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Ostrander, OH

I accidentally planted my pumpkin plant the wrong direction in the corner of my garden. Now the plant is getting "top heavy" and will be coming to the ground within a week or so. Does anyone have any idea how I should manipulate it so it will go the correct direction? It looks unsafe to try to make it go backwards to go back towards the garden, and also the leave that are growing up will be going upside down if I do that. I also cant train it to turn quickly because the secondaries will be shooting into my yard, as it was planted in the corner. Oy. Please help. Thanks.

5/29/2010 8:12:45 AM

Waquoit Mass

you can slowly turn the plant. slowly. when the plant is warm in the afternoon.use stakes to guide it and hold it . it can be done.a little each day.

5/29/2010 8:44:55 AM

Ostrander, OH

Ok thanks. You mean start turning it once it hits the ground, or before and after?

5/29/2010 9:08:30 AM

[email protected]

Some folks have erected bridge and sling supports to pull the plant over before it landed. Each case is different though.

5/29/2010 9:22:19 AM

Coupeville WA

I am beginning to doudt the idea of the vine running the opposite direction of the first true leaf. Generally in the past, I may have had to manipulate a vine here and there. This year I am 0/4. I am having to redirect at least 180 degrees on all 4 of my vines.
Is anyone else observing this or is this just a bad year for me?

5/29/2010 10:21:40 AM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

How established is the plant? Can you get enough of a root ball to turn it?

5/29/2010 11:14:46 AM

New York

Certainly the vine always starts opposite the first leaf, it just might continue toward another direction.

5/29/2010 11:47:02 AM

Minnesota

Move it only when it is warm/sunny, other wise it will snap, I moved mine at sun set last year and the main vine just snaped, 3 quarters of the ways thru, when you do move it just a little every day. (from my expierence)

5/29/2010 1:55:20 PM

Ohio

My first year I actually planted one backwards, I left for vacation before it started to vine, when I got back it was going the way I wanted it to without any stakes, sticks or slings. But I probably got lucky though.

5/29/2010 3:45:51 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

In a case like that you just have to use you're imagination to come up with a way to get it the way it's supose to be. Like Tremor each case is different. You just have to adapt.

5/29/2010 3:56:11 PM

[email protected]

The vine runs OPPOSITE the first true leaf about 70% of the time. planting the seedling at a 30 degree angle corrects the other 30%.

5/29/2010 5:55:53 PM

milford, CT,

You're going to need about 3-4 ft circumference to turn it back..Most of all..don't rush it..and make sure it is the hottest part of the day...

5/29/2010 10:18:28 PM