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Pittsford, Vermont

This spring will be my first time growing in a new patch. Fortunately, the soil tested excellent and some composted dairy manure and Ca. is all I really need to add. In the past it took a couple seasons to get the soil where it needed to be.
My question is should I go ahead and plant some of my top seeds in the virgin ground or is it too risky? Also, this patch is limited to 20' X 60'....should I stick to 2 plants back to back or squeeze in 3 plants side by side? (my old patch was 30' X 120') Any constructive input would be appreciated!

3/4/2013 7:54:14 PM

formerly RGG

I have grown my best watermelons and pumpkins in new ground. If it was me, I would definitely use my best seeds.

3/4/2013 8:53:06 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Yeah, why hold out. Never know what tomorrow brings, and you might have even better seeds the following year or want to grow a cross from what you do this year.

3/4/2013 8:58:51 PM

Bethlehem CT

Virgin ground is great as you will have very few weeds too.

3/5/2013 7:05:52 AM

formerly RGG

Old ground will often be full of disease from past crops. You avoid this with new ground.

3/5/2013 7:54:23 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

would love to have new ground as an option!

3/5/2013 8:14:11 AM

Petersburg, Mi

I have changed my patch this year too. I had felt the same way as you VT_Pumpkin but I figured I cannot hold back on the the seeds I deemed good. Since maybe next year I will get the next batch and then I would not grow the ones I had originally planned on. The seeds just get lost in the shuffle. Good Luck!!

3/5/2013 8:33:19 AM

Rhode Island

your soil will never be as good as it is that first year. why hold off?both our world records were grown in rested earth.
the 2006/1502 lb wr was a band new patch and the 2012/2009 lb wr was second year in patch after resting for five years.
pap

3/5/2013 8:51:30 AM

Pittsford, Vermont

Thanks to all for the positive replies! Its is greatly appreciated!

3/6/2013 5:26:35 PM