From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ray, North Dakota

Now that my pumpkin is over 100 lbs and growing about 15 lbs a day, what should my fertilizer regiment consist of? I have Miracle Gro which stresses more nitrogen at 24-8-16, and Alga Core which is low nitrogen and phosphates, but higher in potassium. I believe it is 1-4-14. In a weekly feeding schedule, what should I use now? Mix the two? Too much of each means what, and the right amounts do what? Any help is appreciated.

8/3/2006 9:05:35 PM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

20-30-30 is what I am using.

8/3/2006 10:12:55 PM

[email protected]

What were the starting levels of Ca, P, K, Mg, etc before the season started?

8/3/2006 10:15:17 PM

Ray, North Dakota

Wow tremor, I think I had a discussion for this under "my soil test". Everything was good with a very basic pH of 7.9 so I added about 15 lbs of ammonium sulphate which would have brought the N in the garden up to about 60.

The only reason I ask is because my pumpkin gains are around 15 lbs a day, and other people are going over double that.

8/4/2006 8:18:26 AM

Ray, North Dakota

Here is the link to my soil test last fall. I am sure that I added 10 lbs over the whole 60 x 60 garden of 21-0-0-24
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=18&p=140845

8/4/2006 8:55:42 AM

Ray, North Dakota

No one wants to tackle this one? lol

8/4/2006 4:37:30 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Herbie....what was your goal for your 1st year? Soil Moisture conditions. Plant started Date, Plant Size now.

8/4/2006 10:38:01 PM

Deer Park WA

Herbie ask Mike Frantz how much to push it...! We only use organics durring this stage (SPARINGLY) but our soil has been "planned out" for the past few years, our plants are all well manicured and about 650 sqft now, best fruit gaining a steady 25+ pounds per day. Thats the key, if you can keep a steady pace (yours) @ 15# per day on you fruit what will it weigh Oct-1?

...Gerry

8/5/2006 12:15:11 AM

San Diego

not every seed you put in the ground will grow 25 to 30 lbs a day even in prime soil, some just go slower than others, so don't worry about comparing to others. Keep a good steady pace, I too believe more in the organic fertilizing method and don't hit the chemicals. You can grow a monster with no chemical ferts. Ask dan carlson and his 1432! Last year I hit 38 lbs a day with no chemical ferts, this year I only maxed out at 24 lbs a day, same soil, just different seeds. Good luck!

8/5/2006 1:00:45 AM

Simi valley, ca

I think it depends how old it is !!

8/5/2006 2:45:17 AM

Ray, North Dakota

Day 25 at 188" OTT this morning for 151 lbs and a 16 lb gain since last night at 5pm. Maybe I spoke too soon, it might be taking off now. Not to mention, I am happy with my first AG right now, anything bigger is a nice bonus.

The basics of my questions are, what puts on the weight the N, P, or K? The Algacore is loaded with K but lower on Nitrogen.

If some of you veterans can look at my diary, I would appreciate it. I might be over looking something

This morning I hit the leaves with Daconil fungicide. I noticed some powdery mildew and small target spot on the leaves. I am afraid that this will be suppression only at this point.

8/5/2006 11:11:29 AM