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Ohio

Tell me your stories. It’s the cuke beetle and squash bug I’m worried about.

I guess that the only hope is row covers, but wouldn’t some buggers emerge from the soil under the cover?

On a realistic note does anyone now the half-life of Imidacloprid? I’ve read a bunch of different numbers.

4/13/2006 10:54:27 PM

yes but not since 1904

4/14/2006 6:33:21 AM

[email protected]

We tried at my son's elementary school 2 years ago. If the Powdery Mildew wasn't bad enough, Cucumber Beatles vectored Bacterial Wilt & we lost them all.

Imidacloprid half life in the sun (leaves) is less than 1 day.
Soil applied, it lasts longer in a plant than in aerobic soil. 150 days is it for the soil.

Why does this matter?

4/14/2006 7:02:33 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Organic is great if you are growing vegetables to eat, and willing to take a loss on the plant. Organic for Giant Pumpkin Growing is like trying to race a Horse and Buggy in Nascar. In my Opinion you have to use the Imadacloprid as a precautionary measure. Prevention is a big issue with Giant Pumpkins. If your cards fall in the right places Organic may work for you. Cuke Beatles, Squash Vine Borers, and Powdery Mildew will hurt you in the Long Run.

4/14/2006 7:49:54 AM

Alaska

I would use any and all prevenative measures to grow the big one. It's better to be safe than sorry. I total agree with Shannon. Know what's ahead and prepare for it before hand. Later Scott.

4/15/2006 1:29:23 AM

Montoursville, PA

Stop growing pumpkins, grapes, cukes,lilacs, and melons. The need, for it, will be reduced a hundred fold. :)))

4/17/2006 10:04:10 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

I've grown A.G's organically(or very close to it) for the past two years. The only thing I can think of that has inorganice ferilizer in it, is my potting medium. I foliar spray with fish/seaweed and molasses. No pesticides or fungicides used. I haven't noticed any significant insect damage. I get a little powdery mildew later in the season(doesn't appear to be much af a problem). Maybe I'm just lucky so far.
Keep in mind that different regions have different pest and disease pressures. Also, one year may be different than the next. I grow A.G.s in a large vegetable garden, and rotate where I plant. I'm the type who avoids chemicals in the garden, if at all possible.
I've been growing A.G.s "seriously" for two years. Both years I've topped 600 lbs.(nothing to brag about, but impressive to non-growers). My goal isn't to grow a big one at all costs.
If you want to reduce your chances of disease/pest damage to your A.G. plants, I'd recommend studying possible organic preventative measures(if you are sticking to this route). A healthy soil is important.
Also talk to local growers, and see what challenges you're likely up against. Ultimately, you'll have to decide for yourself, if you should grow organic or not.

4/17/2006 1:33:47 PM

[email protected]

I gotta move to Minnesota!

4/17/2006 6:21:41 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Tremor,
Did I mention our winters? LOL

4/17/2006 7:14:32 PM

Ohio

Docgipe,

What did you use on the Checkon 1233 there in Montoursville?

4/18/2006 4:53:21 AM