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Slate River,Ont. Canada

OK now that we know what everyone is growing what are we doing different this year to improve our chances of growing a big one.
Two years ago my improvement was only growing three kins in space where I normally grew six, plus keeping up on vine burying.pb increased by 172 lbs.
Last year I got soil test for first time,added proper amendments and planted a cover crop.pb increased by 345 lbs.
This years changes are better genetics in seeds and one thing that is a work in progress is soil compaction. I have to use the boards I set up and stop walking all over the patch!!!!
I'm 40 lbs. away from my goal of 1000lbs. and hope to get it this year.I know we can't control mother nature but making new resolutions every year is sure to better your odds.
So what's everyone doing different this year?
Gary

5/8/2015 11:40:46 AM

Nottingham, UK

1. Controlling nutrient solution pH and EC.

2. Looking after the roots/Watering less (overdid it last year).

3. Only growing plants I know I have time to grow properly.

4. Using mycorrhizae (first time).

5. Growing in a polytunnel.

6. Growing in Coco and soil.

7. Using a single nutrient Range (chemical compatibility)

8. Tissue testing

5/8/2015 6:00:26 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

1. Better aeration in my soil by adding coir, perlite, sandy loam.
2. Watering less.
3. More mychorrhizae
4. Started two weeks later as to not transplant a rootbound plant with a one foot vine into the garden. There was a big delay in the plant starting back up.
5. Added a deer fence around the perimeter to keep critters out. It just takes one rabbit to ruin the year.
6. Better watering consistency and timing in an attempt to not blow it up this year.
7. Researching and reading on this site what works for others and trying it.

5/8/2015 6:22:42 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Better genetics. More growing space for the plants. Trying municipal compost.

5/8/2015 8:45:34 PM

aurora, IL

1. Soil sample sent to Western Labs.
2. Growing two plants instead of three.
3. Will try NOT to overfeed my plants, did that last year and they all rotted.

5/8/2015 9:33:40 PM

Eganville, Ontario

More efficency. Better results for equal time spent will be this years game plan.

-lots of hand made leaf compost spread last fall, should help.
-better heat cables set-up out of the gate, plots prepped better under planting hole.
-quality moisture meter purchased, will monitor moisture better than just guessing,
-electric pump to pond for watering, wired direct to a switch or with timer option. I don't need to stand there anymore.
-Dosatron purchased for better feeding applications of what I need and when I need it. Time saver.
- better natural fertlizers for Dosatron. Will make teas as well since applying them has become easier.
-tried the Biochar route with 50 pounds of earthshine per plant.

5/8/2015 9:55:01 PM

Central NY

Dunno.. I did much less and beat pb by 450lbs...I like less though

5/8/2015 10:07:23 PM

Muddy Waters

Growing more pumpkins no watermelons or fps

5/8/2015 11:13:38 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Heavy disease management and lots of prayer.

5/8/2015 11:41:22 PM

Prairie Du Sac Wi

-my first soil test
-my first mychorrhizae
-warm water
-better critter and insect control
-better walking board's to not compact soil
-better weed control
-Better vine positioning for fruit
-more worms lol

5/9/2015 12:34:50 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Trying to get my soil ph down to 7.0.... Instead of 8.0

5/9/2015 9:48:35 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Not crease the main vine when getting it to lay down. Oh wait, I already did that yesterday

5/9/2015 12:12:56 PM

Lodi, California

Protect the vine tips. Last year the main vines on both of my plants died due to heat stress, and I was forced to grow off of side vines.

I'm trying drip irrigation for the first time.

I will try to better monitor early season soil temperatures.

Keep the patch organized. This will improve both moral (for me) and bacterial conditions.

Fertilize slowly and steadily.

Spend more time in the patch. Bury every vine.

5/9/2015 4:25:12 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Prevent hail.... oh wait got that today. The 1317 is shredded. Bad start!

5/9/2015 5:50:13 PM

Torrance, Ca.

lol, ouch Luke!

5/9/2015 8:01:51 PM