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Sacramento, CA

I am in Nor. Cal and cannot find any version of potash. Any thoughts on a supplier for me?

Thanks!

8/15/2006 12:55:53 PM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply - Stuff is heavy but shipping is quite reasonable. They have a water soluble 0-0-50 in 50 lb bag for $21 plus about $15 shipping. A LOT of fertilizer but they may also be close to you in Grass Valley.

http://www.groworganic.com/search.html?pCommand=DoSearch&pMode=Search&sText=potash&sCategory=catalog

8/15/2006 1:35:12 PM

Jaffrey NH

I would be awfully careful with that fertilizer. I wouldn't even get that in such a large amount either. I use a little bit of potassium nitrate but that is only 15.5-0-40. My first year I put on a little 0-0-60 and blew up a 300 pounder and cracked up a pumpkin pretty badly that eventually split. If used, use in very small amounts.
I recommend the use of some tomatoe fertilizers as the highest you should go with potassium.

DK

8/15/2006 4:47:46 PM

Sacramento, CA

CowD- Thanks for the caution, I will be careful. I used the link that Petman provided and ordered the 0-0-50. I have had a tough time finding anything that had potash in it at all. I am limited to Home Depo and a little nursury that charges an arm and a leg for everything. So, I got the 50 pound bag.

When you say dont use too much, how much are you talking. I noticed with the "bloom booster" 3 tablespoons per plant got the desired results. What is your suggestion on this stuff on a per plant basis?

Thanks!

8/15/2006 5:09:54 PM

Montoursville, PA

One of my growers put a cupfull of 0-0-40 on about 3000 sq. ft. of patch with four plants. He is no more. Killed the whole patch. I would not use it...period.

8/16/2006 2:07:29 PM

Ga.

Matt,,if it doesnt kill them,or blow them up,it will definetly make the fruit ripen..Once ripe,,theres no going back..
J

8/16/2006 2:40:40 PM

Western NY

ripens them. every time. best way to go from 20+ pounds per day to under 5.

8/16/2006 3:10:19 PM

Sacramento, CA

Thanks for all the info guys. So I dont want my new fruit to stop growing... what is the recommendation, then? Balanced fert? I have some 16-16-16, is that good for fruit growth? Man I am still learning.

8/16/2006 5:11:47 PM

Denver, CO

Just to let you know, I put 0-0-60 straight into the ground at about 1/4 cup for about 750 sq ft of plant. Did this about 10 days ago. Growth in the last three days has been fast and to rapid, the stem has now split in two places at about 1/2 inch each. I am probably in serious jeopardy of loosing my only competition grade pumpkin.

8/16/2006 10:10:16 PM

Sacramento, CA

So which is it???

Ripen and stop growing, as Andy and Jeff say..

Or...

pushes the growth too fast as ghopson is seeing??

My 'kins are about 10 days old. I have 10 of them 3 AG's and 7 Wyatt's Wonders. Maybe I should hit one f theWyatt's plants with it and see what happens.

8/17/2006 2:15:40 AM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

Worst thing that would happen is you would learn a very valuable lesson. I would go light, but if you have several plants and can spare a pumpkin, I think the learning may be worth while. I am trying to over fertilize right now (within reason) to see what it take for ME to blow up a pumpkin. Everything is slightly different for everyone.

Good luck and let us know.

8/17/2006 2:47:55 AM

Ontario

It will make them grow fast for a very short time. then they will ripen and quit growing. Go with a balanced fertilizer for now and when its closer to picking it then hit it with potash.

drew

8/17/2006 5:24:27 AM

Ga.

It only took me one year to learn the answer..If you dont trust these answers,,go for it..I bet next year you'll stay away from 0-0-50..Good Luck
Jeff

8/17/2006 7:44:42 AM

West Chazy,N.Y.

Been there, done that. Slowes them down every time.
I'm NOT useing it this year!

8/17/2006 8:09:38 AM

ENGLAND

Matt. One thing that has not been mentioned by anyone above is that what ever fert's you apply now may/will have a residual effect next Growing Season. Just something to think about if you intend using the same growing area next year as what may appear to be a fix now may/will be a hinderance next year.

Regards
Mike

8/17/2006 8:58:34 AM

Sacramento, CA

lets see. I have 5 plants, 10 or 11 pumpkins and most of them are Wyatts.

Sounds like the recommendation is that this could be OK to use (in small amounts) in late sept/early Oct to push out the extra pounds but at 10 days old, it is not adviseable, unless I am willing to kill my pumpkins for the experiment.

I think I will hold off for now. Use me balanced fert for the next 4-6 weeks, then hit them to finish the season strong. Since i started so late, it is good to know what this stuff does.

Thanks for the info guys, I am stil tempted to try it, but i will resist.

8/17/2006 12:13:39 PM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

Chemical Fertilizer stinks For Healthy soil, Might as well add a 100 pound bag of Morton Salt To The Patch......... Organics and slow and steady will hopefull take care of the job very well without problems every time..hopefully..Let the worms eat and you will see the pumpkin eat also.......pumpkins and worms are best friends, Salty Fertilizer and Worms are bad enemies....Just a good word of advice...Happy Growing..

8/18/2006 4:24:22 AM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

A good load of horse Sh...ttttt. added in the fall has plenty of potash for your soil in the the spring and summer season for the growth you need..do not over do it with the doo, because your worms may get greatly excited and make more worms....organics really get a lot of creatures very excited...watch out.....

8/18/2006 4:33:26 AM

wisconsin rapids WI

I used 0-0-60 last year blew up three fruit Im staying away this year just fish and sea weed till the end now

8/18/2006 7:16:55 AM