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Clinton, Iowa

The postings about Agro-k are impressive can you imagine the posts of all the fruits NOT using the program? I would think more impressive. But it's a free world. and everyone gets to choose what he or she wishes.
For what it's worth
No Agro -K,No Foliar feeding,no seaweed,no kelp.no granular ferts,no neptune's harvest,no calcium drenches
Basically a balanced soil using manure and maple leaves as the bulk of the soil building project. and alittle gypsum to bump up my calcium readings....None of the stuff listed above used has been used the past 5 years..been in the same patch for 14 years. What i used to do caused my soil to lose all it's worms.... I think over fertilizing raised salts to a dangerous level..(speculation)that is when I changed my thinking and went compost and manure. Worms are back something I think everyone should look for..AND I MEAN ALOT of worms. So many it almost looks sick on a wet rainy night. That tells me my soil is "healthier" then it was. A good indicater
results
1432 Damaged (1097 beachy)
1086 Greenie Damaged (552 sherwood)
1016.5 (1030 Armstrong)
930 (724.5 Carlson)
872 (60 day old cut for fair) (724.5 Carlson)
798 side vine late set (735 Pukos)
Mow that isn't so bad for 6 plants. I am not pushing or trying to cut down any one's products. I just want everyone to know that are alot like me and Petersen. You can grow these things on a budget.IF the weather cooperates!!! The whole cost for our set up runs about the cost of one dinner for the guy and wife who hauls my manure in. It's a hobby for us and we try and keep it cheap.LOL! My guess is we spend about 100 dollors for gas and gypsum and spend afew hours sweating in the october getting things set for the long winter
OK Fire away and start slamming LOL!! I have broad shoulders!!!
DAN ( for MArc also)

11/4/2004 5:28:16 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

No slamming here, my hat is off to as I have said before.
Tom

11/4/2004 6:45:22 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Great job, Dan & Marc. The last three years I have used a lot of maple leaves and lots of manure as well. This has helped increase my weights substantially the last two season. I think it all depends on the grower and his situation. Agro-K has done some great stuff for some growers and I certainly can't deny that.

Phil

11/4/2004 6:45:46 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

Dan,
I listened to Armstrong a few years ago when he hinted...all I now add is lots of horse manure, compost, and leaves. No ferts, OK, well, I did cheat a little at the end of season with some "organic" 05-12-24 that wasn't really organic....sorry I did it.
I agree with your view, it's really quite simple and simple usually works better. Many folks spend too much money on amendments, I know I have in the past. I do add some trace elements and greensand, corn meal, dry molasses, but no chemical ferts anymore, and my TE's are up to the point now where there's no need to boost it anymore as the manure keeps it steady. Weights here went up >150# this year since I started "rebuilding" my soil and quit pounding it with bagged and bottled chemical additives.
I think if more growers go natural, they'll see. Agro-K may be a good program, but I certainly don't have the $$ to go there and don't feel I really need it.

11/4/2004 7:02:39 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Dan and Mark,
It's nice to hear how you got your results. It's encouraging to those of us who don't want to spend a lot of money on this hobby. If it can be done organically, that's even better. The worms are our friends.

Doug

11/4/2004 11:55:41 AM

Sask, Canada

Ok Dan:

Since no one is slamming you I might as well, ok maybe not...

You got the right idea there. The first year I had virgin soil and good worm count, then added every thing under the sun as others told me I needed, wrecked my soil and set back my growing. This year I did comparable except weather wise to my best year and no fert but one kick start after a week of pollination, that was it.

I put the screws to the patches in 2003 and then again this fall lots of manure, leaves, compost with some gypsum.
Great soil test results now, plus Eddy from Airdrie provided me with one missing ingredient (thanks Eddy) and I can't wait till 2005 begins. I'm taking the cash I save on all the ferts and stuff and building up my beer money.

Now my only problem is trying to get the wife to understand my reasoning in putting $200.00 a week into a beer account.

TTYL
Ernie
Giant Veggies

11/4/2004 2:54:00 PM

San Diego

I'm with Dan:) Especially since I can't afford much more hehehe Manure, leaves, gypsom, some worms. We'll find out next year how it works. Jimmy

11/4/2004 2:59:57 PM

Clinton, Iowa

All great responses.....and I will restate....I am not against anyone using fertilizers and pouring the coals to them...Trust me..I have been there done that....what I found out was I wasted alot of money in doing so....In my climate and situation.....I alos found out what works for some...does work for me...What i found out was this seems to be helping
since the stoppage of using chemical ferts and what not
2000 ..662
2001 ..818
2002 ..804
2003 ..1028
2004 ..1432....1086 est....1016.5
I started in 1992...before our best was 662 in 1996....never abouve 600 again until I switched directions..It was a building process and the results took time BUT I am so glad I went this direction...Looking forward to 2005..ground ready ..just needs to be plowed
More leaves waiting to be applied once th eplowing is done
Again....best wishes for all....and I forgot to mention. Soil tests started back in 2002 I do believe.. that is when I started trying to change my Mag to Calcium ratio....this also seemed to help
DAN and MArc

11/4/2004 3:00:28 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

I'm with Dan too, besides "some" actually many, told me,"quote",
Never seen an organic grower at the scales....As you know Dan, we both were there! Been Busy since Austin Dan, but plan on contacting you soon! Phil

11/12/2004 7:40:59 AM