Re: Consensus on the "Perfect Pumpkin Soil?"

Wayne:

I'm glad you raised that point. Sand is all we have here in FL and our 
commercial farmers turn out gorgeous vegetables and fruits; everything from 
watermelons and canteloupe to green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, 
strawberries, summer squash and sweet corn while the north country is under a 
blanket of snow.

A visit to a large commercial farm in FL tells the story. The sand (yes, like 
what you see on the beach) is shaped into raised rows by farm equipment. 
Timed release fertilizer is put down each side of the row near the top edges 
and black plastic is then put down to cover the rows. The seedlings are 
planted into holes pierced through the plastic at certain intervals down the 
row, depending on what is planted. Irrigation is done by flooding every few 
rows, with the knowledge that water wicks to all rows. Very efficient in that 
little water is lost to evaporation. The fertilizer in each row dissolves a 
little with each watering and the wicking process keeps it at the plant's 
roots. Sand actually provides a great medium for roots and the dispersing of 
fertilizer through the watering process. 

Understanding these concepts, I am not surprized that a large pumpkin grew in 
sandy soil, albeit in CT.

Changing the subject just a little, I just learned of a huge new hydroponic 
facility here in Sanford. I plan to tour that as soon as it is up and running 
at full capacity. Word has it that they grow lovely lettuce varieties in 
giant pools floating on the water. For anyone who has cruised the FL 
waterways, you will appreicate that all I can think of is the water lettuce 
that chokes the rivers! Will have to check it out and learn what I can about 
commerical hydroponics and see if any of the concepts can be adapted to 
enhance AG cultivation here in my patch.

Barb 





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