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Glenn Springs S.C.

I'm thinking of burying some type of water supply line directly in the planting hole how many gallons per day or how could I tell how damp the roots are?
Jeff

4/18/2001 9:15:13 PM

Western Pa.

Jeff!

You want to give it as much water as you can, just before the vine becomes saturated and rots,and the pumpkin splits! Seriously, I know growers that use thousands of gallons of water,a lot depends on the type of soil you have and how well it drains away. I water overhead, and the plants should have at least 1" of water per week, I determine this with a rain gauge. You don't want the roots to remain laying under water, as they need air to breathe.The worse thing you can do is water infrequently. If the pumpkin goes without water for a period of time, and then you pour it on, it may split. I've also seen them split just after being fertilized, and watering too much. This isn't an exact science, you've got to use common sense, and remember slow and easy wins the race. You don't want to change anything drastically during the growing season.
Good Luck!

kilr

4/18/2001 9:40:45 PM

walton n.y.

well said soil type is probably the biggest factor in how much you water clay soils usually need less water while sandy soils drain water away so more water is needed don't drown the roots

4/19/2001 12:29:22 AM

Glenn Springs S.C.

Thanks guys I was dreaming up all sorts of things but decided to go w/partialy buried soaker hoses and some type of elevated tank when I find it.If I put this type of system to work do I keep water on the lines constantly or just according to soil type again (heavy clay). The soaker hose I got and butchered into four pieces says it delivers .75 gallons per min. but I would assume thats under pressure.
Jeff

4/21/2001 11:42:40 PM

walton n.y.

i would try watering and after a few hours dig in your soil not to close to the plant and see how wet your soil looks i control the flow from my warming tank with a regular valve that you buy at a hardware store be careful on burying your drip hose they have a tendancy to plug even under pressure and will almost always plug if you use liquid fertilizers at least that's what has happened to me

4/22/2001 5:13:16 PM