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San Diego

I want to know what most heavy hitters put under their secondary tap roots as ammendments? I know myco is used, but what else? and second, how long can you let secondary vines go consistantly on a plant and still grow a monster? 15 feet, 20, 25? etc. What is everyones personal experience with both of these issues. Thanks, Jim

1/31/2011 10:15:35 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Double secret triple formula that martians gave certain growers......

2/1/2011 9:17:03 AM

Rhode Island

duster

our secondaries will usually be allowed to grow out 12*15ft before the fruit. then, if we terminate the main at the pumpkin ( which we have been doing the last few years) we train the last three or four sets on both sides ( before the fruit ) to grow around the pumpkins sides, growing out each three or for sets anywhere between 10-154 ft depemding on available space.then dead end by early september.
this is especially helpfull should you loose all or parts of the main during mid to late season.those three to four long sets of sides will supply enough to keep the fruit going.

most times we use mico along with root shield when we vine bury. at time and depending on soil testing we will also add nitrogem (lightly) and potassium (lightly) if needed.

other than fall and spring soil tests and appropriate additions most other insect/disease and micro-nutrients are foliar sprayed through out the season according to the plants needs.

2/1/2011 9:51:59 AM

Bethlehem CT

Pap, How big is your pumpkin when you terminate the main vine?

2/1/2011 2:49:01 PM

Saskatchewan Fosston Canada

Pap.
How many feet are you growing the main from the pumpkin before you cut it of?And do you dig down the end?Thanks.

2/1/2011 3:49:11 PM

Rhode Island

i wait to be sure my select pumpkin has taken and is out of danger---usually wait until choosen fruit is between basket and beach ball size.
take precautions to protect young pumpkins exterior with a small hoop screen and whitetowel over the young fruit. keeps deer and pecking birds away.
my first pollinations must be a minimum of ten ft from base of plant( twelve is even better ) usually end up taking first or second set most timesdepending on which has the best shape.

2/2/2011 9:01:16 AM

Saskatchewan Fosston Canada

Pap!
Thank you very much for the advice.
Mvh.Bossen.

2/2/2011 10:59:35 AM