Canadians drop out of 2003 competition
Rumor has it that Canada may not defrost this year and prevent them from
growing Pumpkins.
Well, maybe not, but it has been cold enough.
It looks like Alaska may be the first to plant.
Only a little more than 4 weeks to go and the garden is still covered with 18
- 24" of hard packed snow with 2" of ice under that. We have had one of our
coldest winters in many years in New England. We have had colder nights in
the past but not as many day time highs below freezing. One stretch was 21
days without seeing 32. I may have to Snow Blow the garden as I had to
several years ago then cover it in plastic to thaw it out. Maybe it will
bring me good luck which has been scarce for me in many years. Hope to post
pictures of the strange yellow variegation and death of my plants last year
on my Web sight soon. Three other grower reported the same thing to me last
year. (Thanks for the feedback)
Research results
Possible causes (Prioritized):
High pH cutting off the supply of Iron
Root Nematodes
Soil Born Disease
Some of the above may have been aggravated by an extremely hot summer.
Changes this year:
No Lime
Ironite
Root Guard (for soil born desease)
Beneficial Nematodes
If this doesn't solve it I may have to stop growing Pumpkins for 2 to 3
years. I would rather do that than fumigate.
George Brooks
North Tewksbury, MA USA
<A HREF="http://greenholloworchard.com/custom2.html";>Pumpkin Nuts Page</A>
Approximately 25 miles Northwest of Boston
in the Merrimack River Valley
Zone 5N
Personal Bests
617.6 1991
641 1993
648 2000 (Unofficial & died prematurely on Aug 29)
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