From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Santa Clara, California

IThis is my dilema as a struggling novice. Two plants in the patch are too close, only 2 feet apart..They are a month from germination and planted 3 weeks ago, have 4 true leaves. Both are doing great , but 747.6 Berard 2000 ( F-parent is 730 Steelfug 1996,, M- parent unknown), is growing faster and stronger than 690 Berard 1990 (F-parent is1056.5 steelfug 1998, M-parent unknown). I am hopeful to grow at least 300 lbs in my second year as a grower. I had almost close to a 100lbs last year. Shall I leave them as they are, kill one of them much later when one will show poorer performance, or relocate one NOW to a new patch (this one will surely be disadvantaged. If so, which of them should be transplanted?). I will try to figure it out myself but I can be wrong. If anyone of you can help, me again as many of you have generously done in the past, it is nuch appreciated.

5/31/2002 4:56:59 AM

Western Pa.

Mr E,

I have successfully moved young plants after they have been in the ground for several weeks, and they have gone on to grow pumpkins over 300#. Just be careful to dig slowly and get all the roots. I'm sure you may miss out on some growth while the transplanted plant re-aclimates. If you decide to just eliminate 1 plant, just snip off the stem, do not dig it up, or you may be causing root damage to the other plant. I don't know about your soil makeup and fertilizing, but I think you could probably make 300# leaving both plants in, but if you move the slower one, "the possibilities are endless!"

5/31/2002 7:40:02 AM

Ontario

Why don't you just train the main vines in each plant to run in opposite directions of each other. This way you can grow both with out transplanting. (back to back method)

6/4/2002 2:41:24 AM

Santa Clara, California

Hi kilpumpkins and Jay69, I really appreciate your advice, coming from your great experience and wisdom. Time will come when I'll be giving advice too.

6/5/2002 7:56:35 PM