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maine USA

Next year will begin my second year of growing Atlantic Giants. My first attempt at soil amendment was adding leaves, bloodmeal, calcium lime, homemade compost, as well as municipal compost. I did a soil test on my clay soil, and the results weren't too bad although my PH was quite low. What I need a list of what an ideal soil test would look like for AG pumpkins. My University does a vague vegetable/perennial requirement recomendation. I would like to send them information as to what I am striving for so that they can better help me achieve optimum results. sorry for such a long post, Kathy T

9/10/2005 10:36:15 PM

Follansbee, Wv

The problem Kathy, is that there really is no ideal soil test result. Looking over some of the available charts reveals a wide range of nutrient levels from which large pumpkins have been grown. In most cases, and note that I said most, not all, a low pH will be a big problem. This was my first year growing AG's and I, like you, was looking for an optimum soil balance. I could not find one. So, I had my soil tested at A&L Eastern Labs, considered the results and recommendations they sent me, compared them to what I have done in the past for my regular vegetables and made my soil ammedments. I am sure there is a window for each nutrient. As long as you fall inside that window your soil should be fine.
A more critical aspect of soil prep is keeping it prepped all season long. That is, I believe the soil must be fed and replenished during the growing season to replace what the plant is taking out. Like I said, I am a first year grower myself, so I may be completely wrong here. I have been gardening for a long time, and just watching these things grow tells me they must be sucking the life out of the soil to do it.
OK, I'll stop rambling now and let someone who knows what they are talking about give you a better answer :)

9/11/2005 9:09:02 AM

N.Benton/Ohio

dont look at me for the answer monty...im lost as it is

9/11/2005 4:47:04 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Andy Wolf has been collecting soil test data for years. I started doing the same thing 3 years ago using just one high integrity commercial lab.

The secret is.....there is no secret.

Nuetrel to slightly alkaline soil helps.
High levels of Calcium & Potash help.
Very high levels of Phosphorus may hurt.

Other than that, regular nutrient to crop yield expectations seem appropriate.

9/11/2005 7:12:26 PM

maine USA

Hi, my Ph was low which might just explain why with all of the synthetic fertilizer that I "threw at my two plants, my largest pumpkin only got to 180 lbs for the weigh in at the fair. The Ph, along with some premature 40-50 degree nights, my Phosphorous was "above optimum". All that and over the counter seed may be my problem.
Well I've had some manure delivered Saturday, municipal compost coming next saturday, I'm going to work on my Ph. Winter rye seeds ready to plant. And Last but not least, no more over the counter seeds for me! Wait until next year!
thanks for the advice Kathy T

9/12/2005 9:54:36 PM