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western Kentucky

My plant is doing really great, It is growing very steadily at a fast pace. Should I fertilize it even though it is doing so good. The leaves are dark green and very large, so I don't think that it needs any Nitrogen. But should I apply some Phosphorus for the roots? It doesn't need much Potassium until the fuit sets, does It? As long as the plant stays lush and green should I apply any Nitrogen at all? See the reason that I hesitate to apply the Nitrogen is that last year I burnt up my plants!

Nitrogen is the only one that will cause significant damage to the plant when applied in large amounts... Correct?

Phosphorus and Potassium will not cause as much damage if I over-fertilize... Correct

If anyone could give me some advice I would deeply appreciate it.

Thanks so much Justin

6/4/2001 6:07:23 PM

Deer Park WA

Hello fellow pumpkin grower, I would try to minimize the "N" at first and concentrate on "P", I have found that an even temperature, water source (excess water causes those pesky yellow leaf spots), and fertilizer/fungicide program will greatly enhance any efforts. I will give you this advice for what it's worth. Don't apply anything with out a soil test. If your plant is moving ahead with steady progress "leaf" it alone (still pull weeds though). It is still really early in the season, so encourage root growth by burying vines, using water solulabe products high in "P", and a little seaweed extract certianly would not hurt. Best of luck. Gerry Gadberry

6/5/2001 12:55:27 AM

Western Pa.

A giant pumpkin needs a total of 4 to 5#'s of nitrogen(per plant) during it's 120 days of growth. Calculate the percentage of nitrogen in whatever fertilizer you're using,and you should know approx. how much it takes. Use a little at a time, rather than a whole bunch at one time. Nirogen promotes deep green leaves, but too much at pollination time will result in poor pollinations and abortions. Just remember, slow and steady wins the race! A "heavy" feeding followed by a "heavy" watering, may result in splits, or your prizewinner to EXPLODE! Moderation is the key.

kilr

6/5/2001 7:44:56 PM

Greencastle, PA

my soil wasn't tested, but my plants look great! I'm using miracle grow 15-30-15 with 0.02% boron, 0.07 CU, 0.15 Fe, 0.05 Mn, 0.0005 Mo, and 0.06 Zn

6/5/2001 8:32:42 PM

Greencastle, PA

sorry, 0.07 Cu
Tom

6/5/2001 8:33:35 PM

Western Pa.

Tom,

Your plants may look great, but as the season wears on, there may be nutrients in the soil, that are "locked up" and not available to the plant. This is why a soil test is so important. The more seasoned growers also do a "tissue test" on the leaves of the plant, because just because you have all nutrients available to the plant, it may not be taking them up and using them to the best of their potential. The more you get into growing giants, the more "variables" you'll encounter!

kilr

6/8/2001 8:06:30 PM

Greencastle, PA

I actually didn't know for sure I was growing giants until Feb. it was to late to test the soil then, right? I'm getting it tested next year though. What's a "tissue test?"

6/8/2001 8:17:40 PM

western Kentucky

I did not do a soil test either, they kinda cost money and that's something that is in very short supply in my wallet.:) I am still trying to work out the $130 I need for my misting system. Next year I do plan to do a soil test. This year I will just see how thing go to help me prepare for next year.
Yeah, what is a ''Tissue Test''?
Oh well, even with all my mistakes I still might make my little goal of 205lbs. That is all that I need to set my state record. But you know I might settle for a 700 pounder HAHA.
Thanks and Good luck Justin

6/8/2001 8:39:48 PM

western Kentucky

I did not do a soil test either, they kinda cost money and that's something that is in very short supply in my wallet.:) I am still trying to work out the $130 I need for my misting system. Next year I do plan to do a soil test. This year I will just see how thing go to help me prepare for next year.
Yeah, what is a ''Tissue Test''?
Oh well, even with all my mistakes I still might make my little goal of 205lbs. That is all that I need to set my state record. But you know I might settle for a 700 pounder HAHA.
Thanks and Good luck Justin

6/8/2001 8:40:42 PM

western Kentucky

oops I posted it twice:)

6/8/2001 8:41:19 PM

Western Pa.

Soil tests CAN be expensive, but Penn State puts out a very good one for $6, and that includes mailers and postage on your results. More detailed soil tests can be had for more bucks. A tissue test is when you take several of your leaves(later in the season), and overnight 'em to a lab. A tissue test will tell you what nutrients your plant is lacking. Even though those nutrients may be in your soil, PH and other factors such as a high amount of some minerals, will "lock up" those nutrients, making the plant unable to get what it needs. Contact a local extension agent for more info.

kilr

6/9/2001 2:50:18 PM

Greencastle, PA

because of all of the rain I've had latly I wasn't able to fertilize until today. I'll see how they look tomarrow to make sure I did it right.

6/9/2001 6:15:40 PM

Greencastle, PA

I'm feeding them about 1 10th of the weekly dose every day, hopfully this will prevent splitting. I'll keep me fingers crossed. Good luck,
Tom

6/9/2001 11:04:57 PM