From

Location

Message

Date Posted

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Now that I am out of the "veg" growing phase and in the "fruit" growing phase. What are the many different ferts you all are using to achieve that MONSTER!

6/25/2006 12:09:47 PM

Nashville, TN

First - PLENTY of secondary root zones developed! More root zone coverage = more nutritional/moisture uptake = should equal bigger pumpkin....

Second - PLENTY of moisture! Made this mistake last year.. This year I laid down the soaker hoses prior to planting.. And now several of my vines have been encouraged to send down more secondary roots on both sides of the soaker..

Third - PLENTY of organic matter! Whether you like compost or Manure... Regardless of how much of the 'big three' elements you throw on them - without the Carbon/trace mineral available - the plant can only get so big..

Fourth - Along with Nitrogen, Phosphorous & Potash.. Think Trace Minerals... Ironite, Mg, etc.... Helps flowers, vegetation & fruit development.

6/25/2006 12:26:26 PM

Waquoit Mass

you would have to test your soil or do a tissue test to see if your needing any nutrients, balance is key

6/25/2006 1:22:55 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Soil is fantastic! (ph). NPK is the question?

6/25/2006 6:23:26 PM

[email protected]

Keeping in mind that the high organic matter soils we build liberate a lot of these elements, here is the estimated annual consumption which is the same as most field pumpkins:

N = 1+ lb
P = 2 lbs
K = 3 lbs
Ca = 3+ lbs

6/25/2006 7:35:44 PM

Nashville, TN

If you're into fertilizers - both Scotts and Miracle Gro have products specialized for high flower/fruit/veg production. Good balance in both Macro and Micro nutrients....

Be very careful to follow the directions - too much fertilizer will burn/kill your plant faster than too little!!

6/26/2006 11:45:49 AM