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Location

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Johnston, Iowa

For those pumpkins that grow a bunch toward the stem, and are literally curling over on the main vine, what is a good way to support them so they don't grow to the point of pinching the main? I've got mine propped up with some styrofoam.

On a related note, the slope of the ground the pumpkin is growing on is such that its leaning downhill toward the main. Is this a contributing factor? If I dig some dirt out under the pumpkin so the blossom end is "downhill" will gravity cause the blossom end to grow more?

8/16/2011 5:25:49 PM

Johnston, Iowa

oops, the title should read "Too Heavy on the Stem End"

8/16/2011 5:26:17 PM

Frankfort Ohio

i had to dig out from under my stem last year around 10in or so to allow for the growth i also drove 2 t post deep in the ground about 12in from the pumpkin and placed styrofoam in between to keep pressure on the fruit

8/16/2011 7:17:50 PM

Buffalo, New York

u mean like mine here a couple weeks ago?

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=165975

8/17/2011 10:56:39 AM

Johnston, Iowa

I remember seeing that picture. Wow! Mine isn't quite that extreme (yet), but thank you for providing a picture of how you addressed that issue.

8/17/2011 1:09:17 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Last year my son's pumpkin turned into a birdbath. We had to dig out the soil under the vine to take the pressure off. The shoulders were supporting the weight of the pumpkin. Turned into his personal best, and beat my personal best.

8/18/2011 8:57:52 AM