Fertilizing and watering are recommended to provide superior plant vine growth prior to pollination. The general recommended early season liquid or solid granular ratio is 1-3-1 in small quantities at low rates of ¼ strength-listed rates at frequent intervals. The first stage of fertilizing should be based initially on providing phosphorous P for root growth, then gradually shifting to a more balanced formulation with more nitrogen N in late May. As time progresses halt all fertilizer, applications in late June until after fruit set. Switching to a higher potassium K formulation for development after set fruit. Caution against over fertilization is necessary, high rates of nitrogen will cause rapid vegetative growth poor flower development and fruit set. A proper nutrient balance must be maintained in order to achieve desirable results. The major amount of green leaf and vine plant growth takes place for around 60 days. Most growers prefer to use organic products as foliar applications to traditional NPK fertilizing. Fish emulsions and seaweed blends are very popular natural products that encourage steady plant growth rates. Other natural organic products such as kelp meal, alfalfa meal and molasses work great.