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Wisconsin

I got a soil test done at the local elevator. Unfortunately they don't really know much about growing giant pumpkins. All sugestions made were general and vague, I was wondering if someone could get me in the right direction.

5,000 sq ft plot

PH = 6.3
Organic matter = 3.3%
P ppm 64
K ppm 202
CA ppm 1993
MG ppm 305
ZN = 5.4
CEC = 12

From the research I've done, I think I want to raise the ph to 6.8-7.0 and raise organic matter to 10%,sure but not really sure the best way to go about things. I've spread 3 truck loads of well aged manure in the plot since the test, two of them concentrated where two of the pumpkins will be. I have a bag of winter rye for cover crop and bag of deer radishes (tillage style radish) I wanted to get planted asap, as this year it will double as a little food plot for deer. (If I harvest thedeer this fall, they won't be as many to mess with the pumpkin next year, lol)

Any suggesetions?

9/4/2015 5:14:46 PM

Hi mike
Your local club members will be a great resource as you get started.

Here is a link to upcoming events in case you don't already have the latest Wisconsin club newsletter
http://www.wisconsingiantpumpkingrowers.com/events.html

9/5/2015 8:21:42 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Most of the growers in the state I'm sure would love to help. What area are you from.. With a Cec of 12 I presume you are central or northern Wisconsin. Sandy soil?

9/5/2015 9:57:14 AM

Midway, UT

I would say add some lime to raise the PH this fall. Adding the compost was a good idea. Afalfa pellets could be a good idea too. Cover crop is great. I would shoot for something around 7% organic matter. I don't think you want to try to raise the organic matter too quickly or it could cause you problems later. Like the other said, get with your local growers and ask them questions at the upcoming weigh-offs. 99% of growers are more than happy to help you out. If there is a pumpkin that looks interesting to you at the weigh-off, in a nice way, ask the grower for their address and ask if you can send them a self addressed stamped bubble envelope. Most growers are more than happy to share seeds.

9/5/2015 11:11:05 AM

Wisconsin

Big City, I live near Waupun, I guess I wouldn't consider my soil sandy, but then again I'm new to this whole thing. Pumpkin Stoo, I'm planning on joining that group and going to the sturgeon bay weigh off this year.

9/5/2015 12:35:51 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

ooooh, waupun reminds me of the twin harpwaupuns

9/7/2015 11:55:09 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

i wonder if i still have seeds left of from that
plant

9/7/2015 11:57:11 PM