Dutch bucket winter squash

OChydro · #1 01-09-2010, 11:59 AM

Hi All,
I have a few projects going and wanted to share them with you and get any input.

I started seeds in rockwool cubes and then moved them to Grodan Delta block after a couple of weeks. The germination and block growth all took place in an aluminum disposable pan with about 1/4 inch of water in the kitchen window. I start with RO water and nutrients at low strength, EC of about .6 to .8. I have used Dutch Master, Gen Hydro and Botanicare grownth formulas. I really don't think it matters one bit. I think fish emulsion would work fine also (read about using it somewhere). I adjust the ph to 5.8 and that is it. Keep the starter cubes and larger cubes wet but letting the pan go dry is not a bad thing, just make sure the cubes are moist and do not dry out. I think this material will stay moist or 1-2 days with no water in the pan. This should promote more rapid root development. Check out pictures. There is also bibb lettuce , a tomato and mescaline mix but those are another story I'll share later.

All squash were planted at the same time, the one in the dutch bucket is growing slower than the inside plants due to cooler outdoor temps at night etc. I live in So. Cal. This is all FUN!

GpsFrontier · #2 01-10-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

I have used Dutch Master, Gen Hydro and Botanicare grownth formulas. I really don't think it matters one bit. I think fish emulsion would work fine also (read about using it somewhere).

I have not done any research into fish emulation for hydroponics. I do know it is used, just not all the details, like if anything else is needed, amounts to use, types etc.. I beleve it is called Aquaponics.

Quote:

Keep the starter cubes and larger cubes wet but letting the pan go dry is not a bad thing, just make sure the cubes are moist and do not dry out.

Ya, you just want them moist rather than saturated all the time.

Quote:

the one in the dutch bucket is growing slower than the inside plants due to cooler outdoor temps at night etc. I live in So. Cal.

You can build a makeshift tent by using wood or P.V.C. tubing to make a frame, and then covering it with a plastic drop cloth at night to help keep them warmer. You can even heat the inside of the tent on cold nights.

watercatwn6535nd · #3 01-30-2010, 05:22 AM

I have a giant winter squash going right now. teh fruitig is not all that great yet? i see little fruit but two of them had what look like blossom rot so i just tugged them off. do you pollinate yours? i assume you dont because they are groing fruit?

Amigatec · #4 01-30-2010, 08:45 AM

The blossom end rot is from lack of pollination. Squash has male and female flowers and will have to be hand pollinatied.

OChydro · #5 01-30-2010, 12:19 PM

Mine are growing really slowly! Flowering is not even in my mind right now. Regarding the pollination, does one need to use a feather between two or more flowers to create the fruit? Will mother natures critters do this job in the winter? My squash fruited last summer with out any human intervention?

Amigatec · #6 01-30-2010, 02:57 PM

The male flowers will be on a longer stem then the females, the females will have the small fruit below the flower. To hand pollinate pick the flowers from the plant and remove all the petals, then open the female and rub the male around inside the female.

I do this even with my outside garden. The trick is to know the males and females are ready. The flowers will start to change color the day before they open, when they open the best time to pollinate is in the morning.

I grow giant pumpkins and you always hand pollinate them.

watercatwn6535nd · #7 01-30-2010, 05:38 PM

the male and femal are both on the same plant on the squash? i planted 3 of them but for some reason thought they would not need pollination.

My morning is this afternoon so i'll start polination then. if i was to store polen how long will it last and can i dry it or freeze it? Be nice to have for when i just want to grow one plant.

on that same note do you know when the water melon like to be pollinated and how you tell the male from the female. I dont have any flowers yet but i lost my second plant in a terrible gardening accident. it through itself right in to my pruning shears