From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Salmon Arm, BC

ok ok...I know everyone's so eager to get those mains down to ground level. But really what's the hurry? I know the faster they throw out new roots the better..but really? Is it worth it..the risk I mean? I've got a really VIGOUROUS plant going here and well...when it touches down then it will take no? Is there really a big difference? Any intelligent thoughts? experiences?
BCDeb

5/30/2006 3:15:11 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

ok...on hindsight..I think i've answered my own question...sorry, correct me if I'm wrong but is it because the main will only get bigger and harder to train as it grows? I know best to do it in the heat of the day when malleable and thirsty...

5/30/2006 3:18:34 AM

Some heavey hitters advised me was "ease" them down, meaning they can kink,bend,break, and really "p" you off if you don't. I wanted the hoops open for the sun and with gentle breezes I didn't relly want them floppin around.
I aimed mine gently and with the heat and sun the last 2 days they started dropping right where I wanted them.

"any intelligent thoughts"..........geeze

lol

5/30/2006 3:58:16 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

Hey Thanks Dan. The intelligent stuff came from the past tomato post fiasco....thought I'd give as much info as possible so as not to cause a repeat. I guess what I'm trying to say is I appreciate as much useful info as possible....your's was great thanks!!!! Deb :)

5/30/2006 5:00:56 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

ps..you guys know who i'm talking about

5/30/2006 5:09:01 AM

Coventry R.I.

hi deb, good ques. learning everyday, good luck frank4

5/30/2006 7:03:06 AM

Long Island,New York

The hurry is you will sleep better. Ever look at the roots coming out of the stem down at the bottom of the plant? Not very secure when you consider a nice green healthy large-leafed plant leaning over 2 feet in the air with sidevines starting to reach out ! Many a plant has come crashing to the ground in a rain shower or a wind gust at this vulnerable stage only to be found with a crushed stump, a split stump, or completely flopped over backwards headed in wrong direction. When the plant is down and secure you will breathe a sigh of relief for sure.By now you should have those bamboo sticks arranged at the plant so they prevent the plant from flopping back, from flopping sideways, and perhaps from crashing down.I like to "X" a pair of sticks under the growing vine like a cradle and gradually spread the sticks open to let the plant down gradually...supporting it to reduce "Kinkage" (I hearby submit "kinkage" as a new pumpkin term).
But yes, roots=good, big vines with not enough roots= wilt/burning issues.

5/30/2006 8:28:21 AM

Sioux Falls, SD garyboer@dakotalink.com

Yes, I 2nd LIpumpkin
Start easing him down with support
But if it takes a few days. . .no big deal
But protect against wind and "kinkage"

5/30/2006 8:36:18 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

Thanks Guys! I did ease them all down a bit today with the stick thing....but another problem now..there is a huge leaf growing right under the main. What do I do with that? and Yes! I would sleep better if I knew they were all rooted in and secure. Thanks for the info. Deb :)

5/30/2006 11:59:16 PM

ENGLAND

Deb. Either scrape some soil away from the spot where that leaf is going to or is touching down and allow the leaf stem to rest in the hollow created. OR cut the leaf off and allow the main to lay down on the soil surface.

5/31/2006 6:28:43 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Just saw hawakuk's vine training technique when I was going through the diaries....This is not one I would recommend...definately not for the "faint of heart"...looks like he's got a rope tied to the plant tied onto a log hanging over a stake pulling it...Yikes!! Thats one tough plant!!!X em down..you'll feel much better!

5/31/2006 7:25:25 AM

Ohio

LOL Alex, I seen that too,first thing that came to my mind was that celery breaking sound we all hate to hear. If he dont get that tension off that vine I think thats what is going to happen.
" Does a pumpkin vine make that celery breaking sound when no one is around to hear it?"

5/31/2006 10:18:53 PM