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Long Island, NY

I have a question about fertilizing a small patch. I have one plant in a 200 square foot area. Just one little pumpkin 135" ott. Just got some 5-10-40 water soluble fertilizer and was curious on how much to add. The container says to add 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water for small sprayer application. Considering the recomendations for other fertilizers per plant I've seen posted here, such as 1/2 -1lb per of fert. per plant. This would require more water than I use in a week and my patch would look more like a swamp.

I usually water about 10-15 gallons per day which would = 10+ tablespoons of fert This would only be a few .oz as opposed to lbs. Is this enough?

I'm new to pumkin growing and fertilizer so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

8/15/2002 7:01:43 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Hey Steve, Boy that sounds awfully light on the water. 70 to 105 gallons a week. It's been hot and dry wouldn't be surprised if half of that evaporated. Have you put a shovel in the ground after watering to see how deep it penetrates. If the soil is loose enough the top won't get muddy it will percolate much faster into the soil that would up the water holding capacity and the ability for the roots to access more nutrients. try pouring a gallon of water quickly on the ground how far does it spread how long doe it take to go into the ground then dig down with a spade and see how deep the water went in will give you a good idea how much water you can add at one time and how accepting the soil is to deep rooting. then you can figure out the fertilizer you can add. Chuck

8/17/2002 10:07:10 PM

Deer Park WA

Hi Steve, I use foilar fertilizer as well I allways use my "Mirical grow" sprayer that way you can't over fertilize. Just use it untill you have soaked the entire plant and soil. If there is any left hit the plant again in a few days. BTW I use 16-16-16 granular every week throw it under the leaves that way it doesn't burn the leaves. Then I water it in really well. every 2 to 3 days I lightly foilar fertilize with 18-18-21 that ensures a constant even supply of food. I also mix 0-10-10 fish fertilizer in with the 18-18-21. In between watering with fertilizer I use seaweed with ALL watering. Best of luck, Gerry Gadberry

8/18/2002 2:49:42 AM