Broadcast Herbicide for Weed Control in Pumpkins
Pumpkins are popular for Halloween and autumn décor, as well as cooking and eating. Whether you're growing pumpkins in a small garden or on a larger section of land, controlling weeds in the patch is important. Does this Spark an idea?
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Pre-Emergence Herbicides
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Apply a pre-emergence herbicide in the spring to prevent grasses and weeds from growing in the pumpkin patch. With several products on the market from which to choose, you can apply the herbicide before or after seeding, but some weed killers must be watered in to the pumpkin patch. Do not use a pre-emergent herbicide on the plant as it is growing.
Post-Emergence Herbicides
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You can apply a post-emergence herbicide after the pumpkin plant is established. Spray the chemical in banded rows, but do not apply the weed killer during hot and humid weather. Check the product's instructions about whether you should spray the herbicide directly on the flowering plant or crop; some chemicals may damage or kill the pumpkins upon contact. Post-emergence herbicides sometimes need to be watered directly into the ground.
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Tips and Warnings
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Familiarize yourself with the types of weeds that grow in pumpkin patches, and read the herbicide packaging directions carefully before application. With some products, heavy rainfall or cool temperatures may bring crop damage. Some herbicides can be combined to produce the best results.
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References
- Kansas State University Horticulture Report; Pumpkins; Charles Marr et al.; November 2004
- University of Kentucky Horticulture; Herbicide Recommendations for Squash, Pumpkins and Gourds; Joe Masabni
- Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center: 2010 Vegetable Production Guide: Weed Control -- Squash and Pumpkins
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
