Pumpkin; Butternut – How To & Journal

 

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Butternut Pumpkin Growing Guide

When

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Germination

approx a week

 

Harvest: when fruit stalks are withered and brittle, after the vine has died.

Allow skin to harden in the sun for a few days before storing.

Fruits can be stored for months in cool, airy place.

 

 

Soil

• well drained & rich.  Compost well before planting.  Pumpkins are greedy feeders.
• sow 1/2 inch deep; 3-4 seeds per group. (Trim down to 2 strongest seedlings later.)
• seeds are best planted in ground

 

Position

• sunny & sheltered

Frost Tolerant

• no

Spacing

• 90 cm apart

Care

• Seedlings: emerge 6-10 days. Keep moist.
• when plant 2-3inches tall, thin to 2-3 plants.  Snip off unwanted plants without disturbing roots.
• pinch out growing tips at 5-6 leaf stage.  Will encourage side shoot growth.
• might have to feed fortnightly in summer
• thirsty, lots of water.  Water deeply once a week (esp during fruit set)
• Add mulch around pumpkins to keep moisture, suppress weeds, discourage pests
• after a few pumpkins are formed, pinch off fuzzy ends of each vine to discourage vine growth; focus energy on fruit.
• turn fruit as it develops – CAREFULLY – to encourage even shape
• slip thin board or plastic mesh under pumpkins to prevent rot

Companions

beans (all), borage, corn, lovage, marjoram, nasturtium, oregano, peas,  radish, squash, sunflower, sweetcorn, tansy

Enemy – potato

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Progress of Our Butternut Pumpkin

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5/10/2019

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7/11/2017

 

 

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References:

• Pumpkins – Planting, Growing, Harvesting (almanac.com)
• Pumpkin Growing Guide (growveg.com.au)