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Zurich, Ontario Canada

Every year when I transplant My pumpkin in the garden ,Iplant it facing the wrong way. The main vine always starts growing toward the north,then Iend up gradually curving it around to travel south like it s supposed too. This ends up sressful on the vine as it gets thicker. How do I know when Iam planting it which way to face it so it is right from the get go?

phat joe

3/27/2011 6:00:59 AM

New Zealand

howdy phat man the main vine runs in the opposite direction to the first true leaf so plant seedling with the first true leaf facing north and your vine will grow south and remember if any adjustments are needed move vine in heat of day while vines are still pliable so they don't snap and move little and often

3/27/2011 6:23:03 AM

South Hero, VT

The "first true leaf" is the 3rd leaf to appear.

Hold the plant with the 3rd leaf pointed toward your chest.

The main vine's growth will be in the direction you are facing.

3/27/2011 9:09:06 AM

East Jordan, MI

hey phat joe,

In addition to transplanting with the first true leaf facing away from the desired direction, tip the plant at a slight angle in the direction you want the vine to grow. This will help the vine fall the correct direction.

3/27/2011 4:37:14 PM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

Thanx guys -All good tips here. Phat joe

ps Iusually start my seeds around April 20. Would you beleive our nights are still dropping to -18C up here??
Scarey!!!!!

3/27/2011 8:13:49 PM

Puyallup, WA

You guys are concerned about which way the vine will run....we in the Pacific Northwest are concerned if we will ever get our plants in the ground!

Looks like we are going to get near 6" of rain this March.
Seems like we just cannot get one 48 hour period of no rain. Just when you think the water table is droping, we get another half inch of rain. In order to disk and plow the soil, we need about five straight days of no rain and temperatures above 55° in the afternoons....60° would be really nice. The forecast for the last week of March through the first week of April is for more rain.

I'm not sure which is worse...soggy soil or cucumber beetles.

3/29/2011 1:51:42 AM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

Stan- That sucks!! Obviously you are stressed about this judging by the tie of night you posted this. Hope the sun shines for you.

Phat Joe

3/29/2011 5:30:21 AM