Re: Best way to water?
>....the best way to water pumpkin plants.
>Some say water only the ground around the main vine as not to get any
> >water on the leaves.... Some say the plant takes in nutrients throught
> >the leaves and vine and should watered by sprinkling on the leaves as
> >well.
Hi Mark,
Sorry for the late response on this... I'm not sure if you've heard me say
(write) that I like to keep the leaves dry. Here's a little
clarification...
First of all, water on the leaves will NOT burn the leaves. That idea is an
old wives tale.
Second, you MUST water the entire plant area, not just around the main
stump.
Where I live it is not only hot but very humid. I have found in past years
that overhead watering encourages various forms of rot and mildew and mold.
I like to keep the leaves relatively dry for that reason.
Some people in some areas use it very effectively. It can help to cool the
plant through evaporative cooling when the temps are really high. You have
to gauge your local conditions and act accordingly.
AS far as how the plant takes in nutrients, it is an open question. Many
people believe firmly in foliar feeding, though it has never been PROVEN
that nutrients enter the plant through the leaves. What is known for sure
is that the root zone extends wherever there are leaves and a little
farther. Foliar application would have the water and nutrients dripping
into most of the root zone. Roots definitely take up nutrients.
Good growing,
Beth Rado
Springfield, Virginia
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