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NB, Canada

This is my second year growing giant watermelons. It seems that they are not growing very fast. what kind of fertilizer should I be using? Nicole

8/15/2003 9:09:53 AM

Montoursville, PA

Nicole, Lots of water like slow delivery soaking of at least an inch a week. They like moist, not soaking wet, study available water. If you can deep water slowly and then maintain a healthy dampness you may be surprised what will happen with just more attention to watering.

Fertilizer choices are many. My choice would be fish and kelp sprayed on every other day at the lowest application rate per label. They can be mixed. You should see growth within a week greater than you are now experiencing. I personally would not like to hit them hard with synthetic ferts which could cause a spurt and possible splitting of the fruit. Fungicide is now becoming an important hot weather and high humidity factor in the Northeast. This can be added to your spray once a week if you have milldew or other fungus appearance.

The fish and kelp or seaweed based ferts are in most garden supply centers. That's my two cents worth.

8/15/2003 9:51:45 AM

NB, Canada

I can't use fish fertilizers because i'm allergic. we have no problems with mildew or fungus. watering is no problem, as we have a well and a hose that reaches the plant. we water it every morning and every night. i think i might try setting a little bit of water constantly. thanx for your advice.

8/15/2003 11:47:16 AM

Oz

im using a gravity drip method to fertilize.
take your soil in to your govt ag dept.they will help .
if you have a weak vine structure you will get what god gives u.

8/16/2003 10:41:35 AM

Spanish Ontario

HI younglearner is your well water cold or warm when you water cold water will slow the growth get 45 gal drum keep it full when you use it refill you might see a big change just my 2 cent,s worth

8/16/2003 4:44:08 PM

Ottawa Valley, Ont, Canada.

hey nicole, im not shure if watermelons are the same as pumpkins as far as feeding, but i read in a post that you should give pumpkins a fert with a high last # after the fruit is good and set. i have been feeding 10-15-30 in small amounts every day with the watering. i also foilar feed once or twice a week. good luck.

cheers,
mike

8/19/2003 8:01:21 PM