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New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

My new pumpkin plot of two years is 100 yards from the sea and despite good seeds and lavish manure,fertilizer,water,and care,the fruit has been puny at about 300 pounds. I need someone to tell me the garden plot is, or is not, doomed because of the high salt content in the soil of this area. God bless this website!

2/21/2004 6:35:12 AM

Nova Scotia

do a soil test and then if soil salinity is high add gypsum. being that close to the ocean that far north (i'm origanally from n.s.) your colder spring temps and wind are more than likely your problem. so i suggest good wind break all around your garden and large hoop hot houses so as to have them protected longer.

2/21/2004 7:33:04 AM

[email protected]

Crow,

Does the patch ever flood? Or is sea spray the concern?

Gypsum should always be in stock near your patch just in case. Mr T is thinking like me with a wind break to capture spray. But secure it very well! Ocean breezes turn to gails & could break free causing more damage than preventing if they come loose.

A soil test should be done. But you'll have to specify a "soluble salts" or chloride analysis which might cost another $3 or $4.

Steve

2/21/2004 8:06:05 AM