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Salem, OR

Help!! I came home early today to find many of my pumpkin leaves wilting. The temp has been high 80's, not extremely hot. The plants are in cold frames, but the top had been removed, so only side protection. When the plants were first put out I had put that weed blocker fabric down around the plant, so I thought maybe that was causing too much heat. I lifted the fabric up to check the soil temp and found many roots (small thin) growing on the top of the soil!! Whats going on? I went to my other plants and found the same thing. I am thinking that with the roots on top just underneath the black fabric they are just "cooking" and causing the wilting, does that make sense? I decided to remove the fabric and add more soil on top, but not sure what else I can do. Has anyone ever seen this before? The plants were buried up to the cots when originally planted, so I think they are deep enough. Any thoughts??

6/1/2007 6:29:47 PM

Mocksville, NC

You were right, and did the right thing, now water those feeder roots they will extend as much or more than 12' from your stump or crown, There under my walking boards too! it's normal, there root systems are massive. leaf wilt or flagging will occur at 80f even if you didn't cook the roots. might need to shade or intermitent watering 5 to ten minutes to cool the leafs, do what works for you.
Great luck best wishes.

6/1/2007 7:28:27 PM

Salem, OR

Thank you - I really appreciate your reply. Here is another weird thing, it appears I am already seeing male blossoms on my plants is that possible? I noticed three plants with what appears to be male blossoms growing very near to the base (only a few inches off the base). I have never seen that before. Any ideas?

6/1/2007 8:28:21 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Males near the stump (base) or (crown), I have them on most of the plants. Normal as far as I am concerned. Peace, Wayne
PS...clip em off!!!

6/1/2007 10:09:11 PM

Mocksville, NC

Yep! Same here,and its a good sign. Wayne is right.
Now go for it, and good luck. Good luck to you too Wayne, and the rest of KY Growers.

6/2/2007 5:25:04 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks Rog...and by the way...Ky will have an official GPC weigh-off this year, last wknd in Sept., in Somerset, KY. Details to follow. Peace, Wayne

6/3/2007 12:46:06 AM

Mocksville, NC

Very cool Wayne, and the rest of KY thats 2 within range now. GREAT! I'll try ,and push some of this rain were getting up there, i'll post later in the season. need to pour it on at work with OT. So i have a chance to get up there, if i get a big one or two, i'll keep my fingers crossed. Grow a monster, and best wishes.

6/3/2007 7:52:28 AM

Salem, OR

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the "words of wisdom".
Good luck to all of you!!
-Sandy

6/4/2007 11:25:04 AM