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Macomb County

For newer growers who don't know this, the reason we prune isn't only to stimulate bigger root growth and open up the canopy for better air flow. Which are great added benefits, no doubt. The big reason we prune is because both the vine tips and the pumpkin require large amounts of Calcium to build cell walls with. And to have potentially 100's of vines tips growing after our pumpkin sets?
    Of course, vine tips draw everything else too. However, all things being equal, it's Calcium the plant has the hardest time fulfilling the rasied demand for. And the result can be splits and blow-outs when the plant is unable to keep-up. Tertiary vines can rightfully be called "suckers" because that's exactly what they do.
    I hope that answers some newer growers questions. It is extra work, but when even a secondary vine turns into a sucker after a certain length, not pruning can turn the rest of what we do into exercises in futility.

3/31/2009 9:45:44 AM

Minnesota

"Cool Jack"

3/31/2009 11:42:18 AM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

Excellent points

3/31/2009 11:45:55 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks Jack!

3/31/2009 1:01:52 PM

Deer Park WA

Wow! Thanks for the tip Jack who would have thought..? Do you have any more secrete techniques to share? Maybe you could write up a great big ole "how to grow a whopper" article where you share all of your swell ideas the group? I'm sure we could all learn a lot from your cutting edge techniques.

3/31/2009 4:15:32 PM

South East

I dont know if pruning wil help in calcium demand Jack. Calcium hardly moves at all thrue the plant. So for that i suggest you get good levels of Ca in your soil, and get a Calcium chelate you can spray supplemental, mainly foccusing on the younger leaves.

3/31/2009 6:44:46 PM

Going Green

Appreciate your post Jack. Good info!

3/31/2009 8:42:44 PM