From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Grittyville, WA

Im not smart enough to figure everything out... In terms of how to figure out what is affecting a plant, it seems like it would be best to err on the side of a deficiency rather than an imbalance? Would a deficiency be easier to diagnose than an imbalance? How do you identify one vs the other? Hopefully going to Portland/ Joe Ailts presentation will help.

My thoughts: if the growth is rapid but the leaves are distorted in shape or mottled in coloration where some parts are dark green, then there is an imbalance... but if growth is slow, the plant is small in stature, and the new leaves are not glossy, and no areas of the plant are excessively dark green, this is probably a general deficiency?

2/4/2018 5:33:13 PM

Grittyville, WA

I will post pics of a suspected calcium (or ph) deficiency or imbalance in my diary.

2/4/2018 5:36:23 PM

Deer Park WA

Hay Glen maybe you can ask your good neighbor Joel? I'm sure he would be real eager to help you out....

2/8/2018 11:07:42 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Tissue tests are usually needed, but there are plenty of photos online that show deficiencies, knowing how to correct them is the science.

2/8/2018 11:32:20 PM

Bethlehem CT

It is always better to add too little. (you can add more) If you add too much (good luck getting the excess out of the soil)

2/9/2018 9:16:22 AM

Grittyville, WA

Thanks big moon. I’m not sure what it was... but that plant is on its way out due to poor nutrition/disease. My next project may be to make my own balanced starting mix, since it’s hard to know what you’re getting when you buy a random potting mix at the store.

Gads gonna kick your a$$... lol... one of these days maybe...! Yer probably safe this year though. I just ordered Holland’s DVD so watch out!

2/9/2018 11:31:40 AM

Grittyville, WA

Gads is more excited about pumpkins than anyone I’ve ever met, I can’t not like you buddy so go easy on me:)

2/9/2018 11:37:03 AM

Deer Park WA

LoL, its all good Glen people (especially pumpkin growers) should always be good to each other. Hope you do bring a monster to the weigh offs and kick our ass! Its all about the growers commitment when it comes to weight.

2/9/2018 3:57:53 PM