Author: Marissa Schuh , Integrated Pest Management Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension. Reviewed by Annie Klodd, Extension Educator - Fruit and Vegetable Production With their long season and spreading growth habit, pumpkins often present a weed control challenge. Here are some important factors and considerations when working to manage weeds in pumpkins and winter squash. Waterhemp in a pumpkin patch. While a few sporadic weeds may seem insignificant, one average waterhemp plant produces about 250,000 seeds. Photo: Annie Klodd, University of Minnesota Extension. First, know your weeds. This is beyond knowing you have general issues with grasses or broadleaves. Some cultural techniques and herbicide chemistries are more effective against some weeds than others. Being familiar with the specific weed issues in the fields you are planting into will help you tailor your weed control program for success. The row crops side of the University of Minnesota Extension has
Our series prepping you for the imminent growing season continues. This week we want to inoculate you with information on common issues and considerations in peas and beans. Inoculating peas and beans Peas and beans are legumes. They form symbiotic relationships with rhizobium bacteria to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. In some soils, these bacteria are naturally abundant, while in others they need to be added. How do you know whether your soil contains native rhizobium populations? If peas, beans, and other legumes are a regular part of your rotation, you will likely have some rhizobium present in your soil. If your soil is acidic (pH <6), rhizobium are less likely to survive naturally in your soil. Ultimately, it is difficult to know whether you have existing rhizobium populations in your soil. There are a few important factors to consider when deciding whether to add an inoculant to your peas and beans. First, not all legumes are the same. Each species forms relationships wit