From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Sacramento, CA

I have noticed a lot of growers are protecting the tip of the main vine as it progreses across the patch. What is the deal?

6/25/2006 8:31:13 PM

Ca

Some do it to protect it from the sun. The tip is very tender. Others to protect it from animals or humans damaging it. When the vines are buried then the risk goes down.

6/25/2006 8:35:30 PM

Connecticut, USA

Some are shading the female flowers for pollination. If the females get too hot the pollination may not take.

6/25/2006 8:40:38 PM

Sacramento, CA

Turken, I know how hot Lake County can get. Is your patch in the direct sun all day? Mine is a city patch, so I have 50-60% shade from the evil black walunt.

The plants dont seem to wilt too much, even in this heat we have had this week. Do you still advise shielding the tip (once it gets out on the ground and going) Right now they are headed for the sky.

6/25/2006 11:51:47 PM

Ca

It's been real hot like it gets in Redding. It's a big bowl here and after a few days a high preassure with no wind like the delta it really starts to bake. My Garden and Secondary patch get the intense direct sun most of the day. My main patch gets some partial shade from the trees, but it gets the intense late afternoon sun. If you get the direct sun I would cover it. If you get a lot of shade then you should be alright unless it's 105 plus then sometimes the ground begins to bake the tip. You could put out a thermometer where your vine will grow to check the temp.

6/26/2006 11:48:12 AM

Utah

Sun damaged leaves...
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=38596

6/26/2006 1:05:50 PM

Mocksville, NC

Also make sure its really nessary, and hot enough to get leaf scorch, or the ends will raise up to the point of snapping, just learned that this year. i kept them on to long.

6/26/2006 9:29:21 PM