Pumpkin: its benefits, instructions for growing and storing

The pumpkin is originally from Mexico, but it has taken root well in Russia, and it has been grown for more than one century. There are many types, there are even decorative inedible, but very beautiful varieties. And probably every gardener dreams of growing a huge orange beauty, which is also tasty and healthy. Therefore, we will talk further about pumpkin cultivation.

About the benefits of pumpkin or why it is grown

Not only because of its size and bright color, the pumpkin can be called a queen. By the content of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, pumpkin is several times higher than carrots. Coarse dietary fiber regulates bowel function, potassium supports the heart, and besides that, it also contains vitamins of group B, C, E, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and much more. The pumpkin can be boiled or fried, baked, made into pancakes, or grilled. Soups, jams are made from it, added to porridge, raw pumpkin is put in salads. In the fall, on the eve of Halloween, pumpkin is the most popular vegetable.

Planting and leaving

When choosing a place (always well lit), remember what grew here last year. The pumpkin cannot be planted after "relatives": zucchini, squash and cucumbers. But after beets, carrots, cabbage and onions, things will go very well. Dig up the ground well and remove all roots and last year's plant residues - they are the cause of many diseases. As well as insect larvae, if any. Having previously spilled the earth well, the seeds are planted to a depth of 6-8 cm at a distance of about a meter from each other, after which the holes can be mulched with humus or peat.

Seedlings should appear in about a week, after the appearance of 3-4 leaves, it is necessary to remove the weak plants, leaving only the strongest ones. If you decide to grow pumpkin seedlings, harden the seedlings before transplanting them into open ground, and do this only when the weather is warm.
The pumpkin loves moisture very much, but pouring water from a well or well, you can destroy the plant, only warm water is suitable for watering. Also, a very important point is the formation of lashes - it is necessary to remove all excess lateral shoots, leave 2-3 ovaries on the lash, and pin the top. If the pumpkin continues to bloom, cut all the flowers mercilessly, this is the only way to grow large fruits. Spread the scourge, and cover it with earth in several places, roots will appear there and this will provide the plant with additional nutrition. Make sure that the pumpkins do not lie on the ground (put stones or bricks, and on top of the board), and do this while the fruits are small, so that later you do not accidentally break off the stem.
Sometimes the plant gets sick, most often it is bacteriosis, powdery mildew and various types of rot. In this case, remove all damaged areas and spray the plant with preparations containing copper. Thorough preparation of the soil, control of waterlogging and timely removal of weeds will help to avoid diseases.
If you see that small insects are swarming on the leaves, then most likely it is a melon aphid. A soap solution or an infusion of wormwood will help get rid of it. Or you can call on ladybirds for help - they feed on aphids!

Harvesting and storing pumpkin crops

Harvested in the fall, when the bark begins to harden and the stalk dries up. After harvesting, the pumpkins are allowed to lie down for a couple of weeks in the warmth, during which time excess moisture evaporates, and the pulp stores more sugar.For long-term storage of the product, certain conditions must be observed: it must be dry, dark, cool (+ 3… + 12C), and the place must be well ventilated. It can be a cellar, garage, attic, balcony - it doesn't matter, the main thing is to comply with all conditions. Be sure to conduct periodic crop inspections to identify fruits that have begun to deteriorate.
If you have grown a decorative pumpkin, then it is harvested when the skin becomes thick and hard, but always before the first frost. It is necessary to dry in a well-ventilated area, make sure that direct sunlight does not fall on the fruits, periodically turn the pumpkins over and inspect for mold. The fact that the drying process is over can be determined by the rustle of seeds, which is heard when shaking - our decorative elements for the interior are ready.