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Bristol R.I. USA

Okasy I've asked this question hoping to get some different feed back. My question to the pumpkin world is, Do Calcium Soaked towels do anything for the overall pumpkin strength. I've heard that the fruit doesn't absorb any of it at all from the fruit and I've heard that it does in some cases. Does anyone have any other proff or any other evidence that disputes this arguement. As times goes by and theories change as well gardening practices sometimes we find that we've missed some evidence to the arguements we've made. So what do you growers in Pumpkin land think?

7/6/2011 11:47:02 AM

Pataskala,OH

I remember reading that it burns the skin on the pumpkin. I never risk that since I always try to get the dill award. I think having enough calcium in the soil and foliar feeding is enough. I know some people spray calcium on the pumpkin, but they do not soak a towel and place it on the pumpkin anymore.

7/6/2011 12:06:07 PM

South Hero, VT

I heard last year that calcium soaks or sprays ages the skin of pumpkins at an accelerated rate.

Basic advice? apply calcium by foliar spray or vine drench. Keep calcium solutions off the fruit itself.

7/6/2011 12:26:28 PM

Rhode Island

kenny your a classic.the fruit grows from the inside out not the outside in.calcium towels have little to no effect what-so-ever, just more work for the grower.

stick to a dry sheet over the fruit on sunny days, a blanket when the night temps go mid-fifties, and you will do fine.

calcium should be applied as a soil drench.where the roots can take it in and distribute thoughout the plant and into the fruit.

7/8/2011 12:03:57 PM

Ireland

Kenny, Im certain that the Patons tried this a few years ago as a test on a melon or something or other.
Id say dont do what your thinking of doing because Ian told me not to do it and these are fellas who know what they're talkin about.
Check their diary a few years ago I think they posted something about this a few years ago.
Micheal

7/8/2011 7:06:16 PM

Western NY

myth..... busted.

7/8/2011 8:44:49 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

lol! You know how things usually are you always wanna find the proof.....Okay I get it now! lmao! I have a goal and I'm a Man on a mission! grrrrrrrr! Thanks all for the input.

7/8/2011 9:57:33 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Btw yes I am the classic case also a classic case of more on...More on the plants doesn't mean better results..

7/8/2011 9:58:18 PM