• Nutrition:

Fertilizer rates should be based on the results of a soil test and the nutrient requirements of the pumpkin crop. Excessive application of fertilizers can be wasteful and expensive and can also make it easier for the plant to give way to pest and diseases.
Also excessive use of inorganic fertilizers  such as nitrates and  fertilizers can find themselves into drains, rivers and ponds through  ground water or surface runoff.

When using organic or pen manure:

• Personnel handling manure and compost should be vaccinated against tetanus and should not handle organic matter with open cuts/wounds. Proper precautions should be taken.
• Proper washing after handling raw manure and compost is also a very important practice in order to prevent illness of field operators.

 

When using organic fertilizers other precautions that need to be taken include:

• Organic fertilizers must be properly treated prior to application
• . It should be applied to the planting hole and incorporated in the soil prior to planting
• . Organic fertilizers should not be applied when the crop is nearing maturity
•  maximum time and should be allowed between application of organic fertilizers and harvest of the product.
•  Never apply untreated manure directly to the plant crop.

 

Pumpkins need moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus and high amounts of nitrogen. Pumpkins are large consumers of all the major plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), as well as many minor nutrients like calcium and magnesium and other trace elements.

Pumpkins respond well to ample dressings of organic manure, and artificial fertilizers may be applied at a rate of 600 – 800 pounds (272kg-363kg) per acre (0.4 ha) of a 5:10:10 NPK mixture.

• During the growing season, most fertility needs of pumpkins can be met by applying water-soluble plant foods once or twice a week over the entire plant area.
• Give seedlings a fertilizer that stresses phosphorus, such as 15-30-15. Shift to a more balanced formula, such as 20-20-20, once fruits are set.
• Once fruit set is evident, use a formula with a high potassium percentage, such as 15-11-29.

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