Punkins in the berry patch

[Terry Coombs]

The vine crop space this year is right next to the blackberry patch , and they've been climbing . So far there are 3 pumpkins on the vine (in the berry patch , several more on the ground), and the weight is bringing them down . This area is just downhill from where I was piling the chicken litter in a compost pile , and it's doing better than anything else in the garden . This tells me that my poor growth everywhere else is due to a shortage of nutrients - or a Ph problem that makes them unavailable , or a combination of both . I'll be taking samples to the county extension agent for testing . Once I know just what the problems are I can correct them , and maybe even get some decent crops next year - or this , if I get results in time .

[Steve Peek]

Well, I would guess that nitrogen is lacking. Being that the pumpkins are d oing much better than other things and they are just downhill from the chic ken manure pile one would believe that nutrients are flowing from the pile to the plant. A major component of chicken manure is nitrogen. In my area t he soil is acidic. Farmers commonly add lime to pastures and cropland every 2-5 years. Check with neighbors to see if they add lime(for low Ph) or sul fur(for high Ph). This will tell you if the local soil is sweet or acidic. The county agent's report will help you make a more accurate additions, but you can make additions without it. Steve

[Terry Coombs]

I've started to apply some 5-1-1 fish emulsion once a week . I'm mixing

1/4 cup per gallon , one cup of solution per tomato plant . Peppers and other smaller stuff get a little less . On a lighter note , the Red Ripper field peas are going like gangbusters - they're just uphill from the pumpkins ...