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Newfoundland

added seaweed kelp about 3 in and 1 in of maple leaves to my pumpkin patch last fall do i have to put manure on also in the spring ???/

2/12/2011 5:35:04 PM

Ontario

If you can get some well composted manure Jim.....get it in there.... good luck!!

2/12/2011 7:50:28 PM

Rhode Island

jim, any time there is a question regarding the amts of organic matter needed in your patch the best method is to have a soil test taken.
by doing so not only will your organic matter levels be properly checked, but important things like soil ph ( you want 6.5 to 7.2 at best) missing major and minor nutrients as well.
all these factors play a roll in your seasons results.

excess manure levels and your nitrogen could climb very high,especially once the soil gets relly warm in summer ---- inviting warm weather diseases,plant bloating,excess water retention, foaming stumps, pollination failures etc. to little and the soil cant do it job properly either.

feeding the microbes in your soil is very important as wekk but be carefull not to overfeed.

a good organic level in your garden is 8-10 percent.id go as high as 12% but after that? could spell problems for you.
aged manure is always the best to add in the spring or even the fall.. definately do not add fresh manure in the spring though.same with leaves.
to be beneficial organic matter needs time to break down be it a compost pile or a town facility.
adding fresh in spring will just tie up the gardens ability to be productive.

have a great season

pap

2/13/2011 8:58:00 AM

Newfoundland

the problem here we can't get a soil test done there is only one place it in st.johns 850 km away they charge $130.00 for sample they don't want to do small sample for gardening it put me in a spot lol

2/13/2011 9:42:57 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Jim the Agricultural Station here in Kentville will send a soil sample off to AC in Truro for about $25. They provide a small cardboard box and instructions. I can send you a box and you can fill'er up and mail the sample back to Kentville. About two weeks late you will receive the results by e-mail. I bet it would be under $35.

2/13/2011 10:42:39 AM

chilliwack, b.c. , canada eh

Hi Jim. Another option is A&L Canada Labs in Ontario. I sent out a sample from BC and got results within a couple weeks. Giant pumpkin growers get a discount.You can check them out online or call at (519) 457-2575.
Anthony

2/13/2011 12:29:03 PM

Newfoundland

thaks andy and merrman andy will send you a e mail

2/14/2011 5:50:01 PM