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Indiana

hey guys, most of us have pumpkins growing now. Just thought I would take this opportunity to remind you guys that weeding is very important. I know it sucks, but that will help you pack on some extra pounds. Plant will be healthier, better air flow, less nutrient robbing, more aggressive vineing, yada yada yada. If you got a nice plant and nice fruit going, try to keep the weeds down. I have made the mistake of not doing so before. Not only did it slow the fruit down, it made that much more of a mess for the next year.

Tom

7/30/2004 10:57:40 AM

Tom,

Have noticed that my weeds have hurt but was worried of pulling them and distrubbing the roots. I am wondering if I should go ahead and pull the weeds for reason's you said or leave them incase the hurt roots. Anyone's opion would be great. Thanks, Todd

7/30/2004 11:05:53 AM

[email protected]

My scuffle (Stirrup) hoe is now collecting dust so as to not disturb the small roots that are over the patch now.

But I'll vote for hand pulling every single weed. In case Tom's advisory isn't motive enough, keep in mid too that some weeds attract insects or at least offer them harborage. Some of these insects vector hideous & fatal wilts & diseases.

This is just one more good reason to host a local patch tour. Your wife wouldn't let you invite guests into a dirty house. Likewise patch prep for a Spy Tour is a great motivator to keep things tidy & clean.

7/30/2004 11:17:58 AM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

Pull the weeds and aerate the soil in the process...

7/30/2004 5:44:35 PM

Cologne / Germany

Is hand pulling weeds a good idea? Depending on what kind of weeds you have some tend to build up a pretty big root system, if you pull them you might disturb these small pumpkin roots on top and in between. I guess cutting off weeds right above the soil surface is better.

7/30/2004 8:11:08 PM

northern indiana

If you get the weeds early their root system is not that deep. Our plants root systems will run deep. You may disturb some of the shallow ones but not the deep ones if you pull early. I have found that I only disturb the top one or two inches of soil when pulling weeds, and that is spotty.
I am one of those unfortuneate individuals that has a hard battle with fungi. The weeds also bring, breed, and harbor disease, fungi, and bugs! My lawn had no dollar spot but with some of my amendments I have brought it into my patch. The crabgrass is rife with it in the patch. You will also have fewer weeds to deal with next yr. Of course I brought most of the weed seeds in with the manure this yr. However if left to their own devices the weeds will see to it that I have thousands more next yr. A single crabgrass plant will puke hundreds of seeds. More weeds to deal with next yr. Kill em all!

7/30/2004 10:50:13 PM

Southern WI

Always hand pull weeds. Leaving weed roots still drains nutrients and gives the roots a better chance of reviving.
My thoughts (sometimes I do think LOL) the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

7/31/2004 7:26:51 AM

Whidbey Island

Weed early and often, then there will be far fewer by this time of the year so you don't end up disturbing the roots.
WPM

7/31/2004 9:15:54 AM

[email protected]

I agree that the ony time weeding is root disruptive is when we've let them get too big. Letting any weed set seed is clearly way too long.

Along those lines I had one of those extened reach high shelf grabber things in my hands at a Sears Hardware Center yesterday. The marketting junk boasted the user could pick up a nickle with it.

Something lack that might help weed with less damage for those with tight patches. It was tagged $19.95 & I'm thinking I should have bought one.

7/31/2004 1:36:43 PM

[email protected]

Something LIKE that.........

Jeez. Must be the heat.

7/31/2004 1:37:10 PM