Maine

[sparrowsnest]

Would epsom salts work on my squash? I've got an issue with end rot. I think its a calcium issue. Or too much nitrogen.

 

[IZZYBELLA]

mlowen and LG - what great ideas!! I'm impressed.

 

[buckabucka]

Would epsom salts work on my squash?  I've got an issue with end rot.  I think its a calcium issue.  Or too much nitrogen.  

Blossom end rot can also be related to drought or excess watering (which a interferes with calcium uptake). I have it on some of the squash this year, but not the tomatoes. I found this helpful:
http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/tomato/2000082444023571.html

 

[learycow]

Anybody showing poultry at Fryeburg this year???

 

[lazy gardener]

Epsom salt is Magnesium Sulfate, so would probably not directly help with blossom end rot. But, it's impressive how an application of it will help plants to green up and grow vigorously. I'm sure too much of a good thing is not a good thing. About a tablespoon per plant (tomatoes/peppers, squash, etc.) I like to apply once/twice while seedlings, again at transplant, and at blossoming. Then add some if the plants look stressed. Other plants can get it as a foliar application. 1/2 - 1 tbsp/gallon.

Oh, I feel like every day in the nest box is yielding a new surprise. The one pioneer pullet that didn't meet the axe rewarded me with a tiny little egg today. 2 days in a row, 2 new layers! Funny how the ones that I'm not really expecting anything from are the first ones to produce! Come on, leghorns, show me your stuff!!

 

[anyasmifya]

I'm not sure about using the ice melter. I got the damp rid because I was sure it is just calcium chloride. a little goes along way, I've had the box for two years now. You can get it at most drug stores probably walmart or target too. I've spread it on all my veggie plants not just tomatoes. It does seem to help. Yes, excess or not enough water can cause blossom end rot too but the stronger your plant is the better it can tolerate drought or excess rain.

 

[chickengirl987]

Anybody showing poultry at Fryeburg this year???

Possibly but I am not 100% sure.

 

[learycow]

Possibly but I am not 100% sure.

If you do, what will you be bringing? I LOVE to see all the poultry and waterfowl

 

[buckabucka]

A while back there was a discussion about shavings. I usually pick mine up at TSC, just for convenience, but decided to buy a few bags of the Robbin's Lumber shavings and check them out.

The first thing I noticed was that the bale is kind of heavy, so I compared labels. TSC's bag says 2.5 cubic feet, which expands to 8 cu.ft. Robbins bag is 3.2 cu.ft. and expands to 7 cu.ft. I do not believe 2.5 cu.ft. actually expand to 8 ft., especially considering TSC's shavings are damp and filled with giant chunks of wood. So at only 50 cents more per bale, Robbins is actually a better deal per cubic foot. Plus the shavings are nice and dry, and without giant shards.

My next trial will be shavings from Hancock Lumber. I noticed them at the feed store in New Sharon and they were somewhere between $5 - $5.50/ bale. I'm not sure how big their bale is, but thought I would try those out too. Anyway, I'm glad you all recommended the Robbin's brand at Agway. I didn't realize there was a difference in brands of shavings, and it's a huge improvement!

 

[lazy gardener]

We need more information of this nature on the Maine site. It's helpful to share news of a good product when we find one. IMO, it would go a long way to fostering some healthy competition between competitors to provide good quality materials.

There's a lot of "egg song" going on in my yard when the girls are out ranging. I have 2 new layers in the nest boxes. I've looked long and hard, haven't found any hidden nests. Should I be concerned about the singing in my yard????