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Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

I stuck a plant out when it had two true leaves and got mixed up as to which one was the first one, so the plant is now going the wrong direction. The plant is at the corner of the patch.

Here are my options as I see it:

1. loop the vine around the base and send it back in the intended direction

2. run the plant out the end of the patch and onto the lawn

3. Dig up the plant and re-orient it.

Anyone care to cast a vote? Other suggestions are graciously accepted as well.

Thanks!

Matt

5/4/2004 5:57:44 PM

Montoursville, PA

One to four days in the patch dig out and reorient. You are not the first. I was on the 28th. Caught mistake same day.
Loop the vine and let it grow to the right direction if you have been set for a week or more.

5/4/2004 6:11:36 PM

Puyallup, WA

Doll Doc is right. I'd dig up if plant is less than six days in the patch. Otherwise, loop the main in a gentle 180° turn. Only move main late in the day and only if it has been warm that day. The vine is more moveable at that time....but don't get greedy!! Just a little at a time....or you'll be sorry!

5/4/2004 9:01:45 PM

[email protected]

We have a local friend & grower who built an elaborate overhead sling to gently raise & re-lower his main last year by going straight up & over to make the 180. He was a nervous wreck, but it worked.

5/4/2004 9:09:12 PM

Kenyon, Mn.

So, I am confused... The main will run away from the first leafs point? or....@%$#& Stupid Human$#@& ok first leaf <=(point) Now, Ya'll is sayin that the vine is going to run >
LOL

5/4/2004 10:07:31 PM

Last year I went by the opposite of the first true leaf rule, and two out of four went the wrong direction. I think coaxing it by training it before it even falls either way is the best way to get it to go the way you want it.

Matt, I wouldn't do # 2, you would be mowing around pumpkin vines all summer, and wasting your patch space. I would also loop the vine, like Doc said, or replant if it hasn't been there very long.

5/4/2004 10:29:24 PM

Sioux Falls, SD [email protected]

Could someone please review for me how to predict the direction the main will go?

5/4/2004 11:46:35 PM

Sauk City Wisconsin

the opposite of the first true leaf becuse the second true leaf will grow bigger and tip the vine in it's favor...

5/5/2004 12:51:24 AM

Deer Park WA

The opposite direction of the first true leafe with consideration given to the direction of the prevailing winds.

5/5/2004 1:15:01 AM

Wroclaw, Poland (51 N, 17 E)

My plant started growing neither in the 1st or 2nd leav direction. It has began growing to the west (I planted it with second leave pointing south), and after a week turned to the south and developed litle cracks near the soil level... that was strange... I think that sometimes it doesn't matter how do You plant the seedling - it will go to the south for more sun. imho

5/5/2004 3:31:13 AM

40n 74e

Hire some contractors to rotate your entire property 180 degrees.

5/5/2004 10:23:49 AM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

Not sure if this is an option, but why not whack off
the main vine and let the "rear main" become the main?
Can't say that I've done that, just a thought.

5/5/2004 10:55:46 AM

Montoursville, PA

Just push the cold frame into the soil. Wet it in good. When the next freeze appears pick up the whole works and rotate it.

5/5/2004 1:26:42 PM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

Dig it up, replant in 45 degrees angle opposite of the first true leaf to coax it along.

5/5/2004 10:42:31 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

DNA--Offering your services?

5/5/2004 11:31:51 PM

Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

Thanks everyone. It has been in the ground 6 days so I was just going to loop the vine around, but we had a nice 25 MPH southerly wind that looks like it took care of the problem for me. Plant looks healthy and is pointed in the correct direction.

5/5/2004 11:31:54 PM

40n 74e

Cheesy comedic services only ;)

5/6/2004 12:22:14 AM

40n 74e

You don't happen to have any connections with the Gallup organization in Omaha do you?

5/6/2004 12:23:10 AM

C N Y

DNA---thanks for the laugh---i think i hurt myself---
and then docgipe chimed-in as well! lol,, ouchhh....

5/6/2004 7:38:55 PM