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Location

Message

Date Posted

Western PA

I was looking through some of the diaries and it looks like most of the growers do not make a mound when planting the seedling. A lot of them do dig a pit to put in looser amendments.
Is making a mound the wrong thing to do ?
Lee

9/14/2009 7:08:49 PM

Just a matter of choice, I dig pits (to install cables) then refill and build a mound 10-12" high. Never have had a stump issue, not saying this is the reason but I don't plan on changing things 8)

9/14/2009 8:28:19 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Pits are trouble especially in a wet year. It all depends on the physical properties of the soil.

Clay = mounds for sure.
Loam depends.
Sand maybe pits if big enough & they're properly constructed.

9/14/2009 11:27:26 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Soil on mounds warms up faster for a quicker start. But you have to make them wide enough so you don't get stem cracking when the main vine lays down. You may need to add soil ahead of the main so you can let it down easy if you plant on a mound. With my soil, silt over sand, I can do both.

9/15/2009 3:52:07 AM

Western PA

We have alot of clay here in western PA, so maybe I should mound only and not a pit/mound combi. I think I'll dig done and fill a pit with water and see what happens just to experiment before I make a descision for next season.
Great replies everyone.

9/15/2009 5:00:57 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

i'm a mounder

9/15/2009 8:00:56 AM

Wi

I would never ever dig a pit. Due to what I know about soil disease from past experience. Adding any OM to a pit just adds to water retention in comparison to surrounding areas. I don't want a wet crown area.

I do know a VERY successful grower from the area that digs HUGE pits every year. So to each his own.

I like just a little mound to keep water draining from the crown area all season. I'm talking as small as possible.

9/18/2009 9:30:37 AM