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Pocatello ([email protected])

How many of you prune your first two secondaries?

I've always left mine on the main. But I read somewhere that these secondaries are typically so strong that they might sap the energy from the main. They are strong... mine tend to behave like the main, and sometimes turn out stronger than the main, by the time late season comes along.

1/29/2013 3:15:37 PM

Riverton, WY

I only prune the secondaries that are pointed up or are weak. I prefer a strong secondary as close to the stump as possible. The more aggressive it is, the quicker it gets terminated out 8 ft and begins to give the whole plant a boost just as the main is beginning to show females.

1/29/2013 6:59:40 PM

Tinykinville

I actually trim off the first five, four sides and what would likely be the back main. I started doing this two years ago and will continue. I have limited patch space so that effects my decision as well. A couple reasons i do it is three years ago i lost three of five stumps and each one took at least two sides with it, in a limited space area that is alot of plant to lose. I have not lost a stump since and theorize that these sides may have been part of the cause by increasing internal pressure in the crown area. a couple other bonuses are increased stump ventilation limiting late season occcurances of soft spots near the stump, and a younger healthier plant during pumpkin growth as the first few sides are always the first to have leaves show their age. This older plant material seems to have a greater tendacy for picking up powdery mildew as well. In early growth periods it also allows growth to be concentrated in other area you may prefer such as the main. It always up to each grower which ideas they choose to use but these are just some concepts to consider.

1/30/2013 1:29:12 AM