From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Upa Creek, Mo

I am reading one of Don L’s books and he mentions a grower digging out a 4 or 5 foot pit and filling it with rich dirt, compost and manure where the main stump will be. I guess my confusion is would this require a completely separate soil test then the rest of the patch? I also read it on pumpkinnook, but wasn’t sure if this was an old way and if most growers try having a much more uniform patch now?

Thanks

10/25/2010 12:47:02 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Hey Luke, I treat my whole patch like 1 large pit. Each planting area gets some extra goodies tilled in at planting time but that is about it.

10/25/2010 4:14:20 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thanks again Glenn. I appreciate the input.

10/25/2010 7:37:10 PM

Rhode Island

luje
i would not advise digging a pit, filling it with all kinds of goodies, then putting a plant in the mixture.

to much chance of promoting disease, plus nutrient imbalance as the plant grows would be a major concern as well.

keep the entire patch evenly treated and you will be better off for it ------------- pap

10/29/2010 5:12:18 AM

Buffalo, New York

never again will i do that.....keep the whole patch the same as pap ordered.

10/31/2010 10:45:34 AM

Western PA

Make a large mound (10-12 inches high and 6-8 foot diameter)
put your plant in the middle, then have a hoophouse over the mound and you'll be in business. I added a sprinkle of alfalfa meal, and some composted manure in the spring and mixed it in my mound. Results were very good.
Lee

10/31/2010 6:45:12 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thanks Pap, Jeremy and Lee. Just saw these comments. I'm definitely keeping everything uniform in the soil. Lee, I am also a firm believer in mounding too for better drainage to prevent stump rot.

11/4/2010 2:14:27 PM