stupid question

[Naughty]

Does anyone know if pumpkins and watermelons have deep or shallow roots that spread?

 

[the1honeycomb]

Hey that is a good question!!\

I need to know that also!

 

[digitS']

Pumpkins and watermelon of very good examples of 2 garden annuals that can grow a very impressive root system. However, altho' I have pumpkins most every year, I don't have much experience with watermelon. Especially, if your question has to do with tilling around the plants for weed control. Still, I would think that you can get down in the ground quite a bit without worrying much about damaging too many roots.

If you are thinking about water needs, take a moment to find the recent topic on cucumbers, etc. on the forum. But, here are some direct answers on your question from North Carolina State University (link):

Both crops have a "Rooting Depth" of "D = deep, 24 inches plus."

The horticulturalists measure rooting depth as both a maximum and an effective. Effective depth is what the plants are usually down to and it typically seems to be about 1/2 of the maximum. Unless you are giving the plants constant shallow irrigation, they can go looking for moisture to a really good depth. I have seen pumpkin fields around here where irrigation was only turned on a couple of times thru the season. A good soaking and then weeks with no water - the plants must send there roots very deep.

Steve

 

[Carol Dee]

Naughty, as my teachers used to say, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Steve, you always seem to have some great source of information for all of us. Thanks.

 

[digitS']

Aw shucks, Carol Dee . . .

What I'd like to do is convince people that all necessary information is to be found right here in the Pacific NorthWest. Couldn't be further from the truth .

There's this really super "table #2" that Washington State University has on Soil Water Monitoring and Measurement (link). Unfortunately, WSU leaves pumpkins and watermelons completely off their table!!

Steve

 

[desertlady]

I wonder how big roots MontyJ 's pumpkins turned out??

 

[MontyJ]

The roots on AG's (Atlantic Giants) are huge. They will grow as deep as the soil will allow. I have a hard pan at about 10-12" and the roots hit that then turn. I have found roots as long as 10 feet. I once did a study on the roots of AG's to try to improve feeding and watering effectiveness. I'll see if I can find it and post some of the pictures and information I discovered.