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Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

I now have a secondary approaching 15 feet and am wondering what peoples thoughts are on the length of secondaries. I'm up to speed on the size of patch I need but am wondering just how much energy the last 10 feet of a 25 foot secondary provides to the pumpkin. There must be a point where there is little benefit or vines closer to the pumpkin provide a much greater benefit. Thoughts?

6/25/2012 9:13:41 AM

Colorado

My guess is twelve feet at the back of the plant. I let the last three(just before the pumpkin) on each side swing around and fill the plot(they can get 25ft).I dont terminate the main.I'm going to try to keep the vine thats at the pumpkin if the fruits stem allows me.Also I try not to terminate the main and a couple of side vines as long as space permits.Thats what Ive learned from experts and local growers.

6/25/2012 11:19:55 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

Peter,

My thoughts are that you want as much plant behind the pumpkin as possible. This results in more root mass feeding the pumpkin. Growing giant poumpkins is about growing roots and keeping new roots growing as much as you can. if you have space to let the secondaries continue to grow, keep them going. Termiante when they reach the outermost area you planned for or by day 35 on the fruit, which ever comes first.

6/25/2012 2:18:02 PM

Rhode Island

both good advise from joe and country kid. one thing to also keep in mind.
dont be in a big rush to terminate those first 2-3 sets of side vines.
ron and i are convinced that the longer you can keep these first few sides going the less possibility for a foaming stump (pressure build up)
id even go so far as to suggest experimenting with wrapping the first couple sets of sides along the edge of the patch for an extra five or so ft of length.
just my thoughts
pap

6/25/2012 5:36:57 PM

Goodwood, Ontario, Canada

Thanks guys...I think I am going to have the most unorthodox vine layout due to some errors of judgement in my initial planting and a few more errors in judgement along the way. it's a learning experience for sure and I do appreciate everyone's interest and feedback.

6/25/2012 7:31:23 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I like to do what cojoe does, with the secondaries just before the fruit.

6/26/2012 1:52:15 AM