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minnesota

I just purchased some calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) and 0-0-61 fertilizer. I have never used either of these before and was wondering if anyone had an opinion on application rates and if these could be applied while you are still trying to set fruit. Both are granular, the calcium nitrate is greenhouse grade,which I believe means it can be sprayed thru a hose end sprayer. Will either of these cause me problems with trying to set some additional fruit? I am thinking about 1/2 pound of each per 100 sq. ft. per week????????? I would really appreciate some guidance in this matter.

7/22/2003 10:34:08 PM

Small Patch; new grower here. my .02 You should be using a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 during fruit set period if anything. From your post it seems like you have fruits and maturing blossoms. High nitrogen will cause rapid plant growth but increase/cause fruit aborts, you will have a plant that is racing through the patch but not producing fruits so save the cal nitrate for next year. 0-0-61 will promote fruit growth. I would hold off on the 0-0-61 till after you are certain the fruits hold. You want to use this when the plant growth slows and the plant starts puting energy into the fruits. Basketball size seems to be the rule of thumb. Your application rate sounds ok. good luck. Bait

7/24/2003 10:05:03 AM