Tip for this Month: May Hard though it is to believe, we are already in mid-May, and your pumpkin seedlings should now be looking strong and well-developed. (If you haven’t yet sown your seeds, there is still just about enough time, though it would be worth keeping them inside on a warm windowsill for faster germination).
Before you plant out your seedlings, it is worth investing some time and effort in the preparation of the growing bed. Pumpkins are notoriously hungry, so soil would benefit from the addition of well-rotted manure or compost. Adding a granular fertilizer that will slowly release nutrients throughout the growing season will also reap benefits.
Regarding the location of the bed, pumpkins need a sunny site with well-drained soil and the space to trail. If you can’t dedicate a large area purely to pumpkins, they will be happy trailing through the garden amongst other plants, as long as the fruit can grow comfortably.
Once you have prepared the bed, carefully plant out your pumpkin seedlings, which should have been placed outside during the daytime for a couple of days to allow them to harden off. When transplanting, take care not to disturb the root ball or cause any damage which could slow the plants growth. Water the pumpkins in well to avoid stress and wilting, but try not to get water on the leaves in strong sunlight as this can burn them – watering in the morning is the best way to avoid this.
Your young plants will need warmth and protection from the wind and late frosts, so cover each plant with a ventilated cloche or mini-greenhouse for optimum growing conditions. By the time the plants have almost outgrown their covers, they will be strong enough to cope with the elements.
Next month’s feature will help to explain what to do next to ensure your plants are in tip-top condition, ready to produce the next champion pumpkin.
This year’s National Pumpkin Championship, sponsored by D.T. Brown Seeds, will take place in Soham, Cambs, on Saturday 29th September. For seeds and cultural information, visit www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk. |
