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Rhode Island

This is the time of year when most plants are in the process of dropping the main down to the ground. it can be a difficult time for any grower. A small mistake here or some wind damage there and its over.
Here are some helpfull hints to hopefully get you through.
Be sure to wait until the day has warmed up to do this.

Several ways to support the suspended main

1.Suspend fertalizing until the main is on the ground. to much fertalizer especially water soluable will make the main very rigid and difficult to work with and can snap easily
2. use two sets of bamboo sticks. a crossed set on top (close to the end of the vine) forcing the main down a bit each day, plus a crossed set underneath so a wind gust does not force the main to move rapidly and break.
3.Ramp some earth up under the main ( once its half way down ) so it does not need a stake underneath - then go back each day and remove a bit under the main until the vine is on the ground. keep the crossed stakes on top though.

Pap

6/1/2008 6:20:18 AM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

Thanks Pap, a very timely post as I am just trying to get mine to ground. As aways your help is much appreciated!

6/1/2008 11:50:41 AM

Sweden

As always a very helpful post. I'll be sure to read it again in say...umm five weeks when I reached that stage here up in the north:)

6/1/2008 12:56:27 PM

Louth , Ireland

Please write a book , I'll buy 5 :)

6/1/2008 4:26:12 PM

President - GPC

Thanks Paps....You are the best!

6/2/2008 9:12:15 AM

Darfield, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks Pap. Just when I thought about trying to get mine down the next morning it had done it on it's own but have one left to convince to drop.

6/3/2008 12:19:51 AM

California High Desert CinnamintStick@msn.com

Darn I don't think I eased. Thank goodness it was not my pumpkin but my husbands. Do you think he will notice the tape? Should I have used glue? It is not broken all the way, just half way. Will it fix itself? It is a nice clean break.

6/3/2008 3:46:29 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Pap, get post, I was thinking today about that very thing. Its been windy here and Im worried about the main. I have plenty of bamboo..we have a cane break on the fence line..Thanks for thinking of us wannabees...

6/4/2008 7:54:04 AM