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Cape Cod, MA

I want to grow my main vine in the "Christmas tree" pattern this year and need advice on pruning. Specifically, how do you remove an unwanted side shoot? Do you cut them off at the junction with the main vine? Do the cuts need to be treated? Any advice is appreciated.

5/26/2001 11:13:18 PM

Rush, NY

See the entry I just completed under "vine growth" about the Christmas tree pattern.
To prune unwanted side shoots, I frequently break them off when just starting with a flick of the finger. When they get longer than a few inches cut them right at the runner with a clippers or sharp knife. I have never treated the cuts with anything.

5/27/2001 7:34:51 AM

Lake Stevens, WA, USA

go to www.giantpumpkin.com and read the section about pinching and pruning.

5/27/2001 12:59:02 PM

Saskatoon, SK

If I am grwoing in the christmas tree pattern when should I prune off the primaries other than the single one I will be keeping. Should I focus all the growth to the primary vine right now or let the other primaries reach about 4 ft (edge of garden) before I prune them? ANy help appreciated. I have read all the articles on pruning and none seem to talk about when to start pruning. thanks.

6/1/2001 10:36:13 AM

Herndon, VA

I have read 8-12 ft for pruning the secondaries. I suppose if 4ft is the end of the garden, then ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Perhaps you can go 4ft out, then turn 'em 90 degrees and grow another 4ft. Then prune. Bruiser.

6/3/2001 1:58:33 AM