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Ohio

I have a 31 day pumpkin that is only gaining 8-10lbs/day. Safe to assume I’m not using enough fertilizer? I’ve been afraid of over doing it but now I think I’m under applying. Ideas? Thanks!

7/26/2018 5:13:32 PM

Western NY

Or not enough water!

7/26/2018 10:01:44 PM

Central NY

What does the plant look like?

7/26/2018 10:03:19 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

The thing with fertilizer is getting it balanced right. You need some elements for others to work properly. Example: pumpkins need plenty of calcium but can't take it up without enough boron. But too much boron is toxic. I like the soil tests from Western Laboratories. They not only give you the amounts of each element, but also the amounts to add to get the proper balance. Ph is also critical to allow fertilizer to be available to the plant. There are a lot of other things that could cause slow growth. Not enough water or too much water. Too much shade, temperatures too hot or too cold. Roots from walnut trees.

7/26/2018 10:23:28 PM

Ohio

Plant looks great, about 600 sq ft. Total weight is just under 200lbs. Good amount of sun with afternoon shade hitting around 4pm. So there is a walnut tree about 30 ft away from the plant - maybe that’s impacting it too?

7/27/2018 11:35:11 AM

Central NY

Def would affect tomatoes...not sure about the kins...google juglone toxicity

7/27/2018 3:20:58 PM