Re: Wife, Kids, and then my pumpkins in that Order

In a message dated 7/7/2002 9:37:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time, wellzee@nktelco.net writes:


OK. This is my 1st year in raising giant pumpkins, but the way I see it, my pumpkins are right after my kids. If I am not in the house, I am out at my pumpkin patch. I  have spent so much time and money, giving this pumkins a chance to grow, that I want to make the right choices when it comes to pruning. Is their any information on how to exactly prune your pumpkins? Any information would be appreciated.

Jeff Wells
New Bremen, Ohio


OK Jeff. First of all you have entered a sport that you will tuck the pumpkins to bed and play with them more than your wife and children.
You will name them and feel bad if they get sick!
But if you do well you will be very proud!
First thing you want to do is let several pumpkins set on one plant.
You can hand pollinate them or let the bee's do the fun part.
Once the pumpkin is set on a vine, pinch off the side vine that comes out the side of the vine where the pumpkin is set.
In the morning turn the vine 90 degrees away from the pumpkin so the pumpkin is on the outside curve of the vine. (Turn it very gently using your fingers to keep it from cracking).
Leave several pumpkins on the plant until you find the one or two that are growing best. Once they get the size of basket balls watch which one or two is growing fastest and pick off the other pumpkins.
Once the pumpkin starts to get big, you need to start cutting the tap roots in the area of the pumpkin stem. Tap roots grow on the bottom of the vine and help the plant pick up water. (if you don't cut the tap roots the pumpkin will tear the vine as it starts to grow up)
The best pumpkins grow on the main vine about 10 feet from the roots, although I have seen alot of pretty good sized ones from side shoots.
The most important advice I can give you is to keep an eye on the vine as the pumpkin starts to grow up. You may need to move the pumpkin around so the vine doesn't start to have too much stress on it from the pulling of the pumpkin as it grows and lifts the vine a few feet in the air.
Good Luck.
Bill Garvey
White Lake, Michigan
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