Pumpkin is one of the healthiest foods in the human diet. It is rich in carotene and contains a large group of vitamins. The vegetable can be grown in almost any region; it requires simple care. But not everyone knows how to pinch a pumpkin in open ground. But the procedure allows you to get higher quality and larger fruits.
For bush pumpkin varieties, this method has its own characteristics, which are related to the structure of the plant. Despite the possible difficulties, gardeners often practice forming and pinching bushes.
Why is pinching necessary?
Forming a pumpkin in open ground allows you to regulate the number of fruiting stems and adjust the ripening period of already formed ovaries. Gardeners prefer to grow a small number of fruits on one bush, but with good weight and excellent taste.
If pinching is not carried out, a fairly large number of ovaries can form on the plant. They will not be able to fully ripen and gain the necessary nutrients.
It is advisable to perform the procedure for each variety of pumpkin plant. This allows you to normalize the number of fruits, regulate their weight and improve taste. The measure taken increases the yield and increases the shelf life of pumpkin.
In order to competently carry out cutting off sprouts and pinching, you need to know the rules of the procedure: at what distance from one to the next tendrils to cut, how many leaves and flowers to leave on the main stem.
There are complex and simple schemes for pinching pumpkin plants. Gardeners choose the appropriate method for an already planted plant variety.
With a simple pinching scheme, it is important to trim off empty flowers and excess shoots after the last pumpkin that has tied on the stem. This will allow the bush not to waste energy and nutrients on them. On the main stem it is necessary to preserve all types of inflorescences, both male and female, in equal quantities. This will allow pollination to fully proceed and contribute to the formation of the required number of fruits. A simple pinching scheme is carried out at the moment when the length of the antennae reaches 5-7 cm.
Bush pumpkin varieties also require pruning. When pinching, it is worth considering that this species has short internodes and a large number of antennae.In the bush variety, the main stem is more powerful, and the first fruit is formed on it. If desired, you can pinch it.
When do you pinch a pumpkin?
You need to dig in long stems according to the following rules:
- It is advisable to perform the procedure early in the morning. During the day, the cut area will be covered with a protective film, and the scorching sun will not harm it. It is allowed to carry out work during the day only if the weather is cloudy and cloudy.
- The pumpkin begins to form lashes from the moment it grows and continues until the end of the growing season. Therefore, you need to wait until the length of the branches reaches 1 m. Then they are straightened and laid out on the ground in a southerly direction. 3 lashes are left on each plant.
- It is important that at least 5-6 leaves remain above the fruit. After this, you can dig in the stem.
- The internodes of the lashes are sprinkled with soil and watered. It is best to remove side leaves and aerial shoots immediately. In the place of digging, the plant should soon produce new roots.
In the future, you need to monitor the condition of the bush, cut off dry leaves and tendrils, and water them on time.
During the procedure, it is recommended to use a special complex mineral fertilizer for irrigation. The drug will speed up the process of root formation.
How is it done?
There are several types of bush formation when planting a pumpkin. Each method affects the quality and quantity of fruits. Culture is formed in 3 ways:
- Leave 1 lash. In this case, 1 stem is left for development. Already after the first fruit, pinching can be done.
- Formation in 2 lashes. In this case, the main stem and one side lash are left.The remaining shoots are removed. Pumpkin vines need to be pinched after 2-3 ovaries have formed on the main branch. 1 fruit is left on a side shoot.
- Formation in 3 loops. Here all branches are removed except the main stem and 2 strong side shoots. 1-2 fruits are left on the main vine, and 1 pumpkin on each side vine.
Experienced gardeners recommend not to strive for the formation of a large number of fruits on one bush. It is enough to leave no more than 3-5 pieces.
Growing and pinching
Growing a large and tasty pumpkin is easy. But the process requires basic knowledge from the vegetable grower.
Vegetables are grown in 2 ways:
- Rassadny. Seeds can be planted in late April or early May. Each variety has its own grain planting scheme. The container with planting material is kept in heated greenhouses or on window sills in the house. The temperature should not fall below +25 °C. The soil for seedlings is selected fertile. The soil should contain components such as peat, river sand and turf soil.
- The seedless method. Grow pumpkin This method is most often used in the southern regions. The beds are well fertilized before planting. To do this, use manure, humus or complex fertilizer. The depth of the hole should be about 6-10 cm, with a distance of at least 1 m between the holes.
When planting a crop, it is important to take into account that pumpkin loves sunlight and does not tolerate humidity and dampness. Following the rules for caring for the plant will help you get a good harvest. Proper shaping, pinching and pinching will improve the quality of vegetables, their quantity and resistance to various fungi and pests.
Growing technologies
When growing pumpkins, you need to consider the following recommendations:
- Even at the stage of growing seedlings, complex mineral fertilizers are applied. This will allow the plant to form a strong root system.
- Pumpkin needs nutritious soil. If the soil is depleted, it is advisable to apply fertilizers.
- The landing site is selected on a hill well lit by the sun.
- There are 3 ways to shape a vegetable and advice from experienced gardeners on how to do it. Therefore, before planting, you need to carefully read the characteristics and description of the variety, then select the appropriate option.
- Long loops should be raised from the ground on wooden supports, and it is best to place plywood under the bottom of the fruit. This will protect the vegetables from dampness and preserve the integrity of their peels.
- Regular watering is required.
- Periodically, the bush needs to be fertilized with organic and complex fertilizers.
If you organize the cultivation correctly, you can get a rich harvest at the end of the season. A well-ripened pumpkin contains many nutrients and has a large amount of vitamins that are so necessary for the human body.
Result of pinching
Pinching pumpkins in open ground is a mandatory procedure. Thanks to manipulation, the plant acquires good immunity and resistance to fungi.
Pinched bushes improve the quality of the harvest, because the plant does not waste its energy on the growth of non-fruiting stems and extra shoots. All nutrients are aimed at ripening and nourishing the fruit.
