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Sacramento, CA

So, I am trying to learn as fast as possible.

On the Fert, as seedlings, go with more of the first number on the bottle, like a 10-5-0. Then to grow the plant, go with the middle, like a 5-20-5. then to feed the fruit, go with 0-0-60.

Am I getting this?

An opinions on the organic stuff (liquid fish, or my new favorite, Fiash and Poop) vs. the chemical ferts like Miricle grow and the like.

thanks all, I am enjoying the lerning process.

6/19/2006 5:54:31 PM

Salmon Arm, BC

Hi Emma, ask ask ask!! The more you know..the more there is to learn with anything! N=nitrogen (your first number)-generally enhances foliage growth, leaves. P=phosporic acid (second number) more for root growth. K=potassium (third number) is generally focused towards flower and fruit production. Now... try to find out how much and when and let me know! Each type of plant on Earth has it's favorite ratios! Good luck and wishing you an awesome growing season....by the way I am a first time competitive grower with AG's but been around the garden patch a few times! lol

6/19/2006 6:57:11 PM

Salmon Arm, BC

Oh yeah..and to answer the second part to your post I would prefer to always go exclusively organic (best case scenario) but I have a brand new plot and am supplementing because of this.

6/19/2006 7:17:18 PM

Sheridan . NY

HI-- yep N is for greening and to much is no good and can stop bloom---phosphate is BLOOM enhanser and is very inportance to use before bloom with calcium--Potash is a riper the reason you find all 3 on and in one bag is it s a easy way to put down all 3 and make a plant just grow--bloom and the fruit ripen ----we dont want that when were growing GP'S WE need to give the plant what it need at the stage of growth its in---OK That why people use agr0-k or other things because it not guessing may be 10 20 30 is ok---craig

6/19/2006 7:23:32 PM

Midwest

Emma, we try to learn every day. It's part of the fun. I also would second what DBDeb and Craig have already said. Someone, somewhere said that your plant can't distinguish one fert from the next. Yet, we can apply ferts that are more useful to the plant ie. chelated ferts. Chelated calcium, chelated micro-nutrients, etc... And on the subject of 0-0-60... for one, it's pretty strong stuff. I am going mild. I apply potash (K-sulphate) as a foliar and in-ground before flowering and fruiting... my lab told me to apply very small quantities. I'd like to open a dialogue on this topic because someone would definately disagree (Craig?). If foliar feeding is your main program though, you have so many more options than just NPK.
greg

6/20/2006 1:55:13 PM

Sacramento, CA

Thanks for the info guys.

Greg, "foliar" feeding? Meaning applied TO the leaves? or FOR the leaves??

I think I prefer the liquid ferts b/c I can control the distribution better but using a watering can. I dont like the use of the granular stuff b/c I am afraid of burning the plants (I have killed many a plant in my day).

I am actually in the process of expanding the patch out another 12 feet in front of the plants now, so what should I add to the ground before the plants get there? The dirt was a failed lawn. it dies under the shade of the Walnut tree that covers our entire back yard. By the way, should I have any concerns about the constant rain of walnuts being tossed down by the squirrels?

Anyone else tried this liquid fish and fish and poop stuff, am I just grossing myself out, or are they gonna help?

Thanks- Matt (Emma is only 2 1/2, so her typing speed is slow, so I post her questions for her) It is Emma's patch, I just work for her.

6/20/2006 2:44:23 PM

President - GPC

Hey Emma,

The Fish and poop stuff is great stuff, I have used the fish on my veggies and flowers and have liked it allot. Since getting into the Agro-K program I have been amazed and some of the initial growth I have been seeing. Its almost like its growing before your eyes. I especially note the growth cycles when I put on the fish and seaweed, I like to soil drench with it along with the leaf spray on the same day...... besides it makes my Colorado yard smell like Im close to the ocean and we are about the furthest state from the ocean........a kinda bummer for me...Keep up your excitement and I enjoy reading your posts and learning from all the great family folks out here on BigPumpkins.com
Grow'em BIG

6/20/2006 3:43:46 PM

Salmon Arm, BC

Hi Matt, just noticed that your patch is in the close vicinity of walnut trees? The Black Walnut contains a substance called 'juglone' which is a substance that is washed from the leaves to the soil inhibiting growth of other plants. Just thought you might want to know this and maybe consider another site for your patch next year. Also because of this be sure not to add them to your compost if you have one. ...On the good side the leaves repel fleas if you have a dog and most bulbs are not affected. Good Luck Deb :)

6/20/2006 7:07:09 PM

Sacramento, CA

Thanks for the info on the Walnut Tree. That makes sense, the back yard has been dead for years. The dirt that the 'kins are in is brand new, just bought it and hauled it in myself from Home Depot. I wish i had a choice on location of the patch, but my back yard is 70 x 40 and 90% of that is canopied by the Walnut. I trimmed it back so that sun gets through and I will do more this winter, but it is 60 years old, so there is a lot of tree going on.

FYI, dog still gets fleas.

6/20/2006 7:54:56 PM

Midwest

Emma:

Your right, foliar feeding means spraying liquid fertilizer on the top and bottom of the leaves. The leaves will soak up that small amount of fertilizer and use it to produce whatever leaves produce. But, I don't think the pumpkin will soak up fertilizer since they fruits are not food making factories. I believe all their food comes from the leaves and roots. Fish, kelp and compost tea(poop tea) are great. Nothing like re-gurgatated nutrients from micro-biology and minerals from the sea! Gross but Mmm, Mmm, GOOD! Turn over the grass, break it up and add composted manure and humus. Try to mix everything up to a 8in depth. Gro Big

6/20/2006 7:58:02 PM

Sacramento, CA

Wow, after a little reading. i think that Walnut tree is going to be a problem. I am going to post on the main message board and see if anyone else is dealing with it.

thanks all!

Matt

6/20/2006 11:37:54 PM

Coventry R.I.

hi deb, what about pine / oak trees lol frank

6/21/2006 11:35:23 AM

Midwest

Matt and Emma: You may have acidic soil under that tree. You might want to ask if liming that soil would help?

6/21/2006 1:30:30 PM

President - GPC

Cheap PH tests kits are avail at Lowes if you have them in CA. I know kins like acidic soil but whats the limitation....??

6/21/2006 1:35:23 PM

Salmon Arm, BC

Hi Frank, pine needles contain 'turpene' which is very acidic and inhibits germination so makes a good mulch. Oak trees are pretty safe...just compost the leaves fully. Maple leaves are best but because of the sheer number of them around our place i have a hate on for them and so does my back! just kidding...good for punkins and the makers of ibuprofen! lol Deb

6/21/2006 7:44:42 PM