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Central Missouri

I am a new grower of pumpkins and I would like to know what you all add to your soil to make the pumpkins grow good. I mean like what kind of manure-(if at all), sand, leaves, compost? I live in Central Missouri. Thanks

Lindsay

4/3/2003 10:34:21 AM

Webster, NY

Lots of cow manure and composted leaf mulch.

4/3/2003 12:26:45 PM

Montoursville, PA

Finished compost including the manure may be used anytime. Fresh elements of compost including manures are best placed in the fall. Soil tests indicate soil building and fertilization practices. You are long term looking for a PH 7.0 and a very high humus content like 20%. Most of us started with 1% humus or less. Nothing but absolutely nothing will build the soil better than the elements of compost or compost that may be available. A fall cover crop is practiced by many. In the Northeast it is commonly annual rye. Read, read and reread the diarys here to help yourself understand the averages practiced by the well known growers.

4/3/2003 1:19:06 PM