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Williamston, Michigan

I am new and I suppose that is obvious given the fact that this is my first post, I have been “lurking” for months as I did not want to ask a question when the information is already here.

My patch in all honesty has not been prepared properly according to everything I have read but I am giving it a go for this year anyway. I am in Michigan and I have vines to date that are approaching 8 feet, so I am happy so far..

My question revolves around the fact that this year unlike very many in the past is all it seems to do is rain, how do you get fertilizer in when it rains almost every dang day?

I have to go mainly inorganic as my soil is not very good this year, but still want to give it a go.

Jeff

6/15/2008 1:07:58 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Rain actually brings atmospheric Nitrogen with it. However extremes of rain will also leach Nitrogen so this becomes a balancing act. Into the balance we must also consider the soil's CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) which is an indication of the soil's ability to resist leaching.

Physically spreading granular commercial synthetic fertilizer in the rain is a drag. Use a soluble synthetic like Miracle Grow 20-20-20 if you need a quick boost. It doesnt matter if it's raining.

Before applying anything take a look at the plants. The tenured growers have learned to *read* the plants. If there have been some days without sun then the leaves will be off color regardless of the soil's Nitrogen reserves. On the other hand if the leaves appear large, dark & bloated then there is already too much Nitrogen.

6/15/2008 9:19:08 AM

milford, CT,

I don't know what everyone else thinks but....there are magic ingredients in rain water. The growth that I get when it rains versus when I water with tap water is no contest. Anybody know what the difference is??? Mark

6/16/2008 3:46:28 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Atmospheric Nitrogen.

6/16/2008 8:49:03 PM

Pataskala,OH

I was always wondering why plants green up in the rain.

6/16/2008 9:30:43 PM

Hobbiton New Zealand

Dare I say it Hail and lightning are great source on free nitrogen

6/17/2008 3:19:23 AM

Rhode Island

i like cheese with rain water chaser

6/17/2008 5:51:32 AM

Clarence, NY, USA

Tremor, please justify your "atmospheric nitrogen" response. Atmospheric nitrogen is only available for use in plants if it has undergone fixation.

6/18/2008 1:23:43 AM

Westford, MA

Large Dark & bloated....
Might the veins on the LDB leaves appear to be silver, almost florescent.
2 of my plants(not side by side) have Dark Green almost w/a tinge do dark Blue color with silver veins.
The other 6 look normal??
Haven't used any fungicide other then Safer 3-in-1.
Used Messenger organic systemic (2xs)
May have put down too much Blood meal about 2 weeks ago.

Haven't started a diary so no pics.
My Question
Any thoughts on Dark Green leaves with Silver Veins??

thanks
kevin

6/18/2008 8:48:44 AM