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Buffalo, MN ([email protected])

Not to steal Creekside’s post I have a similar question. In a discussion with a fellow grower we talked about the importance of burying and pruning the vines. When I started growing AG’s the more vines the better so I said with today’s seeds that a person could probably grow a 1000 lber without any vine pruning or burying if they limited the plant to one pumpkin. Has anyone accomplished this? Do you think it can be done?

7/1/2007 10:02:32 PM

Ohio

I think it could be done Bill. I grew a 721 with no vine burring last year. Only thing about that was, was that more then half the roots didn't grow out from under the leaf junctions,I think the reason why is because my dirt was more clayish making the top of the ground more like concrete. I think if you could get a big enough plant going and all the roots on the underside of the vine would take hold and grow , Id think in good enough soil it could be done easy with todays genetics

Brooks

7/2/2007 4:40:19 AM

Rhode Island

i could drive my car backwords to work to but id rather do it the right way

7/2/2007 6:14:59 AM

Wi

I think the state record holder does things the right way :)

7/2/2007 9:35:43 AM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

Come on Pap, What fun is driving your car forwards?!

7/2/2007 11:13:09 AM

southwest MO

I thought growing pumpkins was your job pap!

7/2/2007 12:47:13 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

What makes going forward to work the right way :)Sometimes you have to think out of the box.

7/2/2007 1:14:12 PM

Rhode Island

lol

7/2/2007 3:59:58 PM

Ohio

pap, I thought you was retired? ha!

7/2/2007 4:10:10 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Well, of course soil makeup has an affect on the root penetration levels, but the best way to get all of your roots to get into the ground is to bury them, so....

7/2/2007 8:55:06 PM

I think you should try it this year BIll on all the plants and make a documentary so we all can see the results ;-)

7/2/2007 9:05:52 PM

Wi

I agree with Dan, then bring it to weigh at Stillwater...so we all have a chance! :)

7/3/2007 9:22:33 AM

Cornell, Wi

I didnt bury any vines last year and my pumpkins of largest size was 350. That was seeds out of 600+ pounds. The seeds from the shelf at the market grew around 150. I believe genetics plays a very large role in size, but to be competitive, You need to follow the directions. That is why this year I am burying all vines and trying to do things the right way. I wouldnt know as much as I do now if it was not for this web site. Thanks to all

7/3/2007 9:57:30 AM

Georgia

Ahh burying vines can be a hassle and take a lot of work daily. My girlfriend always asks if its neccesary and I say yes. She asks me why I say all the best growers do it so it must be worth it. Tommorow I have a lot more burying to do. How deep do most of yall bury I cover them up with about four to five inches of surronding soil.

7/3/2007 10:16:42 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Yes 4-5 for me, but I wonder why some have said not to bury vines unless you must? Please explain. I bury as much as I can.....

7/3/2007 3:17:03 PM

canal winchester ohio

I bury every vine early on & then go back & uncover some vines after vine borer season is past. My soil is very loose ( almost like potting soil) from all the years of compost,manure & cover crops & it's that way so I can bury vines. Also when burying vines make sure to water your entire patch, not just where the plant is. I have a large amount of roots 4-6 feet beyond where any of the plant has reached & that would not be possible if that area of the garden was bone dry from no water. After a good rain & you see the top tap roots on the leaf nodes uncovered wait until you can get into the plant safely without creating a muddy mess, sprinkle some mychorr-fungi product ( I use Reforest's product...A world champion can't be wrong) on the top taproot & rebury it. I've heard a lot of folks say the top taproot doesn't amount to much, if treated properly it can amount to a LOT...a whole lot.
I haven't buried my vines the past 3 days ( the longest I've went this year) and I've got wilting at the end of the vine. First wilting all season & it's only 82 degrees, I was lazy & now I have some wilting.....not again.
What I'm getting at is vine burying DOES work & it DOESN'T cost a thing. This hobby can get very expensive with fertilizer's, pesticides,fungicides,seeds..ect,ect.
So with a FREE way to add pounds to your pumpkins...Do it, otherwise you'll be at the weighoff thinking "" If I had only buried some vines""
...Paul

7/3/2007 3:38:48 PM