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Minnesota([email protected])

I'm looking for some pics of a good method of helping A.G. plants lie down(diary, photo gallery, etc.).
My plants tend to grow straight up, and I'd like to help them start lying down before gravity pulls them down(if this is a good idea). Any comments on this subject would be appreciated.
I'm wondering if I should use bamboo sticks to gradually push them down in the direction I want them to go, and have sticks underneath to support the vine as well?

6/4/2008 6:29:55 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Bamboo sticks work great Doug but, if your main is pretty high up on the plants before it starts to lay down and run, you may need to mound some soil beneath it as it begins to lay down and make it a very gradual process. Plants which tend to get "bushy" and tall before extending the main are prone to kinking. Take note, too, that any handling of the main needs to be done during the heat of the day.

6/4/2008 9:02:27 PM

Fairport,NY

how critical is it if the vine isn't straight the first couple of inches(12")?will the kinking really be that detrimental to growth once the vine straightness out after the kink?

6/4/2008 9:21:39 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

I'm not sure I follow you here. The point I was making is that kinks can lead to outright breaks.

A kink in the main of a "bushy" plant will generally occur very close to the main body of the plant, as the main generally starts out high on the plant. The weight of the main will cause the kink or break.

6/4/2008 9:57:03 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I was foliar feeding my plants this evening, and one fell over on it's side. I put some bamboo sticks under it to straighten it out and support it. Luckily no damage noted . I think the wet ground around the plant contributed to the plant toppling over. Thanks gpkndude.

6/4/2008 10:01:15 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

I never foliar feed a plant until after teh main vine is running and a couple sides are established to help suport the plant. Just my opinion.

6/4/2008 10:39:51 PM

Joliet, IL

i think my pics might be through the system by now. over and under with bamboo ensures against the wind. the main thing i have found with bamboo is to make sure there are no rough edges at some of the bamboo natural joints that will catch like a fingernail, ....place no pressure with the stake....let the vine rest on the bamboo you place...and then let it be....and wait until the vines are supple from the heat before youy snap one off with force.

6/4/2008 10:43:25 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Mark,

Some regimens such as Agro-K require foliar applications early on

6/5/2008 4:41:24 AM

Ohio

Doug, I have found that if you go back on your main vine two or three, and sometimes 4 nodes and take just a little dirt out from under the main back to the stump that this helps alot in your vine tip lowering almost instantly, (Once you get it lowered put your dirt back under the main.) Give er a try

6/5/2008 8:22:33 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Shazzy, love the pics, your ground looks wonderful...Im jealous...goodluck

6/5/2008 8:23:39 AM

Minnesota

Geez Doug, I'll be up tomorrow to help lay your vines down!! Right or left elbow?

6/5/2008 8:41:17 PM