RE: pumpkins DIGEST V1 #7


Those were excellent instructions on how to manage the vine. I'm also a
newbie and was still confused on what & when terminate but your "Third"
section has cleared my mind. Thank you.

Philip

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins-digest@hort.net [o*@hort.net]
On Behalf Of pumpkins DIGEST
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2006 4:01 AM
To: pumpkins-digest@hort.net
Subject: pumpkins DIGEST V1 #7


pumpkins DIGEST         Sunday, June 25 2006         Volume 01 : Number 007



In this issue:

        Re: Important Question
        Re: Help!  Plants damaged by hail storm!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 08:12:04 -0400
From: Bart <toftness@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: Important Question

Chriss,

First, the "christmas tree" effect is the normal growth pattern for these 
plants.  The main vine will start growing sooner than the side 
vines(secondaries).  As the main gets longer it will produce more 
secondaries.  Older secondaries will be longer than younger ones resulting 
in the "christmass tree" look to the overall shape of the plant.

Second
These are very aggressive plants and need a large root system to support 
the growth of all the leaves and the pumpkin.  You may have noticed the 
white tap roots which form on the bottom of the vine at the leaf nodes. 
Many growers will cover the vines at the leaf nodes with soil.  Some 
actually cover the entire vine but I prefer to cover only the nodes.  When 
you cover the vine with soil it will promote better growth of these tap 
roots.  This will help to anchor your plant in place so it doesn't get 
blown around by the wind but also it will cause more roots to grow from the 
top of the vine (at the leaf nodes).  These additional root will turn and 
grow down into the soil providing additional holding power but more 
importantly the additional roots mean more or better uptake of water and 
nutrients.  Remember we need to feed that pumpkin if you want it to grow 
big.  Thats the why part.  I start covering my leaf nodes once the mane 
vine is about 2 feet long.  Keep the first part very dry.  The secondaries 
get their nodes covered once they are in contact with the soil.  Yes, its 
not to late to go back and cover your nodes now.

Third
Oh there wasn't a third part but there will be.  Remove any vine which 
grows from a secondary.  The sooner the better (when they are tiny).  When 
the secondary vines reach the desired length you should terminate 
them.  Secondary vine termination is the process of pinching off the growth 
at the tip of the secondary and then bury it after a day or two so it does 
not grow any longer.  The length is a personal preference.   I do mine when 
they are 12 to 15 feet long.

hope this helps
Bart
At 02:01 AM 6/24/2006, you wrote:
>I'm a newbie and I don't understand this burying the vine thing.  Can
>someone explain.  When and why do you bury the secondary vines?  My
>main vine is over 10 feet so far and growing by the foot every day.   I
have
>what I've read is the "christmas tree" effect on my secondary vines.  I
need
>advise.  I don't understand what it is I need to do.
>Thanks for your help.
>~Chriss
>Delaware, Ohio
Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 09:00:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: Chris Johannes <cjogo29@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Help!  Plants damaged by hail storm!

Don,
   
  I was wondering when is a good time to bury the vines?  Is it after fruit
set?  What do you cover with?  Do you use regular dirt from the garden or
maybe top soil that is really loose?  just wondering.  Thanks again for your
advice.
   
  Chris
   
  

Don Chambers <dec@stratuswave.net> wrote:
  Chris,
You will be surprised how fast they compensate and bounce back. Don

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Johannes" 
To: 

Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 11:06 AM
Subject: Help! Plants damaged by hail storm!


> Hey Everybody!
>
> My plants have been doing great but they have recently been damaged by a
hail storm. We had 70 mph winds that have damaged only the leaves and a
couple of stems. The leaves have been punctured multiple times by the hail
and torn from the wind. Thank god I put a wind break or I think I may have
lost everything. I was just wondering if there is something I can do to
help the plants repair themselves? They seem to be in shock, especially my
largest plant. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris
>
> Glenn Peters wrote:
> Kathie: I recall hearing that as well.
>
> Glenn
>
> At 10:22 AM 5/31/2006 -0800, you wrote:
> >Jim,
> >Howdy! Didn't Jack LaRue tell us that he has nipped that in the bud,
> >sometimes, by trickling water at the site until the unruly plant shapes
up?
> >Jack, or anyone present at the 05 CA seminar, am I remembering right - or
> >wrong?
> >--
> >
> >
> >----------
> > >From: "Jim Martin"
> > >To:
>
> > >Date: Wed, May 31, 2006, 8:23 AM
> > >
> >
> > > Sorry 3:
> > > 838 Bobier
> > > 1005 Miller
> > > 695 Handy
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
 Next-gen email? Have it all with the  all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.
End of pumpkins DIGEST V1 #7
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