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Middle TN

as Ive said before I know NOTHING about growing anything and certainly not pumpkins. Before I found this site I visited my local co-op and got a few tips there. They suggested a water mix fertilizer, plant starter 12-48-8
It really helped my vine take off but now I worry since it says 'plant starter' should I apply it again or get something different? I know a lot of ya'll make teas and such but thats way over my head lol Can anyone suggest an over the counter fertilizer?
My vines are about 8 ft and blooming. Im hoping to pollinate by next week.

6/19/2009 9:57:44 AM

SE Minnesota

go easy on the fertilizers if/when you are trying to pollinate as you may/will cause some aborts. After you fruit is set then you can restart applying some ferts. with regard to what and when you apply. N-P-K are your gold standards. P will help with root development, N helps with "green" growth and K with the fruits. good luck. I'm sure if I am wrong, I will be corrected.
jim

6/19/2009 10:50:04 AM

Middle TN

I haven't fertilized since May 31st. I thought I read somewhere that it discouraged the blooms, though I may be totally making that up because now I cant find where I read it. haha
This week two of my six vines got damaged, with the number of vines I have getting smaller and smaller Im more worried about the few I still have.

6/19/2009 11:07:27 AM

Pataskala,OH

High phosphorus is good this time of the year.

6/19/2009 11:16:44 AM

Pataskala,OH

It encourages blooms.

6/19/2009 11:17:34 AM

Midway, UT

Most growers only use organic fertilizers rather than the synthetic fertilizers that the co-op suggested. Have you had a soil test done? Depending on what your soil test says you may not need to add any fertilizer at all. If you haven't and don't plan on getting a soil test done I would suggest Neptune's Harvest Fish and Seaweed (2-3-1) applying according to the directions on the bottle. I also like Happy Frog Fruit & Flower Organic Fertilizer (5-8-4) which can be found at Garden Centers but I'm not sure if it is available in Tennessee.

6/19/2009 11:25:32 AM

Okla

Tammy
Here is a very good website to not only get some items you need for growing but also as you scroll down on the left side you will see where it says ARTICLES and RESOURCES. Click on that and there is some very good reading there on growing. That will give you an idea of some of what you need to know.
http://www.extremepumpkinstore.com

6/19/2009 3:14:38 PM

Minnesota

I fertilize once every 7-10 days, I have been foliar feeding the leafs with calcium, some fish emulsion/seaweed. (then again I'm knew, might not want to do what I do, 3rd year, 2nd seriously at it)

6/19/2009 3:36:41 PM