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Halifax, Nova Scotia

Due to a short stem on my 788.6 Companion the main vine is now in contact with the shoulders of the pumpkin. It's close to 500 pounds now, so moving the pumpkin isn't really an option. I've been staking the main as much as I can to push it away from the fruit, but the shoulders keep getting bigger, and I've pretty much run out of room. Any suggestions?

9/7/2005 1:30:48 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

You may have to loosen up some more of the tap roots along the main vine as well as any roots coming off of the secondaries near the fruit to take some tension off. I also have had to put some stakes against my main in a couple of spots to give it some more room. My fruit on the 898 has been giving me stress along with the stem all season long. There is a picture of mine in my diary under "Ned". Good luck.

9/7/2005 2:43:49 PM

Ohio

NS,If worst comes to worst and you cant relieve the stress you might have to cut the main off after the pumpkin as a last resort.

Brooks

9/7/2005 6:36:58 PM

Rhode Island

being from nova scotia i would thing your pumpkin is in the very final stages of growth

if so, the small daily weight gains should not be enough to rip off a stem,etc

the above suggestions are also very good info

9/7/2005 10:33:34 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I had to eliminate a secondary vine close to the fruit on my 808 Beachy to gain a little more movement on the vine to relieve stress. It was rooted down too good and wouldn't let the vine move at all. once it was snipped, I got a couple of extra inches. This might help you also.

9/8/2005 8:38:53 AM

Halifax, Nova Scotia

I managed to pull some roots and get another half inch. Like Pap said, the season is starting to wind down here, especially with the cold front moving through tonight, so a half inch might be all I need. If it comes down to it I might have to take the knife to the main after the fruit, but I'll try to avoid doing that for as long as possible.

9/8/2005 8:58:56 AM