The compost provides good growing conditions for pumpkin plants. It is ideal for growing seedlings. Nevertheless, it is only partially suitable as a location, which is why the pumpkin should be transplanted quickly.
Pumpkin seedlings thrive on compost
Site conditions for pumpkin plants
Pumpkin plants prefer nutrient-rich soil and sunny conditions. They do well in a moist substrate and do well in the compost. The compost in the semi-shade provides optimal conditions for growing a pumpkin from seed. Transplant the seedlings to another location as soon as possible. Pumpkins are not suitable for growing on the compost. The plants remove valuable nutrients from the compost, so that the substrate is no longer suitable as fertilizer. The high water requirement of the pumpkin plants means that the compost soil dries out.
Pumpkins need:
- a temperature in the substrate between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius
- a full sun location with more than six hours of sun per day
- enough space
A location next to the compost
If you want to take advantage of the site conditions at the compost, pay attention to the lighting conditions. A compost in the shade is not suitable as a location, as the pumpkin develops smaller fruits here. They need more time to mature and cannot develop an intense aroma. Powdery mildew spreads on the leaves, because the fungus likes the humid microclimate. The more light the location is, the larger the fruits will be. Chayotes, zucchinis, and butternut do well in partially shaded conditions.
Right next to the compost there are good conditions that will benefit your pumpkin plant. Place the seedlings in the soil immediately next to the compost. The roots use the nutrients that are washed out of the compost with the rainwater. Remove roots that form on the tendrils. This will prevent uncontrolled spread and thus excessive nutrient deprivation.
Caring for the pumpkin plants
Make sure the plants get enough water. Water at the base of the stem so that the leaves do not get wet. This will prevent diseases caused by fungi. If the leaves are lying on moist soil, they may start to rot. Lay a layer of straw or hay on the ground so that the plant can dry off well.