From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Newcastle, CA

I just joined and want try to grow a monster pumpkin. I am totally new at this. I have all the space I need. My biggest issue other than high temps is my ground is mostly decomposed granite. I was thinking of adding compost from the dump. I was just wondering if anyone uses it or has in the past? I was going to add the compost then plant a fall cover crop.

8/20/2012 1:58:10 PM

Granite Bay-California

Yep I purchase some from the dump in Rocklin. I get the primo "black gold" and add it to my garden. Being in Newcastle find someone with horses and get some manure also.

8/20/2012 3:55:36 PM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

I guess when I put compost on my patch I would want to know 100% what was in it. Getting it from the dump you would never know so pretty riscky!!!

8/20/2012 3:57:01 PM

Springfield, VT

Be careful it could contain hebicides and end you season before it starts. A big compost company in Vermont had that issue this spring.

8/20/2012 4:29:24 PM

Omaha, Ne.

I used city and had no problems. Use what you got. if you have choices take the best choice. You can get herbicides in animal feed as well as in city compost.

8/20/2012 6:19:26 PM

Minnesota

The problem is people use herbicides everything on there lawn, trees, hedges then they bring them to the dump, the dump turns them into compost. I was warned of this, I use compost from a dump site and have had no problems. Do you have access to a farm or horse race track? you can put the fresh manure in now and it should be close to being ready by spring. You will want a soil test done, add amendments, retest in the spring. These are two companys that sell products and they grow also. Hollandsgiants.com extremepumpkinstore.com You can ask them questions and get recomendations I'm sure.

8/20/2012 7:12:57 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

set it off to the side and throw some radish seeds in it,,if they germ you are ok

8/20/2012 7:57:37 PM

Minnesota

what does that mean? radishs are perticular, they won't grow if there are herbicides?

8/21/2012 1:21:24 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Radishes are fast germinating...If there is a broadleaf herbicide in it they will not germ..

8/21/2012 7:27:44 AM

Minnesota

Oh Thanks

8/21/2012 11:36:33 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Our city compost is shreded then heated. Good stuff but I think the heat takes away an microbial benafits it may have.

8/21/2012 6:00:01 PM