Nelisiwe Faith Ntulini

Growing Pumpkins on a Trellis There are so many plants that can grow on a trellis, but as we all know that pumpkins are gluttons' space, and some of us don't have much space. Well, then there's a solution of which we can use a trellis. Growing pumpkins on a trellis also improve air circulation, just like growing pumpkins vertically. Trellis with cotton netting can also solve the garden space problems by raising the vines off the ground, creating a living green wall in the garden. And trellis plants are easier to harvest. Can anyone buy trellis? There's no need to buy trellis as it can be anything from a stepladder, fence or a craftsman masterpiece. It can be both a rustic trellis, whereby you have to cut the branches to be the height and width that will fit in the location where you will mount or hang the trellis. Lay them out of the flat surface to determine which branch will go where. Using trellis is much better than planting the pumpkins on the ground and leaves them like that. When they sprawl they sprawl directly in the surface and that takes a lot of space rather than saving for other plants and also maximize the diseases. Taking care of your pumpkins Pumpkins are very sensitive and they need a place that is warm in order to produce and grow well. By growing them on the trellis it is some way of protecting them. You must water your pumpkins more regularly if there's no rain, as they are eating a lot of water and they need a place that is full of sun. However, don't plant on mounds except in soggy soil or in cool wet climate. Plant the seed directly in the ground but be careful, don't plant on the spot whereby the water can stand after the heavy rain. And when pumpkins grown to, try not to water on the pumpkins leaves when watering, that is why it is also better to use a trellis. But when planting pumpkins on a trellis it also saves water as we know that trellis plants use less water. Trellis also make the garden more beautiful, having your pumpkins up off the ground also increases airflow and can help minimize plant diseases. The best season to plant pumpkins is in spring when the ground is warm and the rain comes more often. It is important to remember that the only thing that will increase the size of the fruit comes out of the vines and the vines must get support from the natural roots. For growing really big pumpkins, most important things to remember are seeds, soil, sunshine, and water. Vining pumpkins require the minimum of 50 to 100 square feet per hill. Plant seeds one inch deep. Allow 5 to 6 feet between hills, spaced in rows 10 to 15 feet apart. Plant pumpkins at the edge or under trellis and trellis up or allow sprawling out. Days to maturity is 85 to 125 days depending on variety. Harvest when the stems begin to dry and the surface of pumpkin is hardening, cut with long stems.