How to Manage Pests

Watering cucurbits

Cucurbits may be grown under drip, sprinkler, or furrow irrigation. Avoid wetting the foliage or fruit with overhead watering. When direct seeding, the beds should be irrigated until completely wet. After the seedlings emerge, water when moisture is being depleted from the soil. Apply water to 1-foot depth to insure deeper rooting. If plants are stressed for water when they start to set fruit, the melons will be small and rot will increase. In squash, water stress will result in deformed fruit. If plants get too much water, it may cause fruit to split.

Place a hose or drip tape between rows of plants