From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Jamul

7/8/2011 4:26:31 PM

Jamul

That wasn't supposed to post yet. Any HH who go all natural, or all natural on the fertilizers/ammendments?

Thanks

7/8/2011 4:29:10 PM

formerly RGG

I think that is doubtful Rustico.

7/8/2011 8:54:33 PM

Garner, NC

Miracle Grow rules!! "LOL

7/8/2011 9:11:08 PM

sevierville, Tn

You could, but not to 250+ size. At least not here, too many bugs & diseases.

7/8/2011 10:14:50 PM

Waynesboro, Virginia

Mehdi 2010 Looks all organic to me http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2010&grower=52840&action=L

7/8/2011 10:37:10 PM

Jamul

Thanks for the link. He is doing a great job.

We don't have any serious bug or disease problems pesticides/fungicides do not need to be part of the equation for melons.

7/8/2011 11:50:38 PM

Waynesboro, Virginia

Applying as little as possible this year,but after getting shredded by the hail storm I had no choise but to bump the program up a few notches.

7/9/2011 12:00:13 AM

Jamul

Sorry to hear that. I hope it works out.

7/9/2011 12:20:37 AM

Bowdon, GA

I think Chris is right hard to keep one healthy with out going hard core with fungicides and pesticides. I like organic ferts though. Mehdi could help he can seriously grow anything big.

7/9/2011 12:45:03 AM

Bethlehem CT

Russ I do feel that if any one geographic region is suited to organic, it is California. Without the humidity and heavy rain periods disease will not be a problem on a healthy plant. I did not realize you don't have insect problems either, that is good news.

7/9/2011 8:02:09 AM

Bowdon, GA

Good point, big moon. Man no squash bugs? That must be nice.

7/9/2011 12:53:54 PM

Jamul

It does make sense, John.

No squash bugs, Jake.

So far all my growing in the garden is on fish, bone and blood meals, and manure/compost(mostly manure/compost).
Plant growth and pollination seem to be fine on these things.

Any organic ideas for pushing fruit specifically?Maybe it would "all be in the soil by now", if done right?

Thanks

7/9/2011 3:45:37 PM

France

I use many different naturals stuff, but It s a lot of work cos I need to spray and drench a lot. Most of the naturals fungicids and insecticids prevent and very few can cure. organic fertilizers are very effective, effects last a long time.

7/10/2011 4:14:34 AM

Deep South, USA

So far, the strongest thing I've used is 8-14-9 African Violet fert. I'm sure it's not organic. I expect I wouldn't be able to grow all-organic if I tried. The hot, humid Summer climate of the South makes it rather difficult to do without non-organic ferts, fungicide, insecticide. (It's nearly impossible to kill a large colony of squash bugs with most consumer grade pesticides of any sort, much less organics.)

While I'm not a big time organic per-se, I've shied away from agricultural chemicals in general.

Nonetheless, I'll likely have to use some to keep the plants healthy.

7/10/2011 4:31:51 PM

Deep South, USA

I should add that you'd have difficulty finding a pesticide, organic or otherwise, that will kill even a SINGLE adult squash bug.

7/10/2011 4:33:53 PM

Bowdon, GA

Talstar or merit will gettem

7/10/2011 5:19:54 PM

formerly RGG

Yoshi, you might want to try some liquid or dissolvable kelp. It's a very good growth stimulant and it is organic.

7/10/2011 10:46:14 PM

Deep South, USA

I've been thinking about using kelp. I'm not sure where to get it around here, is it expensive?

7/10/2011 10:59:27 PM

Jamul

Thanks Medhi, I have read that the organic stuff can be contributing to fertilization for as much as a few years, even for N.

7/11/2011 2:20:13 PM

Trinity River Bottom

Don't mean to hog post but was curious to know Mehdi what seed did you grow your 107 off of last year ?

7/11/2011 2:48:16 PM

France

In the soil, depending soil test results I use blood meal for quick N, corne meal for long lasting N , bat guano for roots, molasse meal for K, bird guano, alfalfa etc.... To stimulate the growth, I make different liquids from plants pick up in the country side : consoude, nettle, fougere, prele etc... Each liquid has a insecticid, fungicid or growth stimulus action. Vegetables are very healthy up to the end of the season. Effects are not really strong but last a long time, so plants need a long season. Even pumpkins keep on growing during october.

My 107lb was grown on the 239leonard, but the crap 2010 season didn't help to get a big fruit. Way too cold !

7/11/2011 4:09:26 PM

formerly RGG

Yoshi, google North American Kelp. They are the source and the best prices and have a great product. The soluble powder is the best way to buy.

7/11/2011 5:36:32 PM

formerly RGG

Just follow directions and don't overuse kelp and it works great. At least it does for me.

7/11/2011 5:37:56 PM