Although pumpkins are not very picky in terms of soil demand, they do not like very heavy and sandy soils. The best crops and seeds are obtained in deep, permeable, well water-holding, loamy soils rich in organic and mineral substances. Pumpkin cultivation can be done on sandy soils using farmyard manure and commercial manure. Earliness is provided in these lands. However, the desired amount of product cannot be obtained. Soil pH should be around 6-7.
Planting in the Ground
Summer squash cultivation is done in the open and under cover. Soil cultivation is done by taking into account the climatic conditions and production time. The soil is cultivated once or twice before sowing and planting. The field is leveled by pulling the harrow. Sowing and planting are done when the soil temperature reaches 10-12 degrees.
Summer squash cultivation is applied in open field conditions or under cover, by planting the seedlings in the main growing places. Pre-prepared mortar material is filled into plastic bags or viols. 2 or 3 pumpkin seeds are planted in each pot or bag. After the seeds have germinated, the best growing seedling is left, the others are uprooted and discarded. Young plants (seedlings) are planted with soil in the main growing places when they have 4-5 true leaves when ecological conditions become favorable.
One day before planting, viols and bags must be watered so that the seedlings can be planted with soil. In this way, earliness is ensured as the seedlings planted with soil will lie on the crop earlier. The zucchini seedlings that do not drop their arms and grow in bulk are planted by giving 50-60 cm above-row distances between 80-120 cm rows. In summer squash production made by direct seed sowing method, planting starts when the soil temperature rises above 10-12 degrees. Summer zucchini varieties that do not reach the previously prepared production areas and grow in bulk are planted in 60-80 cm rows, with 2-4 seeds in each quarry.
Pumpkin seeds should be planted at a depth of 3-5 cm according to the character of the soil and the tempering condition. If the cream layer is tied on the stoves after seed sowing, this layer should be broken. The negative effect of the cream layer can also be eliminated by sprinkling. Germination occurs 4-8 days after sowing and the plants come to the soil surface.
In the Mediterranean coastline, summer squash cultivation is done twice a year, early spring in late February, early March, and early autumn cultivation in two periods, end of August and beginning of September. In the cultivation as a single product, the seedlings are planted in the field in November.
How Can I Grow?
Hoeing
In the cultivation of zucchini by direct seed sowing method, the first hoe is made in order to remove weeds, fill the throat and aerate the soil when the plants are 3-4 leaves after they come to the soil surface. During the initial hoeing, some growers also thin out. For this, one or two plants that develop best in each quarry are left. The second hoe is made 2 or 3 weeks after the first hoe, depending on the rainfall and weed status. Depending on the ecological conditions and plant development, 3rd or even 4th hoeing can be done with 2-3 week intervals.
Irrigation
If the ecological conditions go dry, irrigation is done according to the needs of the plants, provided that it is not excessive. After the first fruits appear, irrigation is of great importance. Since zucchini fruits grow very fast, it is very beneficial for the development of the plant and yield to water it with frequent intervals and if possible at intervals of 3-4 days. Irrigation should be done in the form of drip irrigation.
Thirst in zucchini is easily recognized by the abnormal shriveling and hanging down of its leaves in the morning and evening hours. Timely irrigation should be done before these symptoms are seen in the plants.
Fertilization
Pumpkins like to have more organic nutrients in the soil. Between 4-6 tons of well-burned farm manure is given per decare. There should be enough organic nutrients in the soil for the development of the plant and the fruits to reach the desired size. Depending on the variety, 8-12 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, 10-15 kg of phosphorus, and 10-12 kg of potassium are given per decare by pumpkin cultivation. If farm manure is to be applied, this fertilizer should be applied to the soil in autumn or one month before planting.
Open Field: 10-22 ? of soil temperature for germination? It has to be C. Day length has no significant effect for zucchini. It has no selectivity in terms of humidity. The humidity demand is 70%. Upper and lower values do not cause much trouble. However, irrigation should be done at regular intervals during hot periods. A decrease or increase in temperature slows down the growth and development of the plant. It grows well at temperatures above 10 degrees. Seed sowing in open field cultivation should be done after the last frosts have passed and the soil temperature exceeds 10 degrees.