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Entry Date
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Nick Name
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Location
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Tuesday, February 11, 2014
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Matt D.
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Connecticut
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Entry 55 of 189 |
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1734.5 Steil ’13 (F: 220.3 DeBacco ’13 “Snowball” x self)
While this plant may not be the largest I think it is big enough (and growing) that it can support a pumpkin to produce mature seeds.
I can also say that I think the issue with my poor pollinations last year was the high nitrogen in the soil that I was using. I am as close to consistent conditions as you can get from one year to another with the greenhouse set-up. The light, temperature, and water have all been the same as last year with the only difference being the soil I have used. Last year there was a greater compost percentage and this year I have gone with a very bland field soil that has only had lime added to correct the pH. As a result, my plants are on the low end of the nutrient range or even in the deficient category in some cases. However, my main goal is to produce seeds I would rather have increased odds of fruit set which is what these conditions are providing me.
Last year I had gone through about 45 female flowers with only one reaching maturity. This year all my female flowers are opening and looking great, so take this as a lesson that high nitrogen can result in poor fruit setting.
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