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Illinois

How much water do I give the Pumpkin and how often?

9/14/2011 4:05:17 PM

Midwest

RHJ
We water about 250 - 300 gal every 2 days for a 450 sq/ft patch. That works out to about 750-900 gal/wk. I skip for rain of course. If you are in IL as I am, your soil could have high clay which holds water alittle better than sandy loam. If you are on pasture land or, if you have a good amt of organic matter (compost), your soil will hold the water better. I also notice in Sept that the roots are less efficient in water uptake. I'm thinking to water more often with less amts because the feeder roots seem to not be growing as aggressively.
Greg

9/14/2011 9:29:24 PM

Illinois

Interesting, The Pumpkin is planted on a foot of horse manure on 3 feet of sandy loam over plain sand. It is next to a canal and the water table is about 3 feet,or less, down. I would have though that the roots would reach down that far but if I don't water the leaves will wilt.

Thanks, Jim

9/15/2011 5:27:27 AM

Midwest

Older roots that grew down to the water table may be getting less efficient at this point. I remember seeing in an article that the first 12-18in of soil is most compacted with roots. The sand base must be pretty far down and won't have much nutrients to use. wicking the water up would be slow this time of year - I think.

9/15/2011 1:57:58 PM