From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Scituate, MA

Do the roots and leaves after the pumpkin contribute to the overall growth of the pumpkin? Does back feeding refer to process of feeding the area after the pumpkin? Thanks Geoff S.

7/12/2011 2:34:12 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Yes it does...when the older leaves arent producing enough or you have to terminate the main vine at the stump the pumpkin, when this happen the pumpkin will get a ton of nutrients from the newer leaves.

7/12/2011 4:13:41 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Geoff, this is one of those issues that is still being debated to some degree, but I think yes the pumpkin can definitely benefit from the younger growth beyond the pumpkin. I think Steve Connolly is a big fan of this. For the record I am a big advocate of terminating the main at the pumpkin though. The risk of stem stress out weighs the benefit of additional growth potential in my patch.

7/12/2011 10:41:07 PM

Scituate, MA

Thanks to both of you for this info. it looks like I will have significant growth beyond pumpkin as my keeper on main is only 10-12 feet out. as a result I was hoping additional leaves would help after 12 feet. Main is now 25' and soon to reach limit of patch.BTW I am growing a Steve Connolly seed.

7/12/2011 10:49:12 PM

Preston CT

yes!

7/13/2011 9:45:16 AM