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formerly RGG

Some growers use molasses in the spring to "wake up" their garden soil. Are there any thoughts on continuing to feed a little molasses to the soil throughout the growing season ?

5/17/2013 9:40:44 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Dreamer, I feed my plant grandmas molasses every few days when its growing. The leaves seem to really like it. To my understanding it has a lotta carbs in it that feeds the plant and feeds the soil but it does attract aphids. Luckily I've. Been lucky with it. This year I've turned my attention to the health of my soil. I'd say that adding mollasses is worth it. I certainly would like to hear others comment on this.

5/17/2013 11:00:16 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Brix :)

5/18/2013 6:24:16 AM

South Hero, VT

Molasses feeds the microorganisms that break down nutrients so plants can utilize them. Healthy, diverse microorganisms equals healthy plants. And it doesn't hurt to foliar spray pumpkin plants with molasses, either.

5/18/2013 6:28:26 AM

ShagHarbour n,s canada

it attracts aphids is this so,,,,

5/18/2013 8:59:51 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

I have been told by many growers cueball that it does infact attract aphids. I've never had any issues with them yet.

5/18/2013 10:28:22 AM

formerly RGG

I am using several insecticides and systemic insecticides this year so I anticipate no problems with any extra aphids that may be attracted by the sweetness from molasses.

5/18/2013 12:26:59 PM

South Hero, VT

Talstar(or generic)and Merit(or generic)do a great job of keeping a patch insect free, in spite of using molasses.

5/18/2013 6:48:41 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Molasses does not attract aphids...In Fact Molasses can kill soft bodied insects like aphids..Molasses can also act as a fungicide...plus it is full of carbon, B Vitamins,Iron, Calcium, and a lot of nutrients...along with the carbs that feed the beneficial micro organisms..Combine it with an Alfalfa, Kelp, or Compost Tea.

Plus it is a good sticker for foliars.

5/19/2013 3:15:09 PM

Perry Iowa USA

Once my plant is running and good sized I use it as dessert @ the end of the day and drench my sump area,along main and roots before my pumpkin.I mix it 1 ounce molasses to a gallon water sometimes with a little seaweed for happy hour.

5/20/2013 11:16:52 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Linus, I've been told by some expirienced growers to watch out for molasses and it does attract aphids, I gotta rethink this again.

5/20/2013 11:58:30 AM

valparaiso, in

When I use molasses I notice that the cucumber beetle levels are low, but when I don't they come out in force. Never had an issue with aphids.

5/20/2013 9:45:42 PM

Piqua, Ohio

if the sugar content of your plant is high the bugs don't like it, I was told this by an organic farmer who uses nothing for pesticides.

5/20/2013 10:14:21 PM

South Hero, VT

Maybe the molasses attracts predators that eat the aphids?

5/21/2013 6:15:33 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Josh that is called Brix it can be tested with a refractometer...

5/21/2013 7:36:08 AM

Piqua, Ohio

right, and a few farmers I know graft watermelons to certain root stocks for brix.

5/21/2013 10:10:55 PM