From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Hobbiton New Zealand

How far ahead of the leaf area do the roots grow? Can you rototill around the plant and stay say 3feet out from plant and be safe from hitting the root zone?

11/17/2007 11:52:50 PM

Puyallup, WA

It depends on what stage of growth your plant is in. You may be able to do so safely until the end of May. Another factor that has to be considered is the hardness of the soil. If you walk on the soil making it compacted, that will limted growth around the plant as well.

11/18/2007 1:28:02 AM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Stan, check DARKY's location. His season's done in April :-)

11/18/2007 3:22:06 AM

Section, AL

Last year I was hoeing about 2-3 feet out from the first secondary which was 5-6 feet long and cut a root. It came from the main stumproot nine feet away. They grow fast.

11/18/2007 9:48:34 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I took this picture a few years back that shows some some root growth. I never mess with the soil that is within about 3' from any part of the plant.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=21717

11/18/2007 2:31:47 PM

Whidbey Island

I don't rototill at all once the transplant is in. You never know just how far and fast roots will travel. I've seen them ten feet away and going strong.

11/18/2007 4:06:09 PM

Montoursville, PA

If you are using Mycorrhiza you may safely double the feet away from the vines in the patch mentioned above. Those ever expanding support structures to your roots are so fine you can not see them where they are furtherest from the plant.

11/23/2007 1:58:34 PM