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Atlanta, Georgia

I have about 4 feet of soil in my pumpkin mound and wonder if anyone has ever excavated at the end of the season and found roots that deep under the stump....

My soil is very light and has lots of organic matter.

Best regards,
Michel

7/4/2005 2:38:48 AM

Montoursville, PA

Yes there is a report somewhere I challenged last year indicating with drawing what some learned person percieved might be truth. That kind, of knowlege is worthless babble.

In your case a tap or several roots may delve into the debths, of your four foot deep mound. Plants will do what they have, to do, to get moisture, oxygen and nutrients.

In my first coach's patch there is a solid rock ledge some six, to eight, inches below the growing medium. In his patch the roots need, to go far and wide. They also must have absolutely high humus, to hold the water, nutrients and oxygen. Roots, in his case, can not go below the solid faulted rock ledge under his patch. In spite of this he grew thousand pound monsters with those horrible conditions.

In your case if the humus is relatively high the vast majority, of your root mass will be, in the top ten inches or so. A few roots may be found anchored quite deeply. Roots and their hosted mycorrhizae generally only go where they need, to go, to get, establish or collect their needs.

7/4/2005 9:02:33 AM

Atlanta, Georgia

Thanks as always!

I guess I'll find out for certain after the harvest when I take out the watering pipe.
Later!

7/5/2005 2:45:58 AM