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Wi

I've heard some chatter regarding tissue testing lately. Here's my story.

Back in 2010 I sent in a tissue test to a very reputable lab. The result came back that my plant was "on life support." I had a pumpkin on that plant doing about 28-30# / day and I was in panic mode on how to proceed. I did nothing.

That plant on "life support" grew an 1810# pumpkin.

So for those of you without unlimited budgets or receiving poor results do not panic. All it not lost.

This is not designed to be a cut on the labs and those testing. I continue to learn and continue to test. We can all learn from each other.

6/28/2013 3:59:17 PM

Central NY

Wow....thanks Chris...good to know

6/28/2013 4:21:02 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

Good point Chris!Just to let every grower out there know. I have Never had a tissue test.

6/28/2013 4:55:25 PM

Wi

I think sometimes we need to step back and simplify our growing in order to have more fun. Trust me I sweat details as much as just about anyone, but when is enough enough? I didn't realize how serious some of us were until I got "the stare" from some newer growers this year in the WGPG Dells seminar. What seems basic to me is over the moon crazy to some folks. Hopkins and I talk about that a lot and he's the one keeping me planted.

I see soooo much stuff these days that I'd never dream of doing / using because of time / cost. It's crazy to me the lengths some growers go through. If it's fun for them great.

Again I'm not trying to offend anyone for their efforts. As I said this spring. I do what I can to give what I feel is my best shot at having the biggest possible pumpkin on the scale. If you have the time and energy to go above and beyond that for nothing....so be it.

And if you have energy after that you can join me for a 100 mile bike ride Sunday. :)

6/28/2013 6:03:37 PM

Albert County, New Brunswick,CANADA

I agree. I recall from Howard Dill how he was so interested in soil building and how that was so important.....and that was natural to him as a farmer, and so much makes sense to me as well,at least as the most important factor that rules all.

6/28/2013 7:07:34 PM

Sourthern Utah

chris .. i have to agree with u on this ,, I honestly have over thought things ,, sometimes,, and when i wasnt able to do what was really required i grew my biggest pumpkin fruit ,, small by standards ,, but 1st 500 lbr i got ,, ,, i believe in the K.I.S.S. theory now

6/28/2013 8:42:19 PM

Midway, UT

Great post Chris.

6/28/2013 9:10:01 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Always good stuff Chris!

6/28/2013 9:49:17 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Chris, can you tell us how and whats the best way to get a tissue sample. Im gonna do it this year.

6/29/2013 3:23:29 PM

Wi

Kenny it varies depending on what lab you use.

6/29/2013 5:49:35 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Great post, I haven't had as much fun since my 2010 year when I didn't know what testing was and grew a Lowes AG.

6/29/2013 6:23:34 PM

Muddy Waters

Great news! my tissue test came in low.I will gradually bring it back up to par.

6/29/2013 10:32:37 PM

Joliet, IL

I know that each patch is different with wide varities of soil and climate......but could those who do get tissue tests and get a feel to take immediate pro-active measure....then maybe explain how and what you didand how you benefited....or saw no apparent change. I think the key is when to introcuce more p and k at right time without affecting pollination attempts....and only if needed. Some tissue test combined results and follow up applications would be great common knowledge.

6/30/2013 2:21:52 AM

Hot West Tennessee

I have decided to just trying to keep my plants as healthy as possible. Thats a full time battle in it self.

6/30/2013 9:36:45 AM

Little Suamico WI, usa

Chris did you send it to that lab up here in DePere?

6/30/2013 5:44:13 PM

Muddy Waters

My tissue test showed deficiency in everything but calcium & boron.So I had to boost my soil I will be for the next 10 days will add 10-20-30 1 lb.water soluble along with 46-0-00 lb..So the Advanced Nutrients are a great Supplement & steady feed.I need a big boost to get level on the daily need.I also needed come copper sulfate 1/2 teaspoon per feeding thats 300 gallons of water.some Epsom salts.1 tablespoon.I also have some manganese on the way & zinc.I will add these in the next feedings,a 1/2teaspoon per feeding.I will apply this over 4 feedings.The whole patch is getting this over about 5000 sg feet.If you ask why were you so low.Compost is hard to find without 2 much wood in it around here.So I went lite on compost.I also added sand to improve drainage & fight disease.The combination left my soil a little over diluted.I also didnt want a lot of compost within 8 feet of my stump as I believe this adds to the disease issue.I live in a extremely high disease area.Plus its been raining a lot stealing the goodies I water in from the soil.I will be using some Rhino Skin & B-52 in my feedings in between feedings.These are great supplements.I will apply bud ignitor to the melons on the next watering with the potassium silicate while me melons are developing.Dont forget the Great White,I apply this every 2-3 weeks to keep the bad guys in the soil on there knees.

7/1/2013 7:07:34 AM