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Greencastle, PA

Hello,
I'm looking for Joe Kruilich's e-mail (sorry if I got the name wrong). I'm going to be growing a 1064 Needham this year and I'm trying to get some tips on how to get a 940 from it. Thanks,
Tom

3/28/2002 9:33:45 PM

Western Pa.

Tom,

Start in the Fall with loads and loads of leaves. Top with 25 yards of manure or more. Repeat this annually for 5 or more years, keeping PH and nutrients in balance. I'm sure Joe Kurilich had some exceptional soil to do so well. Don't expect a 940# or bigger, until you do your homework. Seed selection is only a portion of the end product. Build up your soil and you'll build up your results.

3/29/2002 5:27:12 AM

Greencastle, PA

Kilr,
Thanks. I added about 12" of maple and cherry leaves in the fall, and 10 yards of composted cow manure last month. I double dug some compost and bits and pieces of the my uncle's 157 into the soil to around 3' deep. I don't expect anything near 940, 600 if I'm lucky. I'm just trying to find out how he took care of the plant because I will be growing a 1064 this year and next year and want to know how he treated it to get such a large pumpkin. I will be adding 80 lbs of gypsum and 80 lbs of kelp meal to my patch when I get home. I'm still in NJ. My pH is 6.8, my N, P, and K are at pretty good levels as well. As for homework, I was up until 2 last night re reading Nic Welty's articles, pumpkins, 2 (for the 3rd time), and other articles on some other websites. So, I should brake 30 lbs this year. What's your pH and OM% at? Thanks again,
Tom

3/29/2002 1:10:16 PM

comstock Park Mi

Tom
940 Kurilich (1064Neddham X 747Wyckoff)
I used a 10’dia X 2’ mound made up of 75% greenhouse soil, 10% cow manure, 5% leaf compost and 10% surface dirt (my clay soil). Tilled in 10+ lbs 14-14-14 slow release 4” deep over the mound. 2 feet around the planting hole I mixed in bone meal, dried blood, & dry fish fertilizer. After planting I spread a 1” layer of cedar bedding chips around the base. Plant was growing in a Christmas tree pattern with 10-12’ side vines (800-900sqft). All vines were buried 1-2” deep. Misted on days over 80 degrees. Feed with 20-20-20 @ 200ppm & iron @ 2ppm once a week. Sprayed Nutri-cal (Calcium) @ 400ppm 2 times a week. I also sprayed fish and seaweed 1 time a week.
Joe

3/29/2002 7:23:28 PM

Greencastle, PA

Joe,
Thanks. What is greenhouse soil? I will try to get some triple 14 and trimple 20. I know EnP sells triple 20, do they sell triple 14 too? Where do you get Nutri-cal? I was planning on adding bone meal, blood meal, gypsum, and kelp meal when I get home from NJ. I have also been looking for a good mister system. Where did you get yours from? Thanks again,
Tom

3/29/2002 7:51:13 PM