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In the past I have only buried side vines with the thinking that I could afford to lose a side vine or two to rot but couldnt risk losing the main. With a couple thousand pounders under my belt I am now trying to go for the gold, all or nothing. Surely burying the main vine will increase root growth but is it beneficial enough to take this risk? If i only had two or three plants I probably wouldn't even consider this but I have 13 plants this year and although Id hate to lose any of them, Id certainly take the risk of losing a couple mains if the data shows a significant increase in possible fruit growth. I would love to hear some opinions on this. Mike Frantz

5/27/2006 10:57:57 AM

Clinton, Iowa

Personally I think you should not....I've done both over the years and have not buried a main the past 4 or 5 years...I don;t think I have seen alot of mains buried in my Ohio tours and It is very hard to argue against the Ohio Valley's type success....
I like being able to monitor the main thru out the season and I have seen the rot that you mentioned first hand ...sooooo that said...That be the reason why I don;t bury!!

5/27/2006 11:39:46 AM

San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Bury it.

5/27/2006 11:58:24 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

Mike,
Maybe if you tell us what kind of soil you have, it may have a bearing on the answers.
We have a lighter soil here, and I've been burying the main at the leaf nodes(not the whole vine). I haven't noticed any problem yet. Keep in mind, I've only grown two seasons, and only a few plants.
Also keep in mind not to bury before or after the fruit(a few feet at least) to prevent stem stress on your pumpkin(you likely knew this:-)

5/27/2006 1:00:27 PM

Mocksville, NC

This year i'm not burying the mains some side vines at leaf nodes i will , and when i say bury i mean just lightly cover. I'm starting to believe the dry air circulated main is better, we'll see! Rog

5/27/2006 2:28:17 PM

Leamington, Ont.

I say... bury lightly and after SVB season is done then uncover (if you have them in your area). It definately helps keep my mains svb free.

5/27/2006 2:38:43 PM

Iowa

Mike,
I usually get by with putting a little straw over the vine. Of course my patch is mulched with straw, so I need move it out of the way for the vine anyway. Then I just lightly put some over the top of the vine at each node. This way it keeps the ground moist and dark around the roots, which I think helps them root faster. Maybe you could try leaves or grass clippings. Good luck.
By the way my fair plant looks like crap, so what do I know anyway. I'm starting to think I may be a one hit wonder, never to be heard from again! lol !
Ralph

5/27/2006 3:04:35 PM

Vancouver, White Rock, Canada

Last season I tried to bury the main, and then uncover just the top of it to allow some air to get at it. Seemed to work root-wise, and it stayed fairly dry. Just be careful you don't choke out the male flowers early on.

5/28/2006 12:46:20 AM

San Diego

don't bury myself, never will, get rot if I do.

5/28/2006 1:12:30 AM

[email protected]

Don't bury if you're growing in heavy soils or if Fusarium or Rhizoctonia has been detected. The modern insecticides do a fine job of controlling insects so if we stay on time, burying is just an unnecessary invitation to disaster. I've seen it too many times.

5/28/2006 7:44:11 AM

San Diego, Ca.

I've taken handfulls of potting soil (Supersoil) and temporarily buried the vine only right at each node. The potting soil drains well so no real issues there. Once the tap roots have had enough time to sink into the soil you can rinse the potting soil away from the vine exposing some of the tap root. The tap roots will harden up, and even become green like the vine where they are exposed to the light. Now you have increased root growth without taking the risk of rotting your vine by being buried continuously.

5/28/2006 11:07:38 AM

Simi valley, ca

Allways buried my main but its also because i have problems with ground squrills , never had problem with rot only after season was over, & thats including when my ground was much less organtic matter & i didnt know better & let leaves grow on top of leaves on top of leaves & watered (MUCHO GRANDY) I did get PM-but no rot on main ,, Ill keep doing it !!!

5/29/2006 8:19:53 PM

Canada

Mike Last year I covered my main and secondarys with spaghnum peatmoss plant seemed to love it and i ended up with an 378.5 and it was a very late June start from seed.

this year ive got 2 plants at the same rate your 781.5 i wont be burrying i'kll be laying manure under and around the main and secondarys my 378.5 from last year i'll be burrying just to see what happens.

5/29/2006 11:45:31 PM