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Parts Unknown

Does anyone have any advice on how to get the end of the vine to lay down? I have been pinning them and using a cloth to slightly pull the end down.

5/21/2010 10:41:20 AM

Minnesota

I would be careful when moving main vine, they do snap/break, it happened to me last year.

5/21/2010 11:11:16 AM

Western PA

The KEY is very slowly. You only want to make adjustments during the heat of the day, if that vine is cold and you go to adjust, it could snap very easily.

Some are easier then others to get to lay down.

Take the back pressure off, by propping up and taking the weight off the first true leaf, this will let the weight of the plant pull it in the downward direction.

IF the angle looks to be too sharp try mounding some soil up under the main to make the main vine have an easier landing by being at less of an angle to the ground.

never force it.


You can use bamboo sticks to help guide it as well.

Make sure you keep the wind off of the plant during this process, one big gust could spell disaster for the plant.

I never use any nitrogen fertilizer on my seedlings before they are on the ground and running. I once read that it can make the vines more rigid making it much harden to get the plant to lay down.

Good luck

5/21/2010 2:51:46 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Don't force it ever let it drop naturally and add some support. Bamboo works you can get them really cheap and they do wonders. I also use Bamboo to help support the plant before the vines are ABLE TO BE BURIED. It gives them sort of a frame and will help a little. Gives it some support but allows the leaves to move.

5/21/2010 5:15:48 PM

Litchfield N. H. 03052

I think you shuold pack the vine with crushed ice, Get a large weigh, tie it to the end of the vine and let go. lol
good luck to you Peter !!

5/21/2010 8:13:25 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

4' vine 2 weeks ago...you gotta be aggressive Carts...go with an anvil on the tip...yup, that's what I'd do...;-)
Best of luck, Duff

5/21/2010 8:33:08 PM

Parts Unknown

Put a 50 lb dumbbell on the end of the vine. Is that heavy enough Bill? lol

5/22/2010 7:18:20 AM

Las Cruces NM

As kenny said, It will lay on it own ... and is then mature enough to send down some roots. I see a common problem with pumpkin growers though, it is called patience LOL. And I'll have to put some though into weight training vines thing ... but indeed Iron is suposed to be good for plants.

5/22/2010 1:26:13 PM

Canada

Agree, I let nature do its job,, whens shes ready to come down she will.

Dave

5/23/2010 2:07:15 AM