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Grittyville, WA

Is there a target growth rate that you look to achieve, that your kins are dialed in, nutrient wise? I realize there are factors besides nutrients and for outdoor growers they may speed up or slow down based on the weather. I've noticed in some of the diaries people are questioning why some plants are faster than others. So what is a good or bad growth rate? Or is this not the best plant health indicator to pay attention to, (maybe it doesnt correlate to what lands on the scale?).

Thanks...

5/20/2023 2:51:46 AM

Syracuse, NY

I'd be sure that as the plant grows, so too does the rate at which, yes? Like maybe a 401k account (not mine, but a vine?! -maybe); I personally would merely use if not already a higher-nitrogen fert such as, you guessed it, 24-8-16 Miracle-Gro 2 X/week and as Joel Holland once said about HIS plants
'Up to one foot per day' (with a grin, lol)---eric g

5/20/2023 2:31:06 PM

Grittyville, WA

I know a foot a day is possible but I'm kinda interested in knowing are there any other numerical thresholds besides a foot a day? Or are the top growers really only targeting a foot a day? I measured my patch and its actually 1,000 feet so yeah I am gonna keep my foot on the, errr, which pedal is the gas again, lol?

5/20/2023 2:53:59 PM

Grittyville, WA

I may do a tissue test here in a couple weeks to try to figure out where the gas pedal is (other than CO2). Past 5 days = 33.5 inches. Not getting much above 6" per day. The weather has been perfect. I might try the chelated iron next, which has a little nitrogen... We'll see. Thanks!

5/20/2023 3:11:29 PM

Grittyville, WA

Long story short do you growers aim for a foot a day? Or a lesser target?

5/20/2023 4:08:07 PM

Westmoreland, KS

I aim for a plant that is peak health. When it gets hot around here I will get more than 12 inches a day however that isn't what I'm concerned with. My goal is to have a plant never ever feel stressed. It needs all of the water and nutrients available for it at all times. Perfect plant health equals perfect growth. Your weather and genetics will play a big role in growth of the plant. Measuring is just a way for humans to judge how it is doing however it doesn't matter if it is growing 6 inches a day or 15 inches a day as long as you have perfect plant health.

5/22/2023 9:12:03 AM

Grittyville, WA

Interesting. And the flipside is that they grow so fast that growers own health must be nearly perfect too just to keep up. I dont know how anyone does more than two plants! I am already tempted to take my foot off the gas pedal just to give myself a break for a few days. Its becoming clearer to me that this is not just a laxadaisical hobby... Hobby vs sport? I think this pumpkin growing thing is more of a sport. Game face on!
Thanks!!!

5/22/2023 10:04:29 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Just slow and steady don't take your foot off the gas pedal but don't slam it to the floor either.

5/22/2023 10:22:20 AM

Grittyville, WA

By my rough calculations, 6" or better growth is what I will need to fill 1,000 feet by DAP 30.

5/22/2023 11:37:23 AM

Kutztown, PA

Do you think secondary vines grow at the same rate as the main? I was thinking maybe they grow faster.

5/22/2023 11:50:36 AM

Syracuse, NY

All right everybody, put a bamboo stake at exactly the same point at the ends of a couple of select vines - Main tip, 1-2 secondary tips near the main tip and 1-2 way back on the beginning of the plant's secondaries' tips and see how that looks for a pic of the plant's overall growth rate.
I suggest a weekly or 10-day checking-in of its averages.
I've never done the 'let them duke it out' thing partly because of what if the slower starter would have grown faster or had a bigger fruit later?
Hmmm...My 178 would...Well, whatever. Mine are exempt as of yet, happy being little sproutlings thus far, lol. Hey, I had frost soon after getting them planted, lol. eg

5/22/2023 12:42:39 PM

Grittyville, WA

I'm just going to measure the main... I am a measure-mania minimalist, lol.

5/22/2023 1:20:45 PM

Western NY

All depends on temperature. As far as nutrition goes, that cake is already baked for the most part. I never measure vine growth.

5/22/2023 2:44:43 PM

Grittyville, WA

Good point. Supposedly increasing temp by 10 degrees can double the growth rate, within the 50-80 degree range anyhow. Not sure if 90 degrees would really be double that of 80 degrees. It might for melons or peppers or gourds though, idk.

5/22/2023 7:54:36 PM

Grittyville, WA

^Talking day/night average.

Thanks all.

5/22/2023 8:04:43 PM