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formerly RGG

Late last fall as I finally began removing the plastic tarp I was using to cover the ground, I noticed a couple of things. One was the ground was very dry where the plastic was keeping the rain from coming through. And the other was the almost total lack of earthworms. I have always heard the presence of earthworms is a good indicator of healthy soil. I decided then I want soil that is full of worms. So I have been applying ingredients to my soil that promote biological activity. Molasses, kelp powder, alfalfa, cornmeal, cracked corn and a few other things are what I have been using. I didn't expect my worm population to explode overnight and it didn't. There were just too few adult worms to multiply. It hasn't taken long though and there are now thousands of small earthworms throughout my garden. I am trying to be a worm farmer as much as a watermelon farmer. I plan on continuing to feed my worm population throughout the growing season and hopes this helps me grow some giant melons. Please let me know what you think of this approach. Are there any drawbacks associated with growing watermelons in the middle of a worm farm? What do you think?

5/13/2011 12:49:15 PM

Okla

With worms comes moles,,,,, bunches of moles. Can't get rid of them

5/13/2011 1:45:30 PM

sevierville, Tn

I think worms are great, i have millions of them. No moles that i have seen.

5/13/2011 3:04:16 PM

formerly RGG

Chris, do you apply anything to your soil to help promote and feed these millions of worms?

5/13/2011 6:27:51 PM

formerly RGG

Hey Chris.... If at some point you happen to have an extra 239 Leonard that isn't already promised to someone if you will please let me have it, I will eliminate my 2nd 100 Masterson plant and give it growing space in my main garden. And you will move way up on my list of favorite people. I just wanted to throw that out there in case there is any chance.Or I will even do the same for a 35 Kent.

5/13/2011 7:07:41 PM

formerly RGG

To Chris again; I am sorry if I am seeming like a pest. I moved a recovering 264 Kent over beside the 2nd 100 Masterson and will use it as a replacement there if it continues to do well.There probably just isn't a lot of sense in growing 2 plants from the same melon I think. And I am sure you would have helped me if the opportunity became available as you always have. Thank you.

5/14/2011 10:31:34 AM

formerly RGG

My question about worms isn't so much about the worms themselves as it is about effects on the soil from feeding large amounts of organic matter throughout the growing season. Will the PH of my soil be altered significantly and will there be a much greater threat of soil borne disease from all the increased biological activity? I think this is a question for someone who has done this before and I am not sure if any of the growers on here have ever tried growing this way.

5/14/2011 10:37:21 AM

Bowdon, GA

Dennis do you know what your %organic matter was before planting?

5/14/2011 11:13:15 AM

formerly RGG

Jake, I never had it tested. I know I have turned it from a lot of red clay into black soil so I would say it is high.I have added tons of coffee grounds from Starbucks and 100's of 40 pound bags "organic humus and manure" from Wally World and hundreds of pounds of several other amendments.It is very fertile I think. Can dirt get too fertile?

5/14/2011 12:07:52 PM

Muddy Waters

Yes dirt can get to fertile TD to much of any thing is Toxic imagine 12 wives!!!lol

5/14/2011 1:39:29 PM

formerly RGG

I know you are right HH. I will need to be very careful not to overdo things.

5/14/2011 2:07:05 PM

formerly RGG

Mark, I was just out in the patch to water and spray my plants and I got to thinking about what you said about anything being toxic in too great a quantity. This caused me to recall a story I heard several months ago. You may be familiar with it. A radio station disc jockey was offering some kind of nice prize to the person who could drink the most water. And a woman (I don't remember if she was the contest winner)drank so much water she ended up dying from it. I think the doctor called it water toxicity. And water is probably the one thing, other than air, a human being could consume more of than anything else and not be hurt by it. So thumbs up again on your advice! :-)

5/14/2011 6:33:30 PM

sevierville, Tn

Dennis, your plants are bigger then mine based on your pictures. I thought you had enough plants???

5/16/2011 3:07:32 PM

formerly RGG

I have too many for real. It's just that I will need the best genetics possible to compete with some of you heavy hitters.I think I have a pretty good lineup though.Let the games begin. :-)

5/16/2011 5:17:01 PM