Content
- Harvest pumpkin properly - so it stays fresh for a long time
- This is how the knock test works
- Pumpkin harvest requires tact
- Tips for proper storage
- Tips & Tricks
Harvest pumpkin properly - so it stays fresh for a long time
Autumn time is harvest time. In the bed and on the balcony, the bright, plump pumpkins promise delicious enjoyment and creative decoration ideas. The following lines explain how to determine the harvesting time and how to properly harvest them.
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The summer was warm and dry, from the end of August have the best chances to start the harvest. A ripe pumpkin presents itself with a smooth, unbroken peel. Green spots should not be on it anymore. Also, examine the fruit stalk. If it is firm and woody, this is considered a further indication of its harvest maturity.
The last certainty is provided by a trained hobby gardener with the traditional knocking test. Just knock on the bowl and listen. If it sounds hollow and dull, the pumpkin is mature.
Pumpkin harvest requires tact
Given a mighty pumpkin, no one comes up with the idea of touching him with kid gloves. In fact, the proper harvest requires a good dose of tact. Even the smallest injuries to the shell can cause rot. Especially mindful you should treat the fruit stalk.
If the first frost is already at the door, you may reap the pumpkin prematurely.A night outdoors in freezing temperatures does not survive even the strongest pumpkin variety. Carry the fruit in a warm, bright room with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Here the pumpkin will ripen wonderfully within 2 to 3 weeks, without sacrificing quality.
Tips for proper storage
A successful harvest should always result in suitable storage. As long as a pumpkin is not cut, it can be kept for many months under the following conditions:
If it is an ornamental squash, drying is considered an efficient method of conservation. Since real ornamental squashes are not suitable for consumption anyway, this will give you months of shelf life.
Tips & Tricks
Impatient hobby gardeners use the following trick to speed up the final ripening process. The pumpkin is not poured anymore. In addition, all roots are cut at a distance of half a meter with the spade.