Re: startup advice

I would second the roundup notion as well.  Without roundup, dealing with
sod in a large acreage is very difficult and expensive.   When I have this
situation I put on the roundup in the fall-it most effective then, but it
will work in the spring and summer as well and then plow it under.    

I don't know what things you have problems with in your area, but turning
over sod can make for some major grub problems for a year or two.  If
certain grubs are already a problem in your area you may consider some
defensive actions before you plant.   

----------
> From: Beth Rado <rado1000@hotmail.com>
> To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
> Subject: startup advice
> Date: Monday, December 29, 1997 9:46 AM
> 
> Hi Everybody,
> 
> I am just back from visiting my Dad in Pennsylvania, who is thinking 
> about pumpkins for next year.  I will be asking some questions on his 
> behalf, as he wouldn't touch a computer with a ten-foot pole.  Please 
> bear in mind that some of his decisions are not what mine would be, so 
> go easy on me and just give me some good reasons/arguments to take back 
> to him.
> 
> First of all, he has decided where he is going to plant this time 
> around.  With almost 400 tillable acres available, his chosen spot is in 
> a former orchard that has had grass and cattle there for probably a 
> hundred years.   The spot is a great location in that it is adjacent to 
> the yard, it gets great sun, and it will be easy to water.   He just has 
> his work cut out for him in soil preparation.   Anyway, his plan is to 
> plow the grass under, then "throw some Roundup on it."   I believe this 
> is to kill some of the grass and any weeds.  He says after a week or so 
> the Roundup is gone and it won't bother the pumpkins.  (Roundup is 
> "Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine in the form of its 
> isopropylamine salt".)
> 
> Questions:  Is thick, established sod too heavy to just plow under, or 
> can that work like a cover crop and add nutrients?   Should he think 
> about removing the sod?   
> 
> How can I steer him away from the Roundup?  Is there a better 
> alternative?   
> 
> How about manure and compost?  Is it already too late to add fresh 
> manure?  And, should he pile manure/compost on now and plow it in in the 
> spring, or wait and plow first?
> 
> This spot has about 5000 square feet.  He may plant in a couple of other 
> spots as well, but I think this plot will get most of his attention.  
> I've got some good seeds for him, and he says he likes the direct start 
> method, though I doubt that he would install heating cables.  I may go 
> up for a weekend and try to set some up for him so he can use George 
> Brooks's method.  I will start some plants indoors as backups.    From 
> prior posts about space requirements, I assume four or five plants is 
> reasonable for this plot.  He is planning to test the soil as soon as 
> the ground thaws.
> 
> I am looking forward to comments, suggestions & answers!
> 
> Beth Rado
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
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