies depending on what stage of development the plant is at.. By following a few simple rules, you can increase your yield:

1. Landing in the ground. After the plant is planted in the ground, it is watered 1-2 times a week. On average, the volume of water is 8 liters for each bush.
2. Emergence of seedlings. After the shoots appear, the plant is not watered for three weeks.
3. Flowering and ovary formation. During this period, pumpkin is capricious. Only warm water should be used. As soon as the ovaries begin to form, the plant is watered again. When irrigated with cold water, there is a chance that the ovaries will fall off. Before watering, all weeds should be removed. Irrigation frequency: once every 10 days, 12 liters per bush.
4. Fruit formation. The pumpkin continues to be watered. During this period, the drip irrigation method is suitable. This method prevents water from eroding the soil, and nutrients are supplied to the rhizome. A month before harvest, watering is completely stopped.

During the heat

When a pumpkin grows in open ground, it needs plenty of watering., this is especially noticeable in hot weather.High air temperatures can destroy or spoil the entire crop. Therefore, during this period it is important to monitor soil moisture.

If the plant begins to suffer from heat (leaves wither, the ground cracks, the stem bends towards the ground), increase the frequency of watering. Do this gradually so as not to flood the plant.

Reference. In hot weather, it is better to water the pumpkin in the evening or before sunrise. Then drops of water will not cause burns on the leaves and stem.

In cold weather

In cool weather, the plant absorbs moisture better. During this period, watering continues, but not in such large quantities as in the heat. For watering, use the manual irrigation method (using a watering can or hose), otherwise you will injure the bush.

Irrigation methods

There are several methods that gardeners use to irrigate pumpkins.:

• manual;
• auto;
• semi-automatic.

Each method has its pros and cons.

Manual

With the manual method improvised means are used: watering can, hose. This is the most labor-intensive and cheapest way to irrigate pumpkins.

Important! Bushes cannot be watered with one strong stream, so special nozzles are used for the hose and watering can.

If the hose is used without a nozzle, then the gardener should worry about the water pressure, since a strong stream erodes the soil. In this case, clamp the end of the hose so that the water is distributed in different directions.

Auto

Automatic is an easy but expensive way to water plants. Gardeners install a special system for spraying water. The timer controls the watering time.

Using this method will require constant sources of electricity and water supply.. Pipe laying is required.For small areas this expensive method is not suitable.

Semi-automatic

Most often, watering is carried out using this method. On the site, pipes are laid close to the plants. Holes are made at equal distances through which water will flow to the pumpkin.

Make sure that water reaches the plant evenly. It should not wash out the rhizome or just touch the top.

Read also:

How to calculate the time when to plant pumpkin seedlings

How to store pumpkin at home in an apartment

What should the water be like?

Rain, spring or tap water is suitable for pumpkin.. As a last resort, use lake or river water. Let's take a closer look at what kind of water and when is best to irrigate:

1. Rainy. This type of water is best for irrigating pumpkins. It is soft in composition and has a beneficial effect on plants. It is not recommended to collect water in industrial areas. It contains a large amount of toxic substances.
2. Rodnikovaya. Such water is heated in the sun to the optimal temperature (+20-25°C) and settled. Thanks to the presence of useful components, the plant is nourished.
3. Tap. The most accessible type. Such water is suitable for irrigation only if it is settled and its temperature is +20-25°C.
4. Lake and river water. Such water can only be used if it does not contain parasites.

Any water should stand for 24 hours. This will help not only get rid of chlorine, but also determine the presence of toxic substances (a film forms on the water).

When to stop irrigation

Watering pumpkins stops at the end of August, a month before harvest.. If this is not done, the fruits will not be juicy, and gardeners will not be able to get the planned harvest.

Tips and recommendations from experienced summer residents

Every gardener has his own secrets on how to water plants that allow you to get a rich harvest:

1. Don't stop watering the plant after sprouts form. In the worst case scenario, the bush will not be able to grow properly. The root system will be weak.
2. If the summer is rainy, then watering should be stopped. The soil is already well moistened; additional irrigation will cause the plant to rot.
3. Despite all the recommendations for watering, the frequency of irrigation depends on weather conditions. A plant will always tell you by its appearance whether it needs watering or not.
4. When planting seeds, the holes are irrigated with warm water and mineral fertilizers. This method will allow the seed to sprout faster.
5. Watering with cold water leads to plant death and viral and fungal infections.
6. Loosen the soil before watering. If this is not done, then the water will not be able to reach the rhizome.

Common Mistakes

Beginner gardeners Most often we encounter such errors when watering:

1. Frequent watering. This can cause the fruits and stems to rot. In this case, the plant can no longer be saved. Make sure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
2. When watering pumpkins, inexperienced gardeners direct the stream to the roots of the plant. This cannot be done. Such actions lead to the rotting of culture.
3. Beginning gardeners continue to water the plant until harvest, hoping that the fruits will be juicier. This is a misconception. If you do not stop watering, the fruits will not be able to receive the required amount of sugar and will be bland.
4. Watering pumpkins in the heat during the daytime.There is a high probability of burning the leaves and stem, dying of the leaves and further death of the bush.
5. Watering with a watering can without a nozzle. This can lead to the death of the plant.

Conclusion

Pumpkin is a moisture-loving plant and requires infrequent, but abundant moisture. Otherwise, the crop may begin to rot and die.

Water for irrigation should always be warm, settled and clean. Use rain, tap or spring water. As a last resort - lake or river. Choose the irrigation method based on climatic conditions and the size of the area where the crop grows.