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Minnesota

My patch is a 60 x 60 foot square. I was planning on growing 4 plants from the center out with plants planted back to back about 6 feet apart. My questions is, is this to close? Will the root systems for the back to back plants compete for food/space/and water. Or is it better to plant each plant on the edge and grow them toward the center. I would like to grow them center out, that is what I had planned. Has anyone had success going back to back?

4/8/2008 8:13:16 PM

I don't think it's to close at all. Just right

good luck

4/8/2008 8:24:06 PM

Pembroke, New Hampshire

I plant 4 plants in my 60 x 45 foot plot, 2 pair back to back, 8 feet apart. They grow just fine. They will compete for moisture and nutrients, but if you are on top of supplying their needs, there shouldn't be a problem.

4/8/2008 8:39:45 PM

No Place Special

I grow here chad with the stumps only 2' apart at best. Just enough room to lay a walking board between the two. New personal best (1176) last yr like this. Your plan sounds great to me! Plus center out your main stump is in the middle of the patch where all the "goodies" are. I dont like to plant near the edge of the patch like near grass or soil that has not been amended or worked. my 2 cents

4/8/2008 11:04:04 PM

Rhode Island

we alternate base locations yearly.
last year we were inside out/ ( 6 ft apart at bases)
this year outside in (8 ft in from outer edge)

4/9/2008 7:24:34 AM

Somers, CT

With a small patch you have less choices. The good part about back-to-back is that you can manage the vines easier. I find that if I get lazy, the plants will cross each other leaving a big mess. Your method works better. I think as long as the stumps are fairly far apart, you will not have a problem as long as you start with enough nutrients and spread them evenly.

4/9/2008 9:34:10 AM

Minnesota

Thank you for the advice, looks like it is center out. That is what I was planning just needed a little reassurance.

4/9/2008 5:40:29 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Good question Chad...Croley

4/9/2008 8:35:17 PM