Planting Best Practices For Vegetable Gardens

Winter squash, pumpkin and cucumber are among the many vegetables typically planted or transplanted in fall in preparation for harvest in spring. As these plants are sensitive to cool temperatures and frost threat has passed before planting them should take place.

Deer, raccoons and woodchucks can cause irreparable damage to vegetable gardens by feeding on their foliage. To safeguard against this occurring in your garden space, locate it away from areas frequented by wildlife and travel routes.

Planting Depth

Pumpkins and gourds thrive best when planted in well-drained, fertile soil free from problem weeds and nematodes; wet or poorly aerated conditions will kill their roots quickly. Ideal soil is coarse to medium in texture with an ideal pH range between 6.0 to 6.5; if your pH test falls outside this range, dolomitic lime should be added according to soil test recommendations at least three months prior to planting. A trellis may not be essential for most pumpkin varieties but can help maximize space by controlling vine growth as well as protecting fruit from touching the ground, contributing to less fruit rot; additionally trellising aids longer gourds from growing straight and fuller growth.