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Fairport,NY

Is there any methods that work well for you to coax a vine that wants to grow upward to come down to the ground?
I have seen posts with stakes arranged in different positions, "wishbone-shaped sticks" forcing the vine down,etc.etc.
Please post some methods that have been successful for you in dealing with these stubborn plants?
Thanks
Bumkin

5/20/2008 10:32:05 PM

Darfield, British Columbia, Canada

I use plastic coat hangers cut in half if the vine is relativly close to the ground. If not the some bamboo sticks crossed over or any thing like that. As long as it is not going to scratch the skin off of the vine.

5/20/2008 10:50:45 PM

Simi valley, ca

NOTE! Be careful you can snap them- if to much pressure at once is applyed. If i have too i will push only a bit at a time & wait hour & a bit more & maybe again. And only bend in hotter parts of days there more flexable !!

5/20/2008 11:42:49 PM

Dexter, OR

I am just a rookie but I dont think that you are actually supposed to "force" the vine down. I think the sticks are to stop it from breaking from its own weight as the vine starts to drop. You dont really hold it up either but just limit the amount that it can come down at one time, slowly allowing it to cork its way down.

5/21/2008 12:39:14 AM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

Another method is to ramp soil up under the newly forming vine and take a little out from under it each day or so until it lays down. The crossed sticks are still a good idea to use with this as it keeps the suspended vine from breaking off in the wind. Aboush is right, never try to force it.

5/21/2008 12:59:46 AM

Simi valley, ca

Yes i agree with the no forcing ! But i will also say its kind of hard not to a bit when you get one that will grow 90* or more ,(YES MORE) & up for 3 ft , A little bit tricky !!!

5/22/2008 9:37:15 AM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Whatever you're doing, do it in the afternoon, when the vine is more forgiving.

5/22/2008 11:09:51 PM