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Albuquerque, NM

My pumpkin is 14 days pollinated... OTT is 100 ((32 pounds) Is this a decent gain for this stage or should I push harder with more water and nutrients.... I tend to be conservative with water and light fertilizing.... But I'm thinking I need to grow harder at this stage and push my comfort zone?

8/11/2016 7:53:01 PM

Albuquerque NM

I have never popped a pumpkin here, no matter how much water, or fertz.
I think if i had watered more at that stage this year it would have helped me a lot.
good luck I hope it swells up.

8/11/2016 8:32:21 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

I would assume your soil is a sive! I think lots of water and daconil to keep the funk under control!

8/11/2016 10:40:55 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

The first 2 weeks they are agonizingly slow, and then they really take off. Soil is a big factor in how much you water and fertilize. Also the climate. If you have real low humidity or sandy soil you will need to water more and nutrients will leach out. My patch is silt and a low lying area with poor air circulation. Humid air sinks in every evening and If I water too much I get wiped out by disease. You can deal with the soil by adding more organic matter and some silty soil if you can find it. Not much you can do about the climate.

8/12/2016 7:52:56 AM

Albuquerque, NM

Thanks... I'm going to water more... I also added greensand, mycho, Epsom, kelp and trace minerals to the soil today to help with the leaching...

8/12/2016 7:46:44 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

If I was in your shoes, I would cut quantity, and increase delivery intervals. Until you do as Iowegian recommends amending your soil so it will hold the ferts, much of what you are adding is just leaching right out. So, smaller portions more often will be your best plan for this season!

8/12/2016 10:11:49 PM

Scottsdale, Arizona

Kris, Our soil tends to be sandy loam with very little OM. It's hard to hold water without adding something to the soil. At this point I would suggest mulching around the main and side vines to help hold some water. I was using 50-60 gallons a day (400 sf) on my plant trying to offset the dry heat. Albuquerque is certainly cooler this year, than last; but it's still touching the upper end of where the plant is comfortable. Do what you can to shade the plant and keep it cool. The direct sun is much harsher in the Southwest, than in Washington. I also agree with Big Show Dog that you should increase the number of times you feed during the week. Things tend to just leach out in our soil. Keep it growing!

8/13/2016 4:36:19 PM