How to mulch pumpkin planting? Detailed explanation of the correct method
Pumpkin cultivation is very common in China, and although the cultivation method of pumpkin is simple, we still need to do a good job in management when planting. Among these, plastic film mulching in particular is very important for the growth of pumpkin, and is related to the yield and quality of pumpkin. So how should plastic film be used when planting pumpkin? Today the editor will give you a brief introduction, so let's take a look below!
1. Characteristics of mulching
When planting pumpkin, mulching is actually mainly done to protect the roots of the pumpkin plant. Because mulching cannot provide frost protection, if it is open-field cultivation, it should be carried out after the frost has ended. Generally, mulching is carried out around Qingming Festival. Reasonable mulching can improve the growth capacity of pumpkin roots, promote deep rooting, and cultivate strong seedlings. In addition, the row spacing for pumpkin planting is generally relatively large, so the return rate is also relatively high. And because mulching has to go through summer, and summer temperatures are very high, the pumpkin varieties planted should mainly be heat-resistant varieties.
2. Land preparation
After pumpkin planting is mulched, in order to avoid problems such as excessive vegetative growth, lodging, and premature senescence, we should focus on land preparation. Try to advance the deep plowing time of the soil, harrow and turn the soil after the beginning of spring to improve the soil's moisture conservation capacity and ensure the ground is level with no obvious clods. After leveling it, dig a ditch about 20 cm wide where the pumpkin is to be planted on ridges, and control the ditch depth at about 18 cm. Then apply sufficient farmyard manure in the ditch, then water appropriately and cultivate soil to form high ridges. Make the soil on the ridge surface fine and crumbly, and remove everything that could puncture the plastic film.
3. Mulching method
After the pumpkin beds are prepared, the plastic film should be covered promptly. This can improve the soil's moisture conservation and warming capacity. Do not choose rainy days for mulching. It should be done on sunny days when the temperature is relatively high, because if mulching is done under low-temperature conditions, then on sunny days, when the plastic film expands with heat and is then exposed to wind, it is very easy for it to break. When mulching, pay attention to unfolding it slowly, and pull the film flat and tight. Let the plastic film fit closely to the ground. After mulching, press both sides of the film firmly with soil. Leave about 20 cm between ridges without film, to facilitate later watering work.
4. Mulching and planting
For pumpkin grown with mulching, the planting method can use seedling transplanting or direct sowing. There are two planting methods. First, you can directly cover the field with film, then according to the planting spacing between plants and rows, cut openings in the plastic film and plant the seedlings in. You can also transplant the seedlings first, and when covering the film, cut openings according to the positions of the seedlings. When covering with soil, first cover about 80%, then water appropriately and cover level. The planting holes in the plastic film should also be pressed firmly with soil. If mulching is done after sowing, then when the seedlings emerge, cut openings promptly to help the seedlings break through the film.
The above is a brief introduction to how to mulch pumpkin planting. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!