From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Yadkin Valley North Carolina

It has been suggested that I start using potash at this stage of growth. Several of my fruit are 30 to 35 days old. was told to use 3 lbs. per plant and spread on ground between and near vines. could not find in powder form and have found pelletized, also could not find just potash by itself so I got 0-25-25. Should I continue with 20-20-20, molasses, etc. on leaves as in the past? Some opinons would be nice as I am ready to apply if 0-25-25 is suitable. thanks....Jim

9/2/2006 11:56:17 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

Everyone has a different opinion on this. Mine is...Switching to a high K (potash) is as a finnisher. If the fruit are still growing fast, which they should be at day 30-35, I would continue with a balanced program (20-20-20) for another couple of weeks or so. Granular 0-25-25 is not as fast release as water soluable fertilizers so you may want to put some on now and continue with the 20-20-20.
I am using a high potash water soluable in the irrigation water (drip tape) once a week. and a 4-12-12 foliar once a week. Our pumpkins are at day 45 to 60 now and have slowed their growth substantially.

9/2/2006 3:22:10 PM

Yadkin Valley North Carolina

thanks ever so much John for taking the time to help me out, will continue with what I have been doing and also start with the the pellets so they will have time to dissolve by the time potash is needed.Since I am going to do this at what time should I stop the 20-20-20 and what should I replace it with? thanks....Jim

9/2/2006 5:18:49 PM

Mocksville, NC

Jim Epsom salts, but not till like the last 2 or 3 weeks of growing i'll start appying it in about 3 weeks mine are older than yours, I'll be useing Organic Epsona plus I got at lowes potash,and mag. Rog.

9/2/2006 5:42:46 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Biggie,

Around here we should NOT use the blend you have since we already have too much Phosphorus in our soils.

The Potash in this blend would be good dpending on the source. What is it?

The grade you have might be very good if your soils test low for P.

9/2/2006 5:43:45 PM

Yadkin Valley North Carolina

Roger, Tremor...thanks for advice...have not yet applied...as Roger already knows my soil tests never came back sooooo I don't have that answer. By source I take that to mean what brand?..bought it at the local milling store that supplies all the farmers throughout the south...Southern States Milling Co.

9/2/2006 9:46:25 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Not the brand name. There should be a "nutrients derived from:" statement on the bag somewhere.

The potash is probably "Muriate of potash".

9/3/2006 10:30:53 AM

Yadkin Valley North Carolina

DAA..sorry, at any rate have checked bag and sorry to say no info given

9/3/2006 1:33:16 PM