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Bolton Mass

Hi,
I know I've had my pumpkin seedling in a gallon pot longer than I should have, and want to get it planted this weekend. I don't want to kill it when I transplant it and want to be sure I prepare the planting site correctly. We are making a bed for the pumpkin with (free) composted manure. Is it ok to plant in compost only, or do I need to mix with additional topsoil? Or add lime or other amendments? This is horse manure and pine shavings, which have been sitting for 2 years, but the compost pile doesn't get turned, so I am not sure whether it has fully composted (or whether it has really composted or just decomposed, if that makes a difference). The soil itself underneath the compost/manure is pretty poor, with unsuccessful lawn (weeds prevailing). Thanks.

6/5/2009 8:13:42 PM

[email protected]

Ideally all of those amendments would have been incorporated with your native soil last November after your UMASS soil test results came back.

That said..Do your best to incorporate the amendments now & have fun.

6/5/2009 9:35:45 PM

Simi valley, ca

If the pine is not composted it will tie up nitrogen in soil while composting in your soil , I would spread it over an larger area & mix it into your soil to a shovel deep, & at least also add some organic starter fertilizer Or all purpose Organic fertilizer, Use some fish emulsion -say once a week & some liquid kelp or seaweed !! Grow them Big !!!

6/6/2009 8:53:16 AM

Bolton Mass

Thanks! I know we should have started preparing the site earlier, but... I got some seeds and decided to try growing them. I'll take the advice and try to mix with native soil and fertilze, and will plan ahead better this fall. I have both fish emulsion and liquid seaweed fertilizer, as well as all-purpose organic fertilizer (5-3-4...I think that is alll-purpose?). By "organic starter fertilizer" do you mean higher N? I have some 8-1-9 fertilizer also--yes, organic :)

6/7/2009 11:59:57 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Grow em BIG, Juliette!!! Peace, Wayne

6/9/2009 2:06:10 AM