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Saturday, April 06, 2024 Matt D. Connecticut

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2024 Growing Season

The start of the new season can often overlap with the previous season and this year is no exception. The hoop house was moved about 32ft in anticipation of the 2024 growing season. There were no obvious problems at the last location, but this is the best time to move… before soil issues.

This site was last grown on in 2021 and while it may be a lot of work to make this move the hopeful reduction of disease issues in season justifies this work.

With the demands of the in-season growth the soil must be in good tilth and quality. When growing an intensive crop, it is important to keep this in-mind and practice rotations when ever possible to reduce the chance of issues building up over time. Soil treatments can offer some reduction in issues, but a plant rotation is the best method.

For ease turf grass (Northeast mix) is used as a cover crop as once established it is a monocot and holds moisture well and creates an environment supportive of earthworms that does not require tilling or other soil equipment, just a regular mower to keep the grass at lawn height (about 3.5”) is all that is needed.


Nutrient Management for Cucurbits: https://ucanr.edu/sites/nm/files/76628.pdf
 



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