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Bear Creek, NC

Is it possible to have to much. I have very poor soil for pumpkins. I have purchased almost 50 yds of compost, enough to put 12 in. deep on 3 20X20 plots. Also I have a never ending supply of poultry manure. How much compost and how much manure would be ideal? Thanks.

5/5/2010 12:00:03 PM

Bear Creek, NC

I have heard that 10% of organic matter is ideal but I have also read of the heavy hitters raising their beds by as much as 2ft. I have also heard of using 6in of manure and till it in. I just don't want to over do it and turn my first year into a disaster. My wife already thinks I'm nuts.

5/5/2010 12:19:53 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

10% is the total weight after ignition (burning). A bed raised by 2' would be composed of SOIL mixed with manure/compost/etc. Just leaving compost on the ground isn't what the hitters do.

5/5/2010 2:01:23 PM

Western PA

YES it is,

If the compost is fully composted then maybee 4-6 inches max this spring. you will have to till it in really good with your existing soil. in order to get good soil in most cases takes years to build up and get your numbers in the ranges you want.

A soil test is really a must to know what your dealing with.

5/5/2010 5:16:43 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I know many hitters. They don't leave unincorporated amendments on the ground for long if they intend to keep swinging. The layering on most soils would be mostly destructive in the long-term. Honest.

5/5/2010 6:05:59 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Chicken Farmer, 12 inches is way to much to put down at one time. See if you can get some of your money back and buy just 20 yards.

5/5/2010 9:32:57 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

With 12 inches does the tiller ever even hit the ground and mix in? Personally I do believe that most growers have their soil totally juiced with to much stuff, leaving themself open to pathogens and disease. I've seen a few guys juicing their soil to the point that you could see Maunre that was still fresh!

5/6/2010 8:35:22 AM

Garner, NC

Hey Chicen Farmer, Just wanted to see how things were going, did you get those seeds in the mail?

5/6/2010 12:28:12 PM

Garner, NC

Hey Chicen Farmer, Just wanted to see how things were going, did you get those seeds in the mail?

5/6/2010 12:28:14 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I use any extra compost to help bury or cover vines during the growing season. That top dressing is then tilled under in the fall and a cover-crop of rye grown on top of that.

We just had 8 yards delivered and moved by hand.....I can't even imagine 50 yards!!

5/6/2010 3:22:48 PM

Australia

I also have used any excess compost to help bury vines and use it as a mulch to slow weeds/conserve moisture. As for chicken manure I spread 1 inch from a 3-4 year pile and tilled in. Would not use fresh manure as its too hot.
Best to test soil before so you know what you have.

5/6/2010 6:52:45 PM

Bear Creek, NC

Hey Ice Man, yes I did and thanks. I expect they should be popping out of the soil tomorrow. I planted one of each and all of the watermelon seeds.
North Shore Boyz, I try not to do anything like that by hand. I admire you for moving that much.

5/6/2010 10:42:36 PM