re:I believe there is another unknown factor at work too.
- To: "'Pumpkins'"
- Subject: re:I believe there is another unknown factor at work too.
- From: M* C*
- Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 16:39:06 -0800
I have been growing roses longer than giant pumpkins and I know that when
roses have been growing in a particular location for an extended time they
take something from the soil that does not show up on any test, but inhibits
the growth of any new rose you plant in that area. I've heard it called
soil sickness. If you lose a bush from a long established bed say to a
severe freeze in the winter, it may not be possible to plant another rose in
that location. They fail to do well and often die. I have also heard that
planting marigolds will help to inhibit or reverse this condition. This is
from other rose growers. Also goes along with the companion growing
theory. Some plants produce what
others need. I wonder if perhaps there is a perfect companion plant for AG
pumpkins that would help to restore whatever it is that the pumpkins take
from the soil and noone is testing for. What would be the marigold for a
pumpkin plant that would
keep an old garden productive for many year? I have grown my pumpkins in a
county pea patch garden that has been used for I don't know how long. I do
know that what this soil produces best is weeds. I can only make my
amendments just prior to planting unless I can get into a year round plot
this year. I would love to know if there was a companion plant for AG's.> I
believe AG's take something out of the soil that does not show up in soil
> tests. After ten years a decline will be seen if the missing ingredients
are
> not replaced ether because the grower knows how to do this or hits on it
by
> accident. There are a lot of people trying different things to make
thier gardens as productive as possible. AG pumpkins
are a unique plant, but I think we can all learn from other gardeners who
grow other crops and plants. Maybe something that works for them could also
work for us. Keep your eyes and ears open folks . I for one can't wait for
George to spill the beans on what he has come up with, but if he feels he
needs another season to test his theory I can hold out. Meanwhile I will do
the best I can with what information and resources I have and try to grow my
biggest pumpkin yet. And if at the end of the season I have moved into to
800+# club I'll let everyone know just what I did and if not at least I'll
learn from the experience.
The groundhog didn't see his shadow today. That either means an early
spring or Marv got to him before his eyes were even open. I can hardly
stand the wait. Messing around with germination experiments waiting for
things to warm and dry. I have to keep things in the right order. Baseball
season starts first, then pumpkin growing season.
Chris Michalec
Covington, WA
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