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Lindon, Utah

This year I am trying to grow my pollinators in pots. In years past we have had mornings with very few male flowers to choose from. I could really use some tips on how to best keep a plant healthy in a pot.

1. What size of pot have you used?
2. What soil mix?
3. What soil additives?
4. Should I fertilize them differently?
5. Any special considerations for pot growers, pumpkins that is.

Thanks for your help, I have 5 plants grown to their first true leaf and ready to put in their pots. Started what I call my “pollen plants” a few weeks ahead of the others so I could have lots of pollen ready. I also hope to get a porchkin from each plant for the grandkids. I look forward to your advice.

4/8/2015 8:50:02 PM

Central NY

Not sure how to answer but Don't forget about hydroponic...good luck

4/8/2015 8:56:34 PM

Germany

Would it be a suitable (feasible) alternative for you to grow your pollinators in a very small patch (like a 5 x 5 ft plot of patch soil), have two plants there growing in opposite directions (just letting them run across the adjacent lawn or concrete area)? The larger amount of soil should help you grow healthier/stronger pollinator plants with more males, and the soil close to (basically within) the ground should help you maintain decent moisture and temperature levels in the root zone. Also, you could try to fertilize the pollinator plants in their own little patch in a more flower-pronounced manner (less N, more P) in order to grow plants with shorter internodes (thus more leaf nodes and more flowers on the same area available).

4/9/2015 4:57:24 AM

Muddy Waters

The male flowers appear first so no need to start them early.I would start them at the same time.

4/9/2015 8:24:25 AM

Muddy Waters

I would use a 10- 15 gallon tub for Giant pumpkins

4/9/2015 8:25:25 AM

Dorval,Quebec

Since I've added some bone meal to my plots at planting,I've had plenty of males and females.Maybe try that on only 1-2 of your pollinator plants...(phosphorous and potassium)

4/9/2015 10:01:33 AM

Seattle, WA

If you add the bone meal then I wouldn't bother with the mycorrhizal fungi as the P will most likely inhibit infection. Might save a few $ is all.

4/9/2015 8:42:57 PM

Lindon, Utah

Thank you for all the suggestions, they are very helpful in finalizing my experiment.

4/9/2015 11:27:25 PM