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- Protect during growth
- Allow for full ripening
- Preserve from pest birds
Fall is upon us, which means it’s almost time to harvest your pumpkins and gourds. Preparing your gourds and pumpkins for harvest takes time and commitment. Harvesting too early results in underdeveloped gourds. Harvesting too late could mean rotten produce or run ins with frost. Below are a few tips to ensure a bountiful harvest this season.
Protect Gourds and Pumpkins During Growth
Pumpkins and gourds are still growing towards the tail end of the summer. Pumpkins love to soak up the sun, which makes them thirsty so make sure they stay hydrated. Watch out for insects problems, covering the pumpkin with row covers can help keep the bugs out. Just remember to uncover before flowering because they are helpful for pollination. Then give them some TLC each day and watch as they grow.
When is the Best Time to Harvest?
Keep a close eye on the forecast. As long as frost is not in the future, your crops can be left on the vine to reach their peak. Check the outer skin of the pumpkins or gourds to know when they are mature enough to pick for harvest. If you can push your thumb nail through the outer shell of the crop easily, they are not ready to be picked. Once ready, you should pick your pumpkins and gourds on a warm, sunny day.
Prevent Birds From Attacking Your Pumpkins
If you want to watch your pumpkins and gourds hit full maturity, you should plan to protect them from pest birds. As your crops near harvest, they can become food for birds. If you want to keep birds from pecking away at your pumpkins and gourds, you’ll need to prevent them from entering your property. Some tactics to stop the birds include:
- Putting up a scarecrow to frighten them
- Spraying your crops with shellac to prevent nibbling
- Tossing some mothballs around your fields – they don’t like the smell
RELATED: Protect Your Pumpkin Patch From Pest Birds
Let Avian Enterprises Protect Your Pumpkins and Gourds
If you don’t have hours to spend painting your crops, throwing around mothballs and moving around a scarecrow, try something easier. Avian Enterprises created Avian Control, which is an easy-to-use bird repellent that works to keep the pest birds away. It can be sprayed or fogged from the ground or aerially. Plus, it costs as low as $12.50 per acre. Stop pests birds from harming your pumpkins and gourds today. Shop now or contact us at 888.868.1982 to learn more.