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milford, CT,

I still have one pumpkin going but I've pulled one of my plants and was thinking of starting some fall prep. How much manure would you recommend for 1000 sq ft. I brought in 6 yds last year. Mark

8/28/2006 8:20:31 PM

Lots of "depends" involved here,,I for one try to use only old manure if possible. 3 or more years old, cow or horse manure is reaching the "dirt" state and I don't think you can over do it.

Then you have the "what was used for bedding?" issues,,,,,

You do want to see what the worm population is, if there aren't many(this applies to that old manure) then you know you have to add something for them to feed on,,,perhaps best added in the early spring prep.

Nobody said "poop" was an easy subject !

8/28/2006 8:38:44 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Mark, no expert here, but most of them say to...have soil tested...that way you will know what you need to add. Balanced soil is the key. Local extension agencies do it fairly cheap. Peace, Wayne

8/28/2006 11:28:42 PM

milford, CT,

Thanks guys, The manure I was going to get is well aged cow manure(couple years old). The farm actually screens it before delivery so it is course like dirt. I did 2 soil test last year through UMASS and the only balance issue was that I had high Potassium. My OM was 9%. PH was 7.2. Everything else was within the high end of normal pumpkin parameters. My goal is to increase OM. I think I'm going to go with 6yds again till it in then do a soil test Early December. Mark

8/29/2006 8:24:22 PM

Montoursville, PA

Three to four inches over all of fresh manure in the fall is not to much. Old old manure can be any. Depending on what else you have available like low number organic ferts may go in with it. Add a foot or two of fall leaves or three inches of ground leaves. I would then add four to six ounces per gallon of molasses and use two gallons on the 1000 square patch. Till this all in good and plant your cover crop. You may have enough time to use a legume like vetch or peas innoculated. If not use winter rye and hit it with about five pounds. It will give you many benefits as well as shading out the fall germination of weeds. You sound like your are in pretty good OM shape with 9%. Hit it good this fall and maybe halve the additions next year. Personally I would not use lime or anything else. That much manure will drop your PH a little but not below excellent levels you are mentioning now.

That patch is ready to grow the big one when you gain the growing experience to bring a monster on. Sounds like you and the patch are pretty much in tune.

As a tweaker you might consider using just one ounce of humic acid as sold by Fertrell and others. Read up. While a very small application is great do not over do this item.

8/31/2006 4:59:38 PM

Montoursville, PA

If you happen to be using the Agro-K program add four ounces per gallon of Symbex 4X and add with the molasses, this fall. Dump any old tea in there too if you have left over tea. Sit back and expect to see some beautiful soil next spring.

8/31/2006 5:02:45 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

i go with a 5yd min per plant..it's all organic.it will break down by spring.plus i been putting coffee grinds in as well.spring (early march) i go with compost only..hope this helps

8/31/2006 5:40:24 PM