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salamanca,NY

OK.....My first year,at what point do i cut tap roots?Heres my problem..i have a nice pumpkin going and its near a cross section in the vine system.There seems to be an actual root system formed near the stem at the vine,which seems to be more than a tap root??But i do not want the stem to snap,should i go ahead and cut the roots and tap roots and loosen the vines now??Or will this really hinder the growth???Thanks Dave its on a 1403 wolf plant,sooooo very important:)

7/20/2007 12:16:32 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Yes, cut the tap roots off, one at the leaf node at the pumpkin juncture and at least one ahead and behind the pumpkin on the main. You will probably need to do two in front and behind to allow that vine to raise, keeping the stem perpendicular to the ground. I feel the same way, I hate to do it, but one must to avoid stem stress.

7/20/2007 12:23:11 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

I just shove my scissors under the vine and slice it off. At this time you may also want to consider placing sand under your pumpkin, move it gentley, I hold my breath the entire time....lol

7/20/2007 12:24:51 PM

Wi

I'd keep the stem parallel to the ground :)

7/20/2007 12:26:37 PM

Western NY

Hi Dave.

Cutting that root never seems to hurt the growth. I always hate to do it, but in the end it's much better for the pumpkin.

7/20/2007 12:48:10 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Sorry I meant parallel not perpendicular.......oops Thanks Chris for keeping me straight.....

7/20/2007 12:56:29 PM