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Lodi, California

Can you mix Ca N with other fertilizers when spreading it around the plant? I would like to mix it so that I could get a better coverage of the Ca N (as I only need one fourth of a cup). Here is what I did.

One fourth cup of Ca N.
about one cup of blood meal.
about 1/2 cup of 5-4-6 fertilizer.

I then spread this onto the soil and watered. Any comments on this? Should I not mix these ingredients? Thanks.

7/8/2014 11:30:10 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Are you pollinating now? Why blood meal

7/8/2014 11:56:47 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Slow and steady winZ the race Ashton....more can be less

7/8/2014 12:25:30 PM

Lodi, California

I wanted a base for the Ca N and I decided to use bloodmeal. I have not used any fertilizers at all in about a week, and the time that I did use fertilizers, I only used a bit of blood meal spread under the leaf canopy.

7/8/2014 12:40:02 PM

Deer Park, WI

to answer your question directly, yes these agents can be mixed without ill consequence. Cal nitrate (in the pelleted form) is a very hydroscopic material, you'll notice it absorbs moisture and becomes 'syrupy' when left exposed in humid conditions. Thus, any mixing of Cal nitrate should be done with the intent to use the entire mix quantity that day. Only mix as much as you'll use that day.

Regarding nitrogen applications this time of year, certainly the "conventional wisdom" states that N application around pollination is discouraged as it may lead to excessive vegetative growth and lack of pollination set.

This may certainly be the case, however, for those of us in the upper midwest who have experienced record rainfall this spring, it is likely that soils have become leached of available nitrogen. Certainly gardens and fields are showing this stress...lots of pale green foliage out there. This due not exclusively wet feet but also a legit N deficiency.

The only way to determine if its appropriate to add N-containing agents is with an N test. Now before the soil experts flame me for the inaccuracy of N testing, the Pre-sidedress Nitrogen Test (PSNT) offered by many labs is actually recommended in the pumpkin growing handbook as a way to more effectively manage nitrogen in commercial pumpkin patches.

Pumpkins need nitrogen throughout their entire lifecycle, and just like many field crops, that need is much greater during the more vegetative stages of growth with a decline as the plant transitions into the fruiting stage.

Again, a little nitro bump may be warranted if spring moisture has leached out the N, as indicated by a PSNT.

No sense shooting in the dark....measure it...manage it.

7/8/2014 12:58:18 PM

Lodi, California

Jose,

I will get a tissue test on the plant in question soon. The only reason why I have not yet taken a tissue test is because the plant in question did not have enough leaves (though by now it should have enough).

7/8/2014 2:58:23 PM

Lymington UK

Ashton
I find it slightly annoying that you ask for advice (That I’m more than willing to give) and you then post this rubbish. I always try to make my diary informative as I can and as I grow plants for a living I do know a few techniques that may help fellow growers.
You asked me about the Calcium nitrate foiler sprays that Stuart and I use a “Tonic” “Pick me up” whatever you want to call it not a full on feed in granular form under the leaves.
I hope it doesn’t damage your plants and the above posts explain exactly what you should be doing.
Ian

7/9/2014 10:52:23 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Slightly Ian........

Be careful not to push amazing growers like Ian away ash. Most are truly there to help you achieve your goals and really like to help.

7/10/2014 12:02:53 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Wow Ashton...you ask for advice from a world class grower and agricultural professional, and then you don't do what he has so nicely advised you to do.

Ian, its not the first time that this young lad has turned away from great advice and has obviously not learned his lesson as he continues to do the same thing repeatedly.

Ashton, ah....never mind...

7/12/2014 12:10:08 PM

Omaha, Ne.

I'll listen to anything you have to offer:)

7/12/2014 4:51:07 PM