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Cummington, MA

So should I water once a day, assuming the plant isn't wilting or anything? How much water is a new plant supposed to get? I know it depends on so many things, but I just had to ask. I have two of the first true leaves. Are you just watering at this point? When do I start fertilizer, fungicide, and/or pesticides? Anything you can tell a new grower about your daily routine this early in the game would be awesome, thanks.

I was showing the kids today how we know which way the vine will grow by looking at the leaves. And they thought that was so cool. They couldn't understand the difference between the cot leaves and the true leaves until I told them that the cot leaves are like baby teeth. And then they totally got it! :D

5/20/2013 10:14:44 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Cots are the energy for the plant...Like the yolk of an egg until the plant is able to make its own chlorophyl and start photosynthesis

5/20/2013 10:18:01 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Go to extreme pumpkin store and look for fertilizer program.

5/21/2013 7:25:25 AM

The bottom of New Jersey

I would water deeply every few days instead of a little every day. It will make the roots expand out and deeper in search of water. Too wet can be worse than too dry. If the soil still looks moist on top wait until the next day. The only thing I add to the water when they are young is soluble seaweed at half strength. Once they start to vine I will ramp it up towards full strength gradually. It depends what is in your soil when determining what else to feed later, if you added a lot of manure to the soil like me you might not need to feed anything else for a while. Once a fruit starts growing, potassium and calcium are very important. These are just the basics, so keep on reading and learning!

5/21/2013 8:20:35 AM

Cummington, MA

Thank you! It is just like being a new parent looking at your baby and wanting to fuss over it too much. When all they need is some milk and a diaper change...and hugs. :)

5/21/2013 12:38:35 PM

President - GPC

Start with some fish emulsion, seaweed, start to build your fertZ collection......and enjoy theZe truly amaZing plantZ.....

5/21/2013 1:02:16 PM

Sourthern Utah

at seedling stage,, water hvy every 3 days ,, so soaks deeper ,, add compost tea,, to plants once a week, not on plants but about a foot from plant in circle, hand feed a bit of bloodmeal fer nitrogen,, and top a day before water.. maybe every 2 weeks ,, like i said hand feed ,, small amount,, as seedling actually grow into plants ,, we watch the plants ,, leaves ,, ,, to add other nutrients ,, gypsum,, add a bit with each vine area if u bury them, , temperature will determine alot,, ,, as u know ,

5/21/2013 11:29:23 PM