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San Diego

I am confused on potasium and when to use it. Don's pumpkin book gave me the impression that you should use 20-20-20 for the first 6 weeks of a pumpkins growth, but I hear others say use it earlier. Is it a big growth enhancer of pumpkins or just a sustainer of growth for later in the season? My pumpkin is 130 lbs after 26 days now and my plant isn't growing much anymore, but I don't want to start my potasium if it's just a sustaining slow growth fert and not a big growth enhancer. Some expert advice would be great. Thanks, Jim

7/30/2002 12:28:27 AM

Western Pa.

Potassium builds thick cell walls, which translates to more weight. I start giving potassium to my plants in July after fruit is well set(basketball size), then double up on it in early August.( In my climate, August is THE month for most pumpkin growth.) I usually stop fertilizing altogether(except for Neptune's), in September when growth starts to slow down.

kilr

7/30/2002 9:44:50 AM