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Fairport,NY

Can a few seasoned vets chime in here? How and what materials should be used to support the fruit once it starts to get heavy? I've already had one pull down overnight and crush the main supply vine from the weight of the gourd:( Any and all help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Bumkin

8/5/2009 12:01:40 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

This is a timely subject. I have discussed this with several top growers and there seems to be no consensus.

In the past I supported my lg's with a rubber strap suspending the lg with no weight on the plant. This year I am letting them hang free and securing the bottom part to prevent swinging in the wind. I am however using the strap to keep the vine from pulling loose from the trellis.

I hope other growers weigh in on this!.
Bob A.

8/6/2009 9:18:30 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

I like to support the stem by draping it over rounded wooden forms. I cut 2x4 stock but 2 or 3" or bigger pvc tubing would work too...or anything rounded for that matter!
My top trellis is 1 foot sqare lattice which makes it easy to attach too. The vine is then tied off to the trellis...usually slung around the the LG stem/vine connection. Sounds confusing, sorry! Any questions feel free to email me. Asselinduffy@aol.com.

8/6/2009 8:19:31 PM

eastern Ontario

My method is similar to Duffs.The LG stem is very strong on a straight pull but should be helped around any sharp bends before the fruit gets too heavy.
To use up some of the stem I take it along the trellis horizontally as far as possible then let it turn to support the LG.
At the turn I support the stem with a section of 2 inch dia.black PVC tubing,tied in place.
Then at the stem-vine junction I use a strip of cloth to tie the vine back horizontally to the trellis.Thus later the weight of the LG cannot move the vine.
This has always worked well for me.

8/7/2009 9:36:57 PM