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Ontario

I have been watching the direction of my main vine growth,and it appears it wants to grow in a north east direction. The problem is I want it to grow in a more westerly direction. How can I train it to grow that way? Will that put any stress on the vine if it has to turn? Another option I have but alot of work is to remove a fence that is behind the patch and extend it. This plant was started with direct seed method. Any advice. Thank-you.

6/30/2000 9:27:21 AM

Conception Junction, Mo.

Sure, you really need to train it so you can utilize your space and walk between the vines. I make hold downs out of metal coat hangers. Straighten the hanger, then cut it into 3 or four equal pieces. Bend them into a U shape and force them into the ground over the vine after you position it. Just be carefull not to mash the vine. You can move them quite a distance if it is in the warm part of the day.

6/30/2000 10:35:35 AM

Commack, NY

tim is on to something with the coat hangers, iv'e been using them for a few years. i use plastic ones though, because they're easy to find in the patch at the end of the year clean up, there cheap to buy, they last forever, and they don't rust. do a little curve each day after it gets warm. just buy a bunch of the cheapest hangers you can find, and use a pair of loppers to cut the hanger so that you're left with two "u's". they will be the parts that fit into the sleeves. the hook part you can throw out, and there you go, cheap, simple, effective, could it get any better then that?!

6/30/2000 1:02:36 PM

Ontario

Thanks Tim and Farmer Scott
But there is one problem with that. My vines haven't laid down yet so I have stuck a 3 foot stake in the ground to redirect it in the direction i want to go. When it does lie down I will use your suggestions. Thanks again

6/30/2000 10:13:33 PM