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Joliet, IL

how many growers put a back up plant side by side to
their top choice plants in case tragedy strikes?
i did this last year and it helped have my 1082 curry
rooted and healthy along side my 756 ford that never did
kick in gear for me and got culled.

after thinking a bit about root development, how far
should 2 plants be placed next to each other on the same
mound with out having inter-twining roots causing harm
to either or both plants. knowing that the culling process
will be somehere around the 4th leaf stage, is it of any
concern for health sakes of the plants and root systems
if they were planted 2' apart from each other?

any advice is greatly appreciated.
shazzy

1/17/2005 4:37:37 PM

Long Island,New York

I think it helps to have others in the vicinity...especially if you use those root fungi mychorizae....I plan on "seeding" my patch with seedlings innoculated with the fungi so when the roots and vines from the main plant get there the colonies of fungi are already there...ready to move onto the live roothairs when I cull the seedlings......G

1/17/2005 6:42:48 PM

C N Y

might still wanna mix some myco. in with the
vine-burying soil as well, just in case...

1/17/2005 6:54:02 PM

Montoursville, PA

Glen is right on target with the side by side starts. No problem because innouculation is absolute once completed to the end of the root development season. Removing one by simple clip off would not harm and underground development what so ever. Ripping one out as, in pulling, might disturb some hair roots and or mycorrhizae at a very important time, in their development.

1/17/2005 7:25:32 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

We always start one or two back-up plants about a week after the others. If a plant damps off or becomes a double vine, a back-up is available that is not too pot bound. Even though they are started later they will usually catch up to the others and pollination time will be about the same.

1/17/2005 8:45:31 PM

Edmonton, Canada

I began doing this last year. I grow 2 plants side by side, until about the 4 or 5 leaf stage. then, the slower of the 2 gets the boot!

1/18/2005 8:57:10 AM

Riverton, WY

3 ft apart works well for me. By the time they start to crowd each other, the plant you want to keep has given you a pretty good idea if it is a healthy plant or not.

1/19/2005 11:13:39 PM

[email protected]

I plant backups usually around 12 - 24 inches or so away from the primary plant, just in case. I have had a rough time just clipping plants once the main sets, kevorkianism is hard to get used to, but it is a must. DOc is correct in his assessment though, never pull, always clip when eliminating backup plants.

1/20/2005 6:51:13 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

I always double plant. 3 to 4 ft apart is good.

You never know when a mutant plant might show up.
Double vine, snapped main etc. Nature happens!

Like a good scout be prepared....

1/20/2005 1:08:58 PM

Joliet, IL

thanks all for the advice. its nice knowing when i
have a question, that so many people with experience are
willing to share advice or thoughts.
thanks again
shazzy

1/20/2005 7:02:37 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Thanks for asking it Shazzy.
It's something I've been wondering about as well.

1/20/2005 7:10:36 PM

Indiana

I have only switched one plant in several years because of frost damage. Otherwise, I always stick them out. They have all straightened themselves out rather quickly. As soon as I find a vine going funny I chop off the growth tip and start the side vines going.

Backup plants this year will probably be 501.5, 1097.5, 490, and 538. Just start an extra of each.

Tom

1/21/2005 12:59:47 AM