From

Location

Message

Date Posted

central Nc

Man this board is quiet! So I have all kinds of growth going on and am getting overwhelmed. Secondaries, tertiaries, think I even have some eleven-aries.

How do ya'll prune these things? I was thinking of pinching off the vines when I get my first set.

6/5/2018 2:42:12 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I never did in the past, but will do so this year. My son and I grew our best, 5 over 120" after our patch got flooded 4 years ago. Leached out nitrogen, plants were smaller but gourds were bigger. Since then plants have gotten bigger, gourds smaller. I want long gourds, not salad. I think smaller plants mean better air flow and less disease. Mine are only about 4 or 5 leaves so far. so it will be a while before I prune them.

6/5/2018 8:28:40 PM

central Nc

Those were my thoughts too. I'm wondering though, I see people say they get a second batch in August. If you prune will they quit putting out flowers?

6/6/2018 11:12:48 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

A long as you keep some vine growing, don't terminate everything, you should get a second crop.

6/6/2018 2:35:55 PM