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Mineral Virginia

SO it looks like it might have finally stopped raining, after doing so 25 out of the last 30 days. Temps stayed low, so everything was in suspended animation. Couldn't feritlize because the plants already were swimmin in water.

What is everyone else doing on the East Coast to catch up? I'm thinking of aggressive foliage ferts as well as ground ferts to get things kick started.

6/3/2003 11:21:54 AM

South Hill, Virginia

Scott,

One thing I noticed when I culled a few plants is that they seemed to have very small root systems for their size. I would guess this is at least partly because water have been so readily available that they had no need for deeper roots. Unfortunately for them they will need a strong root structure to withstand those 100 degree days that will be here before we know it. I'm just going to give my plants 0-60-0 and lay off the N completely until the roots catch up. If you get a bunch of foliage without the roots you will pay for it in August. I bet we will still be pollinating by the second week of July in spite of all this rain.

6/3/2003 11:45:21 AM

Montoursville, PA

Just one man's opinion. Foliage working properly builds roots. My program would have me off organic 9-18-9 and into 10-8-8. I have not gone to the 10-8-8. In addition to recognize the slower growth we cut back to half measure in water and even more to every other day. When the leaf looks right three days between application have been the practice for the past three weeks. Recognizing that roots have to be in relative shape to top growth I feel easy does it is worth serious consideration.

Under the cold, gray, wet conditions we have faced in the North East a soil build up of unused nitrogen could force the go button before the whole plant is ready to go. To me that would be induced stress at the hands of the applicator.

So far this judgment seems to be agreeing with my young plants. You can see the size and apparent excellent condition in my last three diary entries #67 - #70. My fingers are crossed with you. Easy does it will prevail here.

6/3/2003 3:08:47 PM

[email protected]

Phosphorous availability is poor when the soil is cold. To compensate a little, I've been watering with 80 degree water with only half the soluble fertilizer I would normally. But since P can still enter the foliage, that's the route I've been taking. Another trick to insure P utilization is to add about 3 Tablespoons of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) per 100 gallons of the foliar ferts. A little calcium helps too. 20-30 oz of Nutrical per 100 should do.
These are not replacements for warm soil with balanced moisture. But every trick in the book gets called upon in weather like this.
Steve

6/3/2003 9:02:53 PM

Deer Park WA

Eat my Inland Empire Pacific North West Dust!

6/3/2003 10:48:52 PM

Lake Stevens, WA, USA

I gotta say I'm with Gad's on this one. For the first time in many years we finally have PERFECT weather conditions. No cold temps, no rain every single day until July, just perfect pumpkin growing weather. I feel bad for you guys back East, but we have had more than our fair share of it!

David

6/4/2003 1:45:29 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

You guys out west don't have SVB'S either/ season is in your favor. Although don't forget about us lowly growers in the midwest.

6/4/2003 2:29:19 AM

[email protected]

Sounds like the records are coming from west of the Rockies this year.....Unless....

6/4/2003 7:05:28 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Hang on to your hats, it is a long way til Oct 4th.


I can say that the PNW has had some good conditions for the late spring. Getting HOT this week and into the 90s.

6/4/2003 2:43:34 PM