Slow Pumpkin Growth
Hi List,
I currently have three good sets on two vines (1048Cox x
1007Brown cross) that are about 950 sq ft. in total area. I
have attempted to get rid of most of the male flowers the past
couple of days based on information in an archived post. I have
started pinching the tips on the secondaries and burying them.
I may let the mains continue to grow but pinch off any new
secondaries. I may also stop the main growth at some point.
Undecided on this.
My pumpkins look good but the growth is reasonably slow (11
inches at 10 days). Of the ones I have culled, the pumpkins are
solid with no soft spots and nice long stems.
My patch conditions are as follows:
No soil test but I have an idea that the ph level is low (have a
soil meter that may or may not be accurate). The meter says the
ph level is around 6.0. I would like to get a soil test done if
anyone knows of a place where the test can be done fairly
quickly.
My hi temps have averaged 87-92, lows 69-72, the last two weeks.
The weather forecast is about the same for the coming week
though we may get a few more showers and be in the upper 80's
for hi's--lows about the same. We have had a rather rainy
summer but the rain has dropped off. I water overhead only to
cool the plants around mid day. I drip irrigate with soaker
hoses about once every other day. I have to use cooler water
but I try to do this around 9 each AM after the sun is on the
patch to keep from cooling off the ground too much. The plants
seem to respond well as I have had little wilting.
My soil is not compacted and the root growth appears to be very
good. I am using Neptune's Harvest Fish Fertilizer once per
week. Not using any other fertilizer other than a 13-13-13 that
I put out at the first of the season.
My leaves are good color. Pest damage is minimal. Mainly
squash bugs but they seem under control. I am using Sevin about
once per week to keep the squash nymphs and the cuke beetles in
check.
Any observations or suggestions to bump up the growth rate would
be appreciated. I am considering increasing the Neptune's
harvest to more than once per week. Increasing the soil ph is
also being considered. I am also wondering about the soil
potassium levels.
Thanks!
Steve Smith
Harrison, TN
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