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Petaluma CA

This is my first year growing AG. it is amazing to see how fast they grow, I had no idea.
My pumpkin has grown so much that it is pressing on the main vine. And that part of the vine is 6 inches off the ground so I can't go over it. I imagine I must move my baby by hand, a little each day? is this the best way? also next week is vacation time so i am leaving everything up to an old timer to take care of for 12 days.(old 65)

8/10/2002 5:55:35 PM

Cologne / Germany

Hey, my father is 63 and one of the fittest persons I know! Give your "old timer" some advice on how to take any tension away from the vine and the stem and I assume he will do a pretty good job for you, at least you´re the grower...(

8/10/2002 6:18:09 PM

Bristol, ME (stunner906@roadrunner.com)

How big and how old is the fruit? If you let it press against the vine you induce stem stress and run the risk of popping the stem off the fruit or the vine. I am still able to move mine a fraction on warm days at 150 lbs. If it grows over the vine on the side toward the stump you will eventually kill off the lifeline by the fruits own weight. Be very cautious though, a hair to much and you will hear the dreaded 'walking on popcorn' sound and your stem will be cracked. It could heal or if it's too bad, you could lose the fruit. Just move it in the heat of the day a tiny bit and you'll get there.

8/10/2002 6:19:36 PM

North Ga

It also helps to support the vine with some chunks of styrofoam on each side of the fruit. The vine on my 537 was touching the shoulders of it so I wedged a piece of styro between the vine and fruit.

8/10/2002 6:28:22 PM

Petaluma CA

It is 50 inches in circumference and 22 days from pollination i normally get 2 inches of growth a day but we have a heat wave here and i got 6 inches today

8/10/2002 6:36:17 PM