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Sage, Arkansas

We were wondering what type of soil test results some of the watermelon growers have for the melon patches. We often see the pumpkin growers posting there test results and asking for recommendtions.
Do you treat your melon patch the same as a pumpkin patch as far as PH, OM, % Calcium, etc.
Also....what types of fertilizers have worked best for you?

Thanks 4kids.

11/6/2009 11:35:27 PM

sevierville, Tn

I treat my melon patch the same as a pumpkin patch as far as PH, OM, % Calcium, etc. I think the ph can be a tad lower , but i went the same at about 6.8 .
what types of fertilizers have worked best for you? = I use cow manure, & then suppliment with 20/20/20 during the late growing season as needed.

11/7/2009 9:40:01 AM

formerly RGG

I'm sorry to say I have never had my soil tested. That is certainly something I need to start doing.I must say I am starting to prefer organic type fertilizers such as composted manure and coffee grounds.

11/8/2009 6:21:21 PM

sevierville, Tn

test=I use one of those home test you get at lowes or online. You get like 10 tests each of N,K,P, PH.
Takes a couple of hours to do yourself, but it will get you in the ball park. Nonething wrong with the send off kind, just too expensive for cheap me. Now if i was growing 1500 lb pumpkins, yea sure.

11/9/2009 2:06:31 PM

Sage, Arkansas

Not sure about your state but Arkansas County Extension office will send our soil off and test it for FREE. The only charge is for organic Matter test which is $3.00.....you might check in your county....should have something similiar. 4kids

11/9/2009 9:19:36 PM

Bowdon, GA

The clay here is about 6.5. I use alot of well composted manure from a trucking company that hauls cows which runs about 7.0, so mine over all runs around 6.7-6.8. I need to go to Lowes never tested my soil. Maybe helpful.

11/9/2009 10:45:42 PM

sevierville, Tn

Jake, only xmas stuff now, probally have to wait till jan to find it on their shelves. ;)

11/10/2009 2:11:50 PM

My soil test is : Ph-7.0, P-2850 #per acre, K 1210 # per acre, Organic matter 5.6%. a small lesson here, aged cow manure is extremely high in Phosphorus, use sparingly! I cleaned out the barn lot, put it all on the patch a couple years ago about 6" thick and plowed in. Needless to say after a soil analysis have not added any fertilizer other than Nitrate since! All I can grow here is Corn, tomatoes and melons. Nothing else seems to tolerate the high levels...

11/13/2009 2:28:38 PM