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Redwood Country

Please see my most recent diary post to give wise advice about tricky vine problem. You're the best!

8/12/2007 3:15:44 PM

Poulsbo, WA

I do not have an answer, but I am about to have the same problem, so I am eagerly awaiting replies to your problem.

8/12/2007 8:03:12 PM

Minnesota

In the future this can be avoided by working a "v" into the vine when the fruit is young. Rookie mistake, but don't worry I made the same one. I started to have this problem at about 300 pounds and I am over a 1000 right now, so the problem can be prolonged. I started to slowly turn the pumpkin away from the vine; move it closer to the vine on the right side of the picture. Do it in the heat of the day and very little each day. I also worked slack back into the vine and began to slowly pull the vine away from the fruit. I drove stakes into the ground and used fabric to pull the vine away from the fruit. It is a slow process, with daily adjustments needed and no guarantees, but it will buy you time and weight. I can send you pictures of my technique if you want.

8/12/2007 10:23:22 PM

New Hampshire, USA

Please post pictures of your technique.

8/13/2007 12:11:32 AM

Redwood Country

Yes, Minnesota, a rookie move to be sure! I borrowed my dad's book, "How to Grow a World Class Pumpkin" a few weeks ago and saw how much trouble I was in. HA!

Your technique sounds wise--I will follow it!

Thanks a million!

8/13/2007 12:35:07 AM

Georgia

You can also cut the vine just past the pumpkin if its too late for re position. Ive had to cut mains this year past some pumpkins and havent had one slow down from it.

8/13/2007 8:17:45 AM

Fairport,NY

Farm Girl I had the same problem about two weeks ago. Try to move the side on the opposite side of the stump back do it during the hottest part of the day very slowly and don't forget to cut the roots under the leaf nodes at least 4ft back so you have un-anchored slack vine to play with .it worked for me and if you were planning on cutting it anyways it gives you a last shot at moving it with nothing to loose? Rember slow and steady movement..Don't force it!!

8/13/2007 11:29:01 AM

Redwood Country

Thanks for all the fabulous replies, guys and gals. I am quite attached to "Miss Piggy" and would be very put out if she doesn't make it.

8/13/2007 11:30:32 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

This image?

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=72083

Which side is the crown on?

Here's what I've done: Undercut the adventitious roots for the 3-4 feet on either side of the pumpkin. Do the same for the nearest secondary vines. If the main still won't move, lift ALL of the roots AFTER the pumpkin (you can bury it later). Once the main has enough slack, have someone help you PULL the pumpkin back to get it away from the vine. This is why the vine after the pumpkin needs to be free as well as the nearest secondaries. They're going to need to move freely to avoid causing stem stress.

Don't be afraid to cut a couple secondary vines off if they're in the way. The nearest leaves look to be in danger of scratching the fruit so go ahead & prune them off too. Foam blocks might help raise the vine up & help aid in positioning it.

Work in the heat of mid-day when the vines are most supple to avoid cracking.

This is why we need to create often sever curves in the main wherever we decide to set a fruit.

8/14/2007 1:01:46 AM