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Dillsburg, PA

I have a pumpkin set about 10 feet out with great shape and it seems to be growing very well 21" @ day 8. The only problem is that as it gets bigger I believe it will grow over the vine. I will try to move it a little each day but where it is set is on a slant going downhill.My question is since the pumpkin is about 6 inches before the part of the main vine that it might cover can I terminate the vine after the pumpkin and not kill the plant or pumpkin? I would probably have to terminate about 10 feet of vine after the pumpkin. This of course would be the last resort I will continue to move it away as best as possible.Any suggestions would be appreciated. Jeff

7/23/2003 9:13:11 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Jeff probably the worst at getting the positioning done right...but start moving the pumpkin slowly everyday...about half what you think it will do...1/4 inch...so the stem starts moving away from the vine...Docgipe just did a good explanation of this...you don't want to terminate the main vine since alot of nutrients to feed the pumpkin will be lost...sounds like it would be half of your plant...this would only be done if you have to save the pumpkin...or by an accident...beam me up! slow is the key here...a little each day perfect is right angle but enough that soon when you have to raise the vine up you can do it...Good Luck ..Grow em Big! Chuck

7/23/2003 9:25:00 AM

Montoursville, PA

Yes and please work in the hottest part of the day you can. Knowing and doing are two different things. I just busted one making a dumb error. It is a slight crack and may heal.

Going to plan "B" in case it does not heal.

7/23/2003 9:38:46 PM

Montoursville, PA

I had the main loose about three feet on one side and two on the other. On the short side I ended up with tension more than I liked. I dug under the leaf and cut the tap to equal the sides a tad better. The sucker jumped just enough when I cut it. That left the pumpkin move and bingo I had a stem to vine crack.

Most of these stupid moves are grower error. Present and accounted for. :)

7/23/2003 9:52:11 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

I broke a main with a pumpkin two leaves from the snap. It's been growing ever since. I was told to move the fruit just alittle everyday. Im moving it and the vine is slightly bending to make shoulder room as I pull my pumpkin fourward everyday. my stem is starting to move back into the straight position. Too much movement will cause a break in the stem. Nobody is stupid,we are just learning like everybody else. Great pumpkin growers made the same mistake in their younger days.

7/23/2003 10:57:20 PM

Wisconsin

I have a question. I was concerned about vine twisting. So when they were very small I pulled up the vine before and after the pumpkin and set it in an ice cream bucket till it would not fit anymore and it seemed to work just fine. Was this okay for the pumpkin or just crazy.

8/1/2003 12:50:40 PM

Montoursville, PA

Cindy.......I'm concerned that the weight of even the small pumpkin will crease or indent your fruit. That if it happens will be a Cindy Ring not a Dill Ring. It would be better not to mark it in any way if at all possible.

8/1/2003 1:24:50 PM