Pumpkins are a must-have crop this season! These plants are so easy to grow, but there’s a little catch. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be scared of!
Sometimes, pumpkin plants can start to wilt, and there are usually a few reasons for this. That happened to my crops last year. Luckily, I spotted the signs of wilting just in time, so nothing worse happened to them – phew!
That’s why you need to use these tricks to help them get back to blooming!
Don’t Let A Heatwave Catch Your Pumpkins Off Guard
Squash family crops can droop on hot days and then recover when temperatures drop in the evening. So, don’t be surprised if you see your pumpkins wilting a little bit during the afternoon!
But what if this wilting continues and doesn’t go away? The best option is to use mulch. It will help cool down your plants. Isn’t that awesome?
Be Careful When Watering
Pumpkin plants can be a bit tricky when it comes to watering. If you don’t give them enough water, their leaves can start wilting!
But what if you overdo it? That won’t be good, because fungal diseases might appear. Not only will your pumpkins end up wilting, but their leaves could also start rotting.
I know you might be confused now, but luckily I have the perfect watering method for you! It’s best to water them early in the morning to prevent evaporation. Once a week is key to keeping your plants healthy!
Keep An Eye On Pests
There’s one pest you should be aware of, and that is the squash vine borer. They lay their eggs on your plants, and later the larvae begin to feed, disrupting the flow of water and causing wilting.
If you spot these pests in time, you can get rid of them using insecticidal soaps. You can also make it fun by planting flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and radishes. These are natural repellents for squash vine borers!
Be Aware Of Bacteria That Can Cause Wilt
Many species of bacteria can cause wilting. The one that might affect your pumpkins is called Erwinia tracheiphila. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease.
However, you can control the spread by getting rid of the beetles that spread the bacteria. You can drive them away with neem, lavender, or peppermint oil.
There are a lot of reasons for pumpkin plant wilting, but you can check them off your list quickly with these simple tricks!
Now head to your garden for a check-up, and don’t forget that Halloween is just around the corner! With proper care, your pumpkins will be the perfect October decoration!