Click on a thumbnail picture below to see the full size version. 1 Entries. Sunday, January 29 View Page Winter's rough. Too much time at the computer, not enough time in the patch! A conversation I had recently with an expert in fluid dynamics/hydraulics, it prompted me to consider tweak the standard Christmas tree or spider patterns. In analyzing this pattern, it helps to think of the vines as hoses or pipes that carry water. What is the pattern that would produce the least amount of resistance (friction)as the water flows through the pipes to the destination (pumpkin)? Like an irrigation pipe, we know that xylem is an unbroken channel that carries fluid. If the vascular system is broken, the capillary action does not work and the transpiration of the leaves can't pull the water through the plant. But additionally, the more bends, curves or kinks there are, there is an increase in friction within the system, therefore reducing flow. With this system, on a 25' x 30' patch, the plant would be placed about 10-12 feet in, instead of at the end. I believe this pattern would enhance flow because: 1)The secondary vines now enter the main vine at an angle that produces less friction as the flow is more in line with the pumpkin. (in plumbing/irrigation, a 45 degree elbow produces less friction than a 90) 2)The secondary vines become LONGER the closer they are to the pumpkin. 3)The pumpkin stem is now in line with the main as it enters (again less resistance). This could also be another reason for the success of the "Stelts 90". Stem perpendicular to main = maximum friction, stem in line with main = minimum friction. 4)No need to trim 1, 2, or 3 secondaries prior to the pumpkin to make room for a growing fruit, as they are now trained back away from the pumpkin. In fact, it would be possible to keep the secondary AT the pumpkin, thus directly feeding into the fruit. Probably not groundbreaking, but even if it could enhance flow by 5%, it would still be very much worth it. Any thoughts or feedback is appreciated!