Water Use of Pumpkins Vs. Cucumbers

Cucumbers

• Cucumbers have a deep root system, like other cucurbits, so they need to be irrigated deeply. This means about 1 inch of water per week. Plants in especially hot conditions or sandy soil will need more. Cucurbits should be planted in hills so that water runs away from the seedlings. They can also be grown vertically on a trellis or fence, which keeps the fruit off the ground and saves space in the garden. Cucumbers usually require 50 to 65 days to produce fruit.

Pumpkins

• Pumpkins have very similar watering requirements to cucumbers and other cucurbits -- about an inch of water per week, given slowly and deeply. Time to maturity depends on the variety of pumpkin. Most varieties range from 85 to 120 days to maturity. So while pumpkins and cucumbers have comparable irrigation requirements, a longer growing season means that a pumpkin crop may ultimately end up using more water than a cucumber crop.

Watering

• To water pumpkins and cucumbers, soak the soil slowly, 6 to 8 inches deep. Water deeply every five to seven days, rather than lightly every couple of days. However, if the foliage is wilted in the morning, give the plants water more often. Slight wilting in afternoon heat is normal and acceptable.

Problems

• Morning or early afternoon is the best time to water so that the foliage dries by evening. Wet foliage increases the risk of leaf diseases, particularly mildew. Overhead sprinklers contribute to wet foliage, so use of either trickle irrigation or soaker hoses are the safest methods of watering if disease is a concern. Water regularly -- irregular watering results in bitter fruit in cucumbers and poor quality pumpkins.