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Pumpkin Patch Weed Control #183645

Asked May 20, 2014, 7:52 PM EDT

I have disced up the area where I would like to plant pumpkins and sunflowers. I was wondering if there is a herbicide which I could use to control weeds and not damage the plants.

Bedford County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

Unfortunately there is no easy answer.    Many of the pesticides required for pumpkin production are restricted-use pesticides and require a pesticide license to purchase.  Preventing weed establishment is the most effective means of control. Black plastic mulch or a 2-4-inch layer of organic material will keep weed seeds from germinating.

After weeds have sprouted, regain control by pulling, tilling or hoeing. A scuffle, or action hoe, works well where mulch is thin before the pumpkins begin to vine. This tool has a flat blade on the bottom of a handle-shaped loop of metal. It provides a relatively easy way of slicing off the tops of plants, which eventually starves the roots.

 Here is a link to pumpkin production facts developed by Penn State Extension.   http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-alternatives/horticulture/melons-and-pumpkins/pumpkin-production  

Here is a link to a more extensive discussion of weed control in pumpkin patches developed by the University of Illinois extension service.   Page 6 of this publication lists all of the herbicides used for pre emerge and post emerge control and the specific weeds that are targeted.
http://ipm.illinois.edu/ifvn/presentations/pumpkins/wahle_weed.pdf  

Good luck with your efforts.



Rick  Replied May 27, 2014, 10:04 AM EDT

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