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In the shade - PDX, OR

Hello - just wondering if some one could tell me the benefits of pruning the stump. I saw this topic on a chat transcript - so I started wondering. There are lots of spent male stems and a few spindly leaves there now.

Thanks, always appreciate the help.
Ya'll grow em BIG! - Ceis

7/31/2002 1:33:58 AM

Key West, FL

so it wont rot

7/31/2002 2:59:28 AM

Commack, NY

pruning around the stump accomplishes a couple of things.....first it improves air circulation around the stump area, it also provides direct sunlight to the area. both of these things will help keep your stump dry and provide a less friendly environment for rot to set in. Secondly, as vines grow out from the stump, energy from the plant is directed in different directions, and most notably, not all of it is going to the fruit. Thats why its also important to get all those tertiary's pruned, you want to keep as much energy as possible going to the fruit.

good luck
scott

7/31/2002 7:36:05 AM

Mineral Virginia

what about burying the stump? I think on some plants I buried everything this eyar and I'm not seeing any real ill effects on the ones that have pumpkins set. I have not bureied the stumps on ones that do not have pumpkins and I'm beginning to think those plants are homo-pumpkin-phobic.

7/31/2002 9:42:55 AM

Utah

I typically bury the stump... but some have had
problems with rotting doing this.

7/31/2002 10:13:02 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Thanks All - Farmer Scott The air circulation part makes a lot of sense. I'm sitll pinching all of the tertiarys (off of the secondaries) so I see where this practice is applicable to the stump.

Cheers - Ceis

7/31/2002 7:26:24 PM

Commack, NY

anytime!!

7/31/2002 8:36:12 PM

Key West, FL

i said the same thing he said but just with fewer words.
but no thanks for me. haha

7/31/2002 10:08:28 PM

Yreka, CA

Now now Ben, you fall into the category of "All." so do I for that matter, and I didn't even offer any advice! LOL

Patience

8/1/2002 3:01:11 AM

Key West, FL

whaaaaaa????????? i was just joking but i did get what you mean by "all".

8/1/2002 2:37:58 PM

Herndon, VA

Some plants tend to grow a very "woody" stump, which holds moisture and can rot easily. Burying may accelerate this, especially for clay soils (like mine) that dn't drain well.

8/3/2002 10:43:46 PM