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Post by greyghost on Feb 22, 2010 14:31:56 GMT -5
Bill, I think you're absolutely right. The sweet corn grown there is dark green, exceedingly healthy and big ears-just like you'd get with a high nitrogen fert. I try to rototill as early as possible but I know it still hasn't broken down completely. Melons seem to do well in it too but they're the last things I plant. Just need to keep my 'maters out of there! Darlene
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Post by timothyt on Feb 24, 2010 8:10:32 GMT -5
T, Have you tried seed from a different source? Sometimes I feel it's a missing link of some sort in the DNA or genes of the plant . I have grown Roma's in the past that some get "BER" and some don't and they're all planted in rows next to one another. I never had "ber" on an opalka, or a Wessel's Purple Pride, but have on Roma's, San Marzano's, Super Marzano's and a few other paste tomatoes. I've mentioned Mexico as a plant that had "BER" on every tomato all year long and I pulled it and actually planted another plant in the same place that year that produced fine. (It was a very long season that year, lasting right up to the beginning of Nov.). There are better authorities than me that could give you much better answers, but I really hate to see someone give up on a really tasty tomato. Camo[/quote]
Hey Camo, I also hate to give up on the Opalka as when I do get a few they are really good! But, after this many trials I figure the need for more space for other varieties out weighs trying again. And, yes I've tried 3 different sources for the seeds! I had the same problem with Yellow Pear, but that one was easy to give up!
T
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Post by camochef on Feb 24, 2010 8:24:31 GMT -5
Darlene, Your problem may come back to stress, the high nitrogen levels should give you lush green plant growth, but low in phosphorus, and potassium, effects the fruit developement. Some of the reading I've been doing lately suggests that phosphorus levels are blocked by excess nitogen, and many times the plant cannot absorb enough phosphorus from "standard" fertilizer mixes and they're recommending tripling the phosphorus levels. I think the first thing anyone should do, is have soil tests done to determine just where your starting and what you really need for what crops your planting. Many times the levels of n-p-k and ph are no where near where you might think. Then too, one has to compensate for lots of manure with more lime, at least east of the Mississippi. But I'm sure you know all this, just thought I'd mention it for those that don't. Camo
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