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Simi valley, ca

I am trying to adjust my watering program ! My plants are 10 days & 17 days old ! I know its good idea to water out from plant long ways & i do! But I was wondering if people keep ground moist in rest of patch ? Here in so calif it has not rained for 4 months (Another record) I do water hole patch from time to time as to keep composting the organtic matter & keep soil alive , but some spots dont receive much water untill vines get over there , Just wanted to see if others keep hole patch watered ?

5/18/2008 10:21:47 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

It would be prudent to conserve water under the drought conditions you're experiencing. However as you indicated, intense drought such as this will destroy the soil food web elements.

I would recommend a responsible irrigation regime to prevent soil death. Plants require 1+ inches a week. Half that much might be overkill in the soil of the advancing roots/vines.

We can garden responsibly even if we aren't xeriscaping.

5/18/2008 10:27:55 PM

California High Desert CinnamintStick@msn.com

I was wondering this same question. This is my first year with giant pumpkins but with my past gardens I only water where the plants are growing. Most years we get about 4 inches of rain. Most of that is in the form of snow.

5/19/2008 8:46:20 AM

South East

i water all of the patch and keep the parts that arnt occupied yet moist to.

5/19/2008 12:05:58 PM

southwest MO

With all the teas and biologicals avaliable today you can ramp the soil up in a hurry. Make sure you use some of these. I'm trying some Yucca this year. Its supposed to help with the rugged type enviroment you have.

5/19/2008 1:20:32 PM