Inter-Row Weeder for Pumpkin and Squash | Mechanical Weed Control

Pumpkin and squash are wide-row crops — typically 120–180 cm between rows — with spreading, large-leafed vines that eventually cover the soil. Weed management is critical in the first 4–6 weeks after transplanting, before the canopy closes. The Rotohemp leaf lifter allows effective mechanical weeding even as the plant spreads.

Inter-row weeders for pumpkin: which to choose

Pumpkin is grown at row spacings of 120–180 cm, with vines that spread beyond the row over time.

Rotohemp — wide-row precision cultivator with leaf lifter

The Rotohemp leaf lifter raises the spreading vines to allow the Rotoblizz rotors to work beneath the canopy without vine or leaf damage. Hardened flat hoes provide thorough weed control across the full inter-row area. Compatible with granular fertiliser spreaders.

Complementary equipment for pumpkin

Oliver Agro provides equipment to manage the full field operation:

• Drip tape laying and retrieval machines for irrigation and fertigation
• Granular fertiliser spreaders, combinable directly with the inter-row weeder

Why choose mechanical weeding for pumpkin

Pumpkin organic and zero-residue production has significant market demand. The inter-row area is large and mechanical weeding is more economical than manual hoeing across the 4–6 critical weeks before canopy closure.

Frequently asked questions

Can Rotohemp work between pumpkin vines without damaging them?

Yes. The leaf lifter gently guides vines away from the working tools and returns them to their natural position after the machine passes.

When should weeding stop on pumpkin?

Once the vines cover the inter-row area — typically 4–6 weeks after transplanting — the canopy suppresses weeds naturally and mechanical weeding is no longer needed.

Can mechanical weeding be used in organic pumpkin?

Yes. All Oliver Agro inter-row weeders are fully compatible with certified organic farming regulations.