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Sydney, Australia

Hello,
Looking to break Australian record of approx 635p and have until October to get soil perfect. Genetics are important of course, and I will hopefully be getting seeds soon that have the potential to make the weight. I have expanded my plot from 350sqft to 830sqft and my patch is raised above the ground about 10". Is that deep enough? I need to get a lot more soil,manure etc to fill up the new expanded patch.
What should I buy? Sand? Mushroom compost? Different manures? What ratio should it be in? More manure than soil?
A lot of soil and not a lot of manure? Sand soil with manure? The 8 yards of soil in my patch is organic garden mix with a good amount of mushroom compost and snowpea compost. It is nice and dark and grew a 205p pumpkin from packet seed. What else should I add to the soil? Slow release fertilizer? Lime? Ironite? Anything else to beef it up? Calcium? What Ph should I be aiming at? I have lots of questions hey...... But have 8 months to work on it. Any advice will be much appreciated. I am prepared to do everything possible to grow a huge one...... Still looking for good seeds as well, something to cross with my chosen seed. Have another 250sqft for pollinators.
Thanks, Ben Boyton Sydney Australia

2/25/2002 1:39:39 AM

Puyallup, WA

Boily,
Have you had your soil analyzed? One has to know what you "have" in order to recommend what you "need".

2/26/2002 10:49:08 AM

Sydney, Australia

Stan,
Haven't had my soil analyzed..... my patch is being massively expanded and is a raised bed, due to pure clay underneath. The 8 yards of soil/compost in my smaller bed will only put a few inches on the ground when I spread it out, in readyness to add more. Will probably buy more garden mix and compost etc, then get it analyzed.

2/27/2002 4:50:53 AM

Puyallup, WA

Boily....At least get a pH level, if you are not able to get it completly analyzed. The latter is by far the best way to go. Oh, by the way, it may be wise to use a "sub
soiler" to break up the clay so water will sink into the clay at a deeper level.

2/27/2002 12:34:25 PM

Sydney, Australia

Stan,
Thanks for the advice

2/28/2002 6:36:35 AM

Deer Park WA

Boily, hello down there, I also have a heavy clay subsoil. I have added load after load of manure (Horse and cow) this has helped raise the level of organic matterial as well as the height of the beds. Benefits are increased drainage and lower pH level 7.0 this Feb. soil test. What is the weather like there? If you have a really hot season E-Mail me and I have a few seeds from my 644 that like hot weather.
Also add "Course Sand" to your clay patch...
Gerry

2/28/2002 10:52:28 PM