How to plant feed pumpkins
Here are some small experiences on how to plant feed pumpkins for netizens who are concerned, and the editor will introduce it next.
How to plant feed pumpkins
Feed pumpkins originate from South America. They are adaptable and widely distributed. They are cultivated in plains, hills, mountains, and plateaus across China. They are not only important vegetable crops but also high-yield, high-quality feed crops. Feed pumpkins are not only juicy but also contain a lot of sugar, which can replace some concentrated feed. So, what are the cultivation techniques for feed pumpkins? Let's take a look!
Cultivation management of feed pumpkins
1. Land preparation
Since feed pumpkins have high yields and require a lot of water and fertilizer, it is recommended to choose fertile sandy loam soil with suitable moisture, and the previous crop should be legumes and corn, not consecutive cropping. Before planting, the land should be carefully prepared. Generally, the soil should be ready 20 days before sowing. Deep plowing should not be less than 20 centimeters to increase soil permeability. During land preparation, the width should be 4m, with the planting line higher than the vines and the creeping line 2-3cm to prevent rotting of the pumpkins in the middle and late stages. The base fertilizer should be about 4000-5000 kg per mu. The depth of fertilization should be 15-20 centimeters and not too deep. It is best to fertilize in furrows to expand the root contact area.
2. Seed treatment
Before sowing, seed selection should be done. When choosing pumpkin varieties, it is important to eliminate those with yellow surfaces and hard seed coats, and choose those with white, soft seed coats. The seeds should be selected from good varieties. The selected seeds should be large and full, and the seeds can be washed off with water. To promote seed germination and ensure strong seedlings and increased yield, it is necessary to treat the seeds. A common method is hormonal treatment. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a hormonal chemical for 4 hours, then rinse the seeds with clean water, place them in a container, and promote germination in an environment of 20-25°C. Sow after the seeds crack open.
3. Timely sowing
Feed pumpkins require a certain temperature for germination and seedling emergence, so the specific sowing time should be chosen based on local climatic conditions. In the Heilongjiang region, sowing is generally done after Guyu, which is in mid-April. The sowing method is generally as needed. When sowing, make a hole 2-3 centimeters deep first, then place 1-2 seeds, and cover with fine moist soil. Pumpkins can also be grown by seedling transplantation. Heilongjiang is a cold region with a short frost-free period, so early seedlings and early planting are required.
4. Field management
After sowing or successful seedling establishment, check for seedlings to be supplemented every 15 days or so, and till and weed until the vines extend. Some pumpkin varieties mainly use the main vines to form pumpkins. Generally, no root pumpkins are left, and 1-2 pumpkins are left on the 10-12th pair of leaves, or more, depending on the planting purpose. For example, if a large pumpkin is required, usually one pumpkin is left. If more seeds and sweet pumpkins are needed, 2-3 pumpkins can be left. When the remaining pumpkins are stable, the entire pumpkin can be removed. When the main vine grows to 10-12 leaves, cut off the top to keep the vine about 4 meters long, leaving more leaves in front of the pumpkin to increase the nutrient area and promote pumpkin growth. Since the vines and leaves of feed pumpkins are usually quite lush, it is easy to break seedlings, so to prevent breaking seedlings, increase root growth, and promote pumpkin growth, the vines can be pressed during the growth process. In addition, it is important to note that pumpkins require a lot of water and fertilizer, so timely fertilization and watering should be done throughout the pumpkin growing period to promote growth.
Growth management of feed pumpkins
Pumpkins require strengthened management during growth, or it will affect yield and quality.
1. The whole vine is full of leaves
For long-vine varieties, generally keep 2-3 vines per plant, with 5-6 true leaves at the top, leaving 2-3 sturdy vines of uniform size, or 1-2 sturdy vines after the main vine, and removing all other lateral vines.
2. Fertilizer and water management
If transplanted, sufficient water for root growth should be provided. After the seedlings slow down, 0.5% urea can be applied 1-2 times to promote seedling growth. During the entire growth period of pumpkins, the appropriate top dressing amount should be 2-3 times. The first should be completed before the vines extend. Fertilize in combination with tillage and weeding. The second is needed during the fruit expansion period, with 15kg of fertilizer per mu. Third, apply compound fertilizer based on the actual growth of the pumpkin. Generally, more water is needed during the fruit expansion period, and timely irrigation after each fertilization can promote rapid plant growth, avoid insufficient fertilizer and water, and effectively reduce diseases and pests.
3. Preserve flowers and fruit
To increase the fruit-setting rate of pumpkins, artificial pollination is required during high temperatures or heavy rainfall during the flowering period. Artificial pollination should be done in the morning. Remove the male flower from the flower crown and apply the pollen to the female flower stigma. Also, when the female flower opens, apply an anti-abortion agent to the female flower stigma to promote fruit setting.
In summary, farmers must master the correct cultivation techniques and scientific management to increase the yield of feed pumpkins and maintain the growth environment.
The above introduction on how to plant feed pumpkins is for netizens to refer to and learn from.