Chef event on July 22nd from 6 to 8 pm! Please join us for grilling in the garden with Chef Moley, a us coast guard veteran turned corporate chef. Sign up on our website. The link should bring you to a Monmouth University web page to submit your details.
This Week
We harvested in the rain on Monday and will continue to finish off the potato beds. Our rolling number is 392 pounds donated.
The installation of the new gate is beginning today and the irrigation instructions will be posted. Facilities has begun the installation of the memorial bench and message board.
Next Week
Remember: Friday will now be a morning shift (7 am to 10 am)*
Monday priorities:
- Trellis and prune tomatoes.
- Plant beds 23 and 25.
Friday priorities:
- Deer fence and gate construction.
- Front flower bed (Digging up rock border).
Vegetable of the Week: Pumpkin
Soil Temp for Germ.: 65-85°F
Days to Emergence: 5-10
Seed Depth: 1″
Soil Temp. for Trans.: 60°F
Plant Spacing: 3-4′
Row Spacing: 4-6′
Min. Germ.: 75%
Seed Life: 3 years
Seeds per gram: Listed per variety
Fertilizer Needs: High
Cucurbita spp. This traditional ornament of the autumn harvest is good for much more than jack-o-lanterns and pies. High in fiber and essential minerals, their colorful orange flesh signifies an abundance of the antioxidant beta-carotene.
Days to maturity 95 to 110
Culture
- Pumpkins require uniform irrigation totaling 15-20 inches of water during the growing season
- Bee attractant flowers or beehives will help yields — misshapen or non-developing fruit is often the result of poor pollination
Direct Sowing
- Plant after frost danger when soil warms to 65°F
- Work in shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup fertilizer into hill
- Keep soil evenly moist but not wet as too much moisture causes seed to rot
- Bush varieties: sow 3-4 feet apart
- Vining varieties: sow 4-5 feet apart
Transplanting
- Start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to anticipated transplant date in 4 inch pots
- Work in shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup fertilizer into hill
- Transplant carefully as to not disturb roots
Insects & Diseases
- Common insects: Cucumber beetles and squash bugs
- Common diseases: Various wilts, leaf spots mildews, and various viral diseases
- Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, and fungicide applications
Harvest & Storage
- Leave on vine until fully mature, rinds should be firm
- Pumpkins can tolerate a light frost, but must be protected from a hard frost
- Dry gourds: Wash gently in a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach, carefully removing all dirt, then store in a warm, dry location
- Store at 55-70°F and 70% relative humidity
Workday Task List
Weeding
- Perimeter of fence (inside and outside)
- Shed and Compost areas
- Perimeter of communal raised beds
- Pollinator beds outside fenced area
Cleaning and Organizing
- Communal materials
- Shed
- Tools
General Maintenance
- Pulling dead plants and crops
- Repairing Hoses and Irrigation lines
- Repair and maintain rain barrel
- Repairing fence
Seasonal or As needed
- Soil installation
- Woodchip/mulch installation
- Harvesting crops
- Irrigating pollinator beds
Workday Task List
Weeding
- Perimeter of fence (inside and outside)
- Shed and Compost areas
- Perimeter of communal raised beds
- Pollinator beds outside fenced area
Cleaning and Organizing
- Communal materials
- Shed
- Tools
General Maintenance
- Pulling dead plants and crops
- Repairing Hoses and Irrigation lines
- Repair and maintain rain barrel
- Repairing fence
Seasonal or As needed
- Soil installation
- Woodchip/mulch installation
- Harvesting crops
- Irrigating pollinator beds