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eastern Ontario

In is great to have this forum for the expanding group of LG growers to chat.

Thanks to Bob A.for the idea and Ken D.for providing the means.

I think that when we as growers start comparing notes and techniques we can take the LG genepool to new levels,as was done with giant pumpkins over the last 20 years.

The more growers and information the better since we can all learn more from other growers than we possibly can on our own.

I wonder about a lot of things with these plants,they seem to be full of tricks and mysterys.

For example what is the ideal trellis area on top?????

My plants go up 10 feet and then horizontally on a 32 sq foot area.Each plant has a separate trellis.Later on as the vines drape over the edge,when they start to touch my head I use sissors to clip them off at that level.

Summary--32 sq ft on top per plant.

Anyone else care to comment on theirs?? There must be an ideal size.If multi-plants on one trellis,just give area/plant.

7/26/2008 12:47:44 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Al:

My trellis is a little different dimension wise but
gives each plant 35 sq feet on top, even though
this is a new sport and we have a lot to learn I
think the top space is adequate at this time.

I have a question, in 2006 when my trellis was almost collapsing under the pressure you had some numbers which estimated the weight placed on a trellis.

Do you still have those numbers?
Bob Attaway

7/27/2008 1:48:24 PM

eastern Ontario

I recall only that I estimated the weight of my plants and 2-3 LGs being about 150 lbs.This is based on stripping the vines off the trellis and carrying them to the compost pile.

The only facts I have otherwise are lengths of LGs vs days from pollination,averaged over the last 3 years

7/28/2008 6:24:12 AM

Louth , Ireland

I'm growing my LGs up a wall which is sheeted in 4" sheep wire .My 126.5 jutras occupies about 100sq foot. I'm not sure how many growers have grown LGs this way but because I'm growing indoors it's my only option.I'm still happy with my progress this year.

Also a big thank you to the growers on the long gourd growers site
Patrick Sullivan

7/30/2008 9:35:01 AM

Sparta, NC

I agree with Al. I think this could be a valuable tool in the betterment of growing long gourds. Thanks Bob and Ken.

My trellis is 10' tall x 10' wide x 30' long, it has wire on both ends and one side. I have 5 plants on it and I think it may be too many. I'm thinking about building another trellis for next year.

7/30/2008 5:40:20 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Hi Paddy:

Good to hear from you.
I hope you grow a qualifying LG this year and enter it into
The LG Database.

Best of Luck:
Bob Attaway

7/31/2008 10:01:52 AM

Jericho Vermont

I only grow one LG plant and have a trellis 11 1/2 feet tall (wishful thinking) with a top that is 10 feet long by 4 feet wide. I allow my plants to drape over the trellis on account we like the look of it and I don't terminate vines until I have a gourd that I want to keep about 3 feet long. By termination I can reach all of the secondaries draping over with out a ladder.
John

7/31/2008 12:03:31 PM