Most of the cucurbits are monoecious & annual in habit, barring a few exceptions.Almost all require warm climate, well drained loam or sandy soil with adequate amount of organic matter incorporated in the soil. Most grow vigorously on ground. However, few like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, snake gourd, sponge gourd, ridge gourd etc respond well to training on ‘bowers’ made of bamboos and sticks or contact with wet soil which causes fruit rooting. The growth and development of hanging fruits enables the produce to command a premium in market. Higher yields can be obtained from cucurbitaceaous crops by harvesting at regular and frequent intervals.Low humidity, poor soil fertility, high temperature and longer day light enduce maleness thus low productivity in most gourds. However, cloudiness favours early appearance of pistillate flowers at lower nodes in ash/wax gourd and pumpkin. As an exception, in dry atmosphere, flower initiation usually advances and male: female sex ratio is reduced in winter squash.Pre-socking of seeds especially those of bitter gourd, muskmelon in luke-worm water for 24 hours is beneficial. Soaked seeds are kept in a wet thick cotton cloth/jute bags/woolen blanket in a warm place for 2-4 days. This results in softening and rupturing of hard seed coat for rapid germination.A pH value of 5.5-6.8 bearing a few exceptions is good for most cucurbits. There are two to three different methods of planting the wine crops including some of the bush types. However, we recommend the following based on our hybrid breeding techniques and practical experience.

Select a well drained, leveled plot for cultivation. Having the gentle slope of 0.25 to 0.50% on one side. 200-300 quintals per hectare of well rotten farm yard manure (FYM) or compost is uniformly spread and the field is worked to a fine tilth. Remove all the weeds and stubs of the previous crop. Approx 40-50 centimeter white furrows are dug 10-15 centimeters deep with the slow of the field at 150-200 centimeters. This would ensure drainage of excessive water during the monsoon. Thus raised beds are prepared. Level the beds using spades or by a tractor mounted rotovator.Circular pits measuring 60 centimeters*45 centimeters are then dug 15 centimeters deep adjoining the furrows at 60-90 centimeters centre to centre each pit and left upon four about 3-4 days. Then each bit is filled completely with a mixture of 3-5 kilograms of well rotten farm yard manure and soil in 50-50 ration along with a fertilizer mix of 150-200 grams (ammonium sulphate/calcium-ammonium nitrate or 30-40 grams urea, 40-50 grams single super phosphate and 80-100 grams muriate of potash). The pits are then left unattended for about 15 days. Circular basins are then formed by hand-hoe or a trowel removing all soul lumps and pebbles. Normally, 2-3 seeds are sown, at an average recommended depth of seed sowing between 1 to 2.5 centimeter, in each basin on the furrow side and covered with fine sieved farm yard manure or composed