Divas gave up the ghost. SWC strangeness?

Jaysan · August 3, 2013

HAd to pull my Diva vines today. The leaves were in rough shape and they had just about stopped production but they gave us plenty of great cukes since mid June.

Had them in a SWC and noted something strange.

I watered then every couple days and they drank plenty. They never seemed to be in need of water.

But the mix, 321, was not what I would call moist and the corners were what I might call dry. Some roots had gotten into the bottom through two layers of good landscape cloth. I even felt down next to the chamber and it wasn't what I would call moist there either. Maybe my definition of moist is off?

I was wondering if they weren't wicking well enough but other SWCs built similarly look fine.

Do you see this often, the dryness when you pull your plants?

rnewste · August 3, 2013

For cukes I just recently started, I adjusted the Grow Media ratio to a 6:2:1. (Cukes only - tomatoes / peppers are still best in the drier 3:2:1 ratio).

Raybo

Jaysan · August 3, 2013

Ahhhhh. Cause they are such drinkers? That might explain some of my issues but the leaves never showed any sign of needing water.
No matter.
Will sure give that a try next time. Well maybe now. I planted some seeds right back for a late crop but it's not too late to mix in some more peat. Will give it a go tomorrow.
Thanks Ray!

Jaysan · August 4, 2013

Ray has your experience allowed you to adjust your mix ratios for summer squash?

I am transitioning to SWCs from normal containers and will be growing those also.

Thanks.

rnewste · August 4, 2013

Jaysan,

I've never grown squash - but I would try a 6:2:1 ratio with them.

Raybo

Jaysan · August 4, 2013

I'd be interested in knowing how you arrived at the 6 2 1 for cucumbers.

rnewste · August 4, 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaysan

I'd be interested in knowing how you arrived at the 6 2 1 for cucumbers.

Trial and error has been the best "teacher".

Raybo

Jaysan · August 4, 2013

No doubt but did you notice the same conditions I mentioned or something else?

Not trying to be a pain but I really like understanding this stuff.

August 3, 2013	#1
Jaysan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 167	Divas gave up the ghost. SWC strangeness? HAd to pull my Diva vines today. The leaves were in rough shape and they had just about stopped production but they gave us plenty of great cukes since mid June. Had them in a SWC and noted something strange. I watered then every couple days and they drank plenty. They never seemed to be in need of water. But the mix, 321, was not what I would call moist and the corners were what I might call dry. Some roots had gotten into the bottom through two layers of good landscape cloth. I even felt down next to the chamber and it wasn't what I would call moist there either. Maybe my definition of moist is off? I was wondering if they weren't wicking well enough but other SWCs built similarly look fine. Do you see this often, the dryness when you pull your plants?

August 3, 2013	#3
Jaysan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 167	Ahhhhh. Cause they are such drinkers? That might explain some of my issues but the leaves never showed any sign of needing water. No matter. Will sure give that a try next time. Well maybe now. I planted some seeds right back for a late crop but it's not too late to mix in some more peat. Will give it a go tomorrow. Thanks Ray! Last edited by Jaysan; August 3, 2013 at 10:40 PM.

August 3, 2013	#2
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	For cukes I just recently started, I adjusted the Grow Media ratio to a 6:2:1. (Cukes only - tomatoes / peppers are still best in the drier 3:2:1 ratio). Raybo

August 4, 2013	#4
Jaysan Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 167	Ray has your experience allowed you to adjust your mix ratios for summer squash? I am transitioning to SWCs from normal containers and will be growing those also. Thanks.