Re: Fertilizing with Calcium

Thanks for the tips on the Calcium application. I was able to acquire a liquid calcium product called EEZY-Cal (8-0-0-12 ca). I've already applied the Stelts Wraps with towels. In the morning I'll be foliar spraying the plants. We've got several days of sun in the forecast, finally. Let's see what happens.

Thanks again. Steve (Ridgefield, Ct.)


----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen Jepsen" <ctpumpkin@optonline.net>
To: <pumpkins@hort.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:27 AM
Subject: RE: Fertilizing with Calcium


Hi Steve,

There is no single right answer to this question. Have you done a soil test?

Soil pH in Connecticut would likely indicate the need for a limestone
application. Either Dolomitic or Calcitic lime may be used depending on
available Magnesium levels. This doesn't have any Nitrogen but there are
some blenders who combine NPK fertilizers with Lime. My company does. We
produce a granular 7-1-3 that can be soil applied up to 13 lbs per 1000 sq
ft at planting. Higher rates are used in the fall.

Gypsum & Solu-Cal (organically chelated Gypsum) are similarly used both
alone & blended with fertilizer. These are used when the pH is correct but
more Calcium is desired.

Some growers prefer to use Calcium Nitrate (15.5-0-0) as a soil application
early in the year before the vines fill in. Because the N is so high the
rate shouldn't exceed 6 lbs per 1000 sq ft especially in higher organic
matter soils. I would prefer that growers only use CN to get the vines
running in the cool spring soils.

Calcium Nitrate is a common agriculture commodity & name brands are pretty
meaningless. I think Viking bagged the last bag I had here but I repacked it
into a plastic pail & threw the bag away.

After the plants have filled the patch, broadcasting granules accurately
becomes too difficult for even a patient grower. Calcium Nitrate can be
dissolved in water & applied as a foliar solution &/or watered in but there
are better solutions.

True Fluid forms of Calcium are sold usually with an organic chelating agent
that makes the Ca more available. Nutri-Cal is chelated with a byproduct of
rice harvesting. Other crop residues can also used to "chelate" the Calcium
& this is determined by local availability to the bottling plant.

http://www.nutri-cal.com/index.htm

There are also some chemically chelated Calcium solutions. When no organic
residue is available, some bottlers prefer to use EDTA.

I recommend applying Nutri-Cal every 2-5 days as a foliar application at 1-2
oz per gallon. The last time we used it here I used a simple injector in the
irrigation water.

Another option is to use a technique made popular by Dave Stelts. Using the
same dilution rate, he also mixes up a batch in a 5 gallon bucket, soak
blankets or light colored beach towels & wrap the pumpkin. These "Stelts
Wraps" are left on the pumpkin where they dry & are refreshed every 1-3
days.

I know that some growers have used "Stelts Wraps" up to twice each day. No
harm comes to the fruit but I doubt that there is much additional benefit if
any.

I can get you some back-issues of technical articles from our clubs
newsletter. Check the website if interested.

http://www.ctpumpkin.com/

Our October 1st weigh-off at Penfield beach is the only GPC event in CT. I
hope you will join us. Then we can talk shop & you can meet some of the
other area "hitters".

Steve (in Stratford)


Stephen Jepsen
CT Giant Squash & Pumpkin Growers Assoc, Pres.
ctpumpkin@optonline.net

www.ctpumpkin.com




-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf Of
Steve Maydan
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 8:33 PM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: Fertilizing with Calcium

Can anyone describe the techniques they use to apply fertilizer with added
calcium? What brands, quantity, and how often?

Thanks

Steve in Ct.

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