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Syracuse, NY

Are you fertilizing it or simply monitoring its weight progression? (You know I *mean* to ask *nice*ly, lol - is that a conundrum? Searched Bing - Yes!) I see all the time that 'my weight gains are down to...' and no mention is made of any ferts being added or even tried and...which, to ME, is in small amounts butt if you WANT a fruit to gain and it's not -ing, WHAT are ya gonna do? Pray? Well, it's unlikely that that will help. Some growers say 'It was still gaining 20 pounds a day when picked'; What is their secret or situation? Soil fertility? Probably. I am ONLY directing this to YOU, as you have the outgoing nature needed to disregard caution about the soil THIS year. I HAVE HAD fruits start up again upon 'overdoing'/supplementing them with ferts that were diminished due to cost and/or unavailability, even recently. It is an UNEVENly-shaping re-start, butt it does happen. NO qualms, butt even Frankenstein was cool until he started becoming a menace, lol---eg
PS---I'm stopping usage of liquid Molasses for next year because I'm finding that that it results in the smelliest drench water AND pumpkin flesh in decay, EVER. Not even selling my FPs this year because of it. Might be OK if solution is fresh and fruit is not decaying. eg
PS2 - A re-started/boosted fruit may not be made up of the normal constituents of a 'proper' fertile soil - the plant takes what it can get, lol---eg

9/30/2024 9:28:24 AM

Gourd Zone, WA

Thats an interesting idea as to whether more fertilizer would help. It might. However, I did add some a couple weeks ago and I was assuming some of it was still getting washed down into the root zone by the rain. But certain nutrients could get bound up in the soil within a few days, so there may yet be a deficiency or two. The vines are growing well and haven't withered due to lack of energy or nutrients. I guess I was assuming whatever feeds vines would adequately feed the gourd, but that may or may not be true.

Its interesting to think about.

I have not used molasses so I dont know what that issue is!

9/30/2024 10:21:25 AM

Syracuse, NY

Just remember that...it's a Grand Illusion, really!
A guy can have a car that is SO incredible...and his house is a shambles and his bank account in default. Similarly, a plant can be the best ever and not carrying any fruit along. Only once I let my FPs get down to 1 or 2 fruits did any of them stop aborting otherwise, like a power panel that doesn't trip breakers once the load is reduced. Also, fertilizer amongst the entire area...is only being used by what roots are immersed in it, so, frequent apps of it are needed, IMHO.
Multi-Vitamins, supplements, augmentation...in the NOW! Hey, have fun, regardless, lol---eg

10/1/2024 10:20:07 AM