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Buffalo, New York

I have 2 hoops set up. each is 4' x 6'.

I plan on planting 2 plants in my patch.

How many transplants can i plant in each hoop to start the growing season until i cut back to the final one per hoop?

5/5/2009 12:43:25 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Normally plant two then cut one off for final. So four plants to go to two. I prefer to not cull after planting unless something is seriously wrong with plant.

I currently have one plant per 6x8' hoop....

5/5/2009 12:47:22 AM

Buffalo, New York

isnt it kind of risky only having 1 seedling in a hoop?

what do you do if 3 weeks from now, the plant has problems?

doesnt that set you 3 weeks behind?

just curious....i wish you the best.

5/5/2009 12:59:58 AM

Jericho Vermont

I always start 2 plants per planting spot and usually wait untill the plants start running before I choose. I am always cheering for the primary plant due to genetic crosses that I am thinking of but once in awhile the secondary plant just grows so well it gets chosen. Just remember when you cull to one plant to cut the other off at the ground level. Don't try to pull it up the roots will raise havoc and hurt your keeper.

5/5/2009 6:27:02 AM

Rhode Island

with only room for two plants ya cant take yourself out early on by loosing a plant.
by all means put two side by side and in a couple weeks cull one.
dont pull the plant out just cut the stem across the bottom where it meets the soil.
pap

5/5/2009 6:57:50 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Jeremy, I have 8 hoops... contingency is putting more vines into bigger patch, if I lose something then I will let other vines have the space. Right now I'm sitting with one empty, if I can't fill it this week then I either put a melon in or take up the hoop and give a few vines more room.

5/5/2009 8:50:12 AM

[email protected]

I agree with Pap, however, you have to have your decision made of which will be your first string and go with it. In my decision making last year, I am kicking myself for not going with the second string plant because it was the healthier of the two. It's a tough decision to make and be prepared when the time comes to make it. Pap is right, slice it at the stem, don't pull it or you will disturb the roots of the other plant. Good luck!

5/5/2009 11:30:29 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

I plant only one per hoop house, but do similar to Okiegal, by planting another plant on the opposite side of the patch for backup. Backups are very important IMO.

5/5/2009 1:40:23 PM

milford, CT,

Jeremy...in this crazy world of giant pumpkins things happen..the successful growers simply prepare for the worst and have backup plans for the backup plans. Always look ahead 2 -3 weeks and prepare for the challenges of those weeks. Right now you should have 2 plants in each site and prepare for seed maggots..wind..cold and excessive rain.. The last week of May you will be looking for genetic deformities such as double vines by looking at the leaf clusters and the shape of your main vine...Stay ahead of the problems..don't cull your plants until you are sure they are not double vined.... Mark

5/5/2009 4:06:51 PM

Buffalo, New York

ok, i tried to search for an answer but couldnt find one......what is a double vine?

2 main vines?

why are double vines bad?

5/6/2009 12:51:04 AM