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Greene County, Pa.

Is there a way to correct this without hurting it? I was thinking about digging it back up and turning it because it has only been in the ground for 5 days. The plant wants to go in the total oppisite dirrection. Please help they are growing fast and i dont have much time..

5/14/2004 1:14:02 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Dig and turn. It should be okay. Pumpkins are very tough plants.

5/14/2004 1:53:58 PM

[email protected]

I don't know. If the roots have gone out then turning will really set it back. How long has it been out? Sometimes you can mound some soil a little each day on what you want to be the back side. Then use your training stakes to nudge it over gently.

5/14/2004 2:04:35 PM

Indiana

just put steady but gentle pressure on the vine to push it the way you want it to go....turning is no good

Tom

5/14/2004 2:52:03 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Last year I had the same situation. With bamboo sticks and patience I was able to train the main completely around and headed in the right direction.
I little turn here and there in the heat of the day, bamboo sticks to keep them steady, it can be done....took a good week 1/2 as I remember.

5/14/2004 3:38:26 PM

KENTUCKY

use some old panty hoes tied gently to the main and a stake. Move the stake to the direction you want it to go, with very light but constant pressure. The elastic in the panty hoes will keep the light but constant pressure. As prior stated, only make the move for more movement in the late afternoon heat of the day, a little every day. Go SLOWLY, with whatever decision, or "CRACK".

5/14/2004 5:55:16 PM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

I wouldnt move it more that 1/2 inch a day using guide sticks, i know it will take a while but you dont want to do what i have done and that is..hear something that sounds like you broke one of the old madiens delight cucumbers in half...it will take a good week to get it going where you want it but it will work..

5/14/2004 6:57:13 PM

Taber, Alberta

Last year I had two plants to choose from on the hill. They were both pointed the wrong way (I didn't know which way to transplant them at the time) Since I had an extra plant to deal with, I tried an experiment. I dug one up about ten days after it was planted and turned it around. That plant had extremely slow growth for the next few weeks. I ended up culling it and training the other plant with bamboo sticks. It was a much stronger plant.
Alan

5/14/2004 7:00:32 PM

Pa

Last season I had one that I was able to make a 180 degree turn within a three foot circle. Every day I used a bent piece of a coathanger and moved it to the tip of the vine adding a little more curve each time. The vine grew great with no ill effects. I had to trim the first couple side vines from the inner part of the curve to prevent crossover but it worked well.
AH

5/14/2004 7:23:21 PM

Greene County, Pa.

thanks for all the pointers. i will try something. the plant has very close segments and seems to want to crawl and there is only 5 true leaves..Geez i hope i dont hurt her!!!

5/14/2004 7:32:57 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Five true leaves. Please disregard my statement. Didn't realize it was that far along.JEff

5/15/2004 7:26:38 AM

Oz

her?

5/15/2004 9:25:38 AM

Midway City, California

While training the vine I would not go less than a two to three foot radius.

5/15/2004 2:02:19 PM

San Luis Obispo Ca

yes that is right. Dig em up and turm the little devil. I had the same problem and it turned out great.

5/15/2004 9:04:18 PM

Canada

At what point in time should you beable to tell what direction the plant is going to grow?

Thanks
Dave

5/17/2004 12:29:44 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

when it vines you'll know...

5/17/2004 1:27:54 PM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

Dig it and turn???

Am I missing something? Everytime I have tried moving a
plant (in my younger days) it was met with... death!
(Yes, even after a few days...)

If you must, proceed with caution! I would prefer propping
up one end of the plant to get it to tip the direction you
need.

5/17/2004 5:49:22 PM