Using drip irrigation instead of overhead irrigation keeps the foliage dry and reduces disease problems. It is also possible with the appropriate equipment to inject the needed nutrients through the drip line and spoon-feed your plants. Mulching with organic matter like pine straw or wheat straw helps control weeds, conserves moisture and keeps fruit from direct contact with the soil, where they could be infected by diseases. Weed control can be difficult after vines have spread. Be especially careful when cultivating near the main stem.
Powdery mildew can be a particular problem on late-planted squash.
It is the most common and damaging disease of pumpkins. Disease control should start with cultural tactics. One of the least expensive and most effective disease control measures is crop rotation. Do not plant squash and pumpkins after similar crops such as cantaloupe, cucumber or watermelon for at least three years. Keep the garden and surrounding area free of weeds that harbor insects that can spread viruses and bacterial wilt.