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Minneapolis, MN

Okay...

My plants are growing.

How much do I fertilize? From what I've read, I want to be N-heavy until the fruit sets, then move to a P-heavy fertilizer.

But what quantities? Certainly the amounts they talk about on the back of the can/box/bag can't be right - considering much of the N-heavy fert is meant for grass and thus things like ".5 lbs per 1000 square feet" is on there.

Where is a good source for cheap fertilizers? Menards, with their little 'individual-bag' (pour in a gallon pot and pour it on your flowers) type fertilizer can't be the cheapest way to go - especially as things get large.

There seems to be a lot of talk of pre-fertilizing and prep of the soil.. but I don't see a lot of the 'during the growing time' fert programs...

Help? Nudges in the right direction?

Thanks...

6/15/2009 4:30:42 PM

Ohio

This is what a lot of growers have used for years, great stuff and a great source of Nitrogen.

http://www.extremepumpkinstore.com/ccp0-prodshow/NHFSGal.html

6/16/2009 5:30:48 AM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

Too much N can give you problems with getting the fruit to set. P early will help as it enourages rooting and flowering. After fruit is set, K is the main nutrient. Just don't apply too much as it can blow up pumpkins. In the past I have used the Schultz water soluable tomato food that Menards sells. I may use it later in the year as a foliar fertilizer, but I don't pour it into my soil. Many growers now are going to totally organic fertilizer: manure and compost and tea. I only use foliars if I see a problem developing or the plants need a little boost.

6/16/2009 1:35:18 PM