From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Southern Ohio

I'm using the Dan Micro system set on a timer for three times a day for 12 minuets each cycle, my soil drains well and looks very hard and dry on the surface by the time its set to water again every 6 hours. My question is w/ watering the plant and the stump, aside of plugging the hole on the sprinkler system close to the plant what can I do to prevent rot or foaming stump? Can someone post pics of what they are using or what they are doing to cover the stump to prevent rot or foaming.

6/9/2011 11:12:28 AM

Montgomery, IL

Look into last seasons diary's you should find some pics of what people are using. Im using small plastic tables and they seem to work good..

6/9/2011 3:41:08 PM

President - GPC

First is to start with a growing hill for your stump area....mine is like a pitcher mound...so water will never accumlate next to the stump....maybe too late for this year but next year do it....

For your Dan Micro you may need to create baffles for the water....We know what great coverage a properly made Dan Micro system can deliver....

Also later on you can remove leaves from the stump aread to allow more air and sun in to keep it dry....

Hope this helps....... GrOWzEM big

6/9/2011 5:34:53 PM

Linden, Mi.,

WOW !I really don't know where this, cover stump - keep stump dry and all that came from. My stump gets covered with water three times a day, every day, never had a problem

6/9/2011 8:40:32 PM

Southern Ohio

My plant is 5-6 ft long now and I'm just getting ready to start covering the vines, I guess i can go ahead and trim some of the surrounding leaves next to the stump but I dont have anything to put on the fresh cuts and cant seem to find any captain in local stores, any suggestions on what to use aside of ordering this stuff on-line?

6/10/2011 10:45:35 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Jim,
I put 1/2 inch plugs in place of the sprinklers that may be putting water on the stump and that area, you can find them cheap at lowes and home depot.
I made real fast and effective stump covers with 4 pieces of rebar, 2 ft long each and a piece of greenhouse plastic 2.5 ft x 2.5 ft. I secure the plastic with spring clamps and makle sure that I put a pitch in the plastic so the water runs away from the stump, the 2 ft rebar ensures that there is enough room for air flow, and the clear greenhouse plastic allows the sun to still hit the stump and soil.
We've had a few rain storms and the stumps and surrounding area have remained dry.
In past years I've made a few "ghetto" barriers to keep water from hitting the stump with 2 pieces of rebar or bamboo sticks, a small piece of plastic or tarp and a few clamps, I secure the plastic to the two pieces of rebar making a wall blocking the water without having to remove the sprinkler.
Tallcorn, I never covered stumps until I lost a few to rot, never happened before, but in my opinion, being proactive is the key.
I hope that this helped.
Oh, and by the way, a big thanks to Dwight Sloan for the great idea!

6/17/2011 12:50:27 AM