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Zurich, Ontario Canada

Dave M brought up a good question about heating. I am going to add another question. The rule of thumb with watering is an inch per week. Does it really make sense to be watering every day? I just wonder if we are not letting our roots reach for the moisture instead of getting it on a silver platter. Having a consistantly wet patch is likely beneficial to diseases also. Could we water half an inch twice a week and get the same result?? Any thoughts on this would be great!!!

5/7/2012 5:42:19 PM

Piqua, Ohio

I know in field corn in dry years the roots go deeper in the soil looking for moisture, in wet years the roots stay on top. I don't water my plants much until fruit set, then I water daily for consistant fruit growth, if the plant goes a few days with no water then you get an inch of rain it could ruin your season.

5/7/2012 6:29:53 PM

Muddy Waters

I dont water everyday,It would spell disaster in my patch

5/8/2012 6:52:28 AM

East Jordan, MI

I agree with you to a point, on normal plants in my gardens, watering deeply then letting it go a few days before watering again does make the roots grow stronger and there is less water stress overall.

But in the Giants we are trying to force the best that the plant can possible give us. SO watering consistantly and evenly will give you the most growth as long as you don't over water and drown the roots. In our jacked up soil, letting the soil dry out too much on a fast growing AG, then soaking it down will cause a huge surge, which in my case has equaled 2 busted pumpkins in as many years.

That's what I understand from way more experienced growers than I am and what I have observed over the past 2 seasons.

5/8/2012 7:52:38 AM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

I think I will water conservetly until around blossom time. Hopefully this forces roots to reach out. Than once I have a pumpkin started I will go to every day unless it rains. Thanks for the input!!!

5/8/2012 5:03:55 PM