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Knopp, Germany

Do you think it is better for the plant to be set in the middle of your patch to grow out or on one side and grow across? How do you think the stump roots are effected by both methods?

3/31/2004 8:19:54 AM

Nova Scotia

if you have the room the middle is better and plants back to back (i'd give 5' apart) are fine. myself i'm forced to grow from one end with only 5' from the edge.

3/31/2004 11:14:58 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Jim Roberts has posted a couple of times on this subject.
He has an interesting perspective on optimum root spread.


I have space issues in my smaller back yard and provide a 4' diameter buffer.


I think that the overall QUALITY of the soil is much more important than placement.

3/31/2004 12:49:53 PM

It makes sense that if you plant in the middle, the roots have farther to grow before they get to the "not good" dirt beyond the edges of your patch. Some people will say that when the roots hit the edges of the patch, they will just turn and keep growing within your patch, where they find more nutrients.

Of course, it all depends on the size and dimensions of your patch as well, and what works best. Last year I had a smaller patch, and planted at the edges and went across. This year, I've expanded, and I have enough room to go back to back with the stumps in the middle. We'll see how it turns out.

3/31/2004 3:10:38 PM

Puyallup, WA

My "Pugh 1057" plant was grown two feet from a hard surfaced driveway. I had dug a 4' pit and filled it with "biosludge". I had no hopes for any success from that plant(Emmons 996.5). Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised!

3/31/2004 4:45:52 PM

[email protected]

Stan, Is that the material shown in Joel's 2002 video? -Steve

3/31/2004 5:55:57 PM

Puyallup, WA

Yes it is!!

3/31/2004 9:04:17 PM

Puyallup, WA

I was told that it's pH was above 7.5!!!!

3/31/2004 9:05:04 PM

Key West, FL

My 880 was grown on the edge of my patch.

3/31/2004 9:51:06 PM

Knopp, Germany

I have two patches. This year I am going to grow from the middle out in one of them and from the edges in on the other. When I dug up my plants last year I notices that the biggest roots from the stump area all grew along the edge of my patch, about 10 inches deep. They were over 20 feet long. This reinforces the idea that you need to ensure that the whole patch area is equally treated. Brigitte, I would like to know if you notice a difference this year.

4/1/2004 5:33:38 AM

Knopp, Germany

CEIS, I just did a site search on "Jim Roberts" and "optimum root spread". Didn't find anything. Can you lead me in the right direction, I would like to read what Jim has to say. Thanks, owen

4/1/2004 5:36:30 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Hey Owen - Jim's handle on the site is "JimR".

One of his latest posts was a response to this thread:

"How would you do it"
http://bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=69164


He's recommending a 15' buffer for the roots to spread.

4/1/2004 1:05:35 PM

Knopp, Germany

Thanks CEIS!

4/1/2004 11:46:18 PM