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Western PA

For the newer growers...
When you have your kin all settled in on sand or whatever you use, don't forget to keep an eye on how the fruit is growing backwards. If you had put in a big S curve, you may not have to do this. This may start to happen around day 20 or later when the fruit starts to put the pounds on fast.
A lot of pumpkins will grow back and push the main vine back, especially the longer pumpkins I have noticed. I had a 20 day old longer shaped pumpkin and It had pushed back so far that it was starting to kink the main vine. I had to pull it back (towards the blossom) several inches.Then the next day I pulled it back more because I only have a few more days then this fruit is too heavy to move by hand.
When they are heavy you may need to be creative and slowly pull it with a winch or come-along.
I would recommend putting a small stake in the ground straight behind the main vine and stem junction.Keep it at a distance of 1" or 2 inches,then every few days use that as a gage as to how far the pumpkin is growing back.

If the main vine (life line) gets kinked bad enough, you will not get the fluid flow and the pounds will go down hill. Just a heads up folks.

7/15/2016 3:17:37 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I'm with Zappa on this, happened to me last year, vine kinked and growth stopped at day 60.

7/15/2016 9:04:49 PM

Western PA

Also, it is best to wait until afternoon or early evening when the vines are nice and warm, and not brittle.

7/15/2016 9:20:32 PM

Walhalla, ND.

Good info Zappa thanks for the heads up...

7/17/2016 8:05:34 PM

Mn

Had to move mine today!

7/17/2016 9:52:55 PM

Central NY

Nerve-rackin...ain't it qtip??

7/17/2016 9:54:05 PM

Mn

Without a doubt - so nerve rackin having your wife, her friend and a 12 year old help me move rainbow scotch who really don't care about her - next time I'm buying plane tickets for you, Zappa, Ron and hobbit to come help me ... Would be worth every penny:)

7/17/2016 10:29:58 PM

Western PA

Q tip, a lot of people , including myself, have used a come- along with a strap to pull them. You only need one other person to work the hoist as you watch the fruit move and hold the strap until it tightens.
When rainbow scotch gets really big you will need something strong and heavy nearby to hook up to for the winching. I have hooked to my hitch on the mini van before, and I hope I have to use it again this year, LOL.
I have had to move mine 4 times now and I don't see any end for a while. I guess that is a good thing to have. When they are moving ,they are growing !

7/18/2016 5:26:37 PM

Walhalla, ND.

Ok you guys, I'm guessing by this conversation I have a lot of fricken work ahead of me. I made a rookie mistake on my 1227 Fleser and didn't put in a s curve damn it anyway. Can I put up a tripod and just hang the darn thing?

7/18/2016 8:47:54 PM

Walhalla, ND.

I'll post some photos tomorrow show you my full dilemma.

7/18/2016 9:12:57 PM

Mn

Haha nice Zappa - bring your van over I'm going to need some help!! hobbit - good luck man! It's not as bad as you think ;)

7/18/2016 10:24:19 PM

Walhalla, ND.

My internet phone and tv have been out since Tuesday's storm. Got hit with hail, going to keep growing em big.

7/21/2016 7:42:25 PM

Walhalla, ND.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=261509

7/21/2016 7:50:42 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

To me I see plenty of slack-able vine maneuverability! Been in this dilemma several times. Eventually you will need to part with the side vine, I'd do it now, and shift the pumpkin to the right slightly. Make sure you have loosened the main a couple nodes either side of the kin. I think you'll be fine!

7/22/2016 9:34:25 AM