Cover Crops: Improving Your Soil

Good morning, Growers!

I thought I'd pass this idea along, in case you're wondering if there's anything that you could be doing now for next spring.

Every year about this time, I make a mental note to myself to grow a cover crop in my patch to improve the soil quality by increasing the amount of nitrogen available to my vine in the spring. Plus, the amount of soil amendments I've added the last few seasons has raised the soil level to a degree that the neighbors are beginning to get concerned about their privacy. Last year, I grew some soybeans and the results were reasonable. This season, I am going to try Medium Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) since it will grow well even when planted in December in Southern California. I just ordered some seeds from Seeds of Change, www.seedsofchange.com, since they are organic and there's a 5% discount if ordered online. It looks like with application rates of 4 to 8 ounces per 1,000 square feet of planting area, 1 lb., at $5.50 will be plenty for most growers, with plenty to spare.

I'll be in touch with more ideas as they become available.

Sincerely,

Stuart

HB-101 to Increase Sponsorship of Pumpkinmania!

Good evening Growers!

I have some great news! HB-101, www.hb-101.com will be expanding its sponsorship of Pumpkinmania in 2007! We're working on a co-marketing plan that will hopefully raise the awareness of giant pumpkin growing among many new potential growers!

As you know, HB-101 saved my vine in 2005, and has been a part of Pumpkinmania and my giant pumpkin growing workshops ever since. I am very happy to deepen the relationship I have with HB-101 and the great folks at Y K Flora.

I hope you're having a great week-end!

Sincerely,

Stuart

2007 Premium Seeds Available!

Good afternoon, Growers!

It's that time of year again! Howard Dill's Premium Seeds are available! I took a quick look, and this year's inventory looks great. I have already put my order in the mail, just so there aren't any disappointments... Premium seeds with identifiable pedigrees go quickly. There's even a 3 seed combination from pumpkins grown in 2005 that have already proven to grow 1,000 pounders. Having the right seed is critical. Just in case, here's the website: www.howarddill.com

Good luck, and let the season begin!

Sincerely,

Stuart