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Sydney, Australia

Have planted all of my 10 plants with the 1st true leaf pointed in the desired main vine direction. (After carefully rewatching the 2001 Joel Holland video) Thought everything was perfect. BUT,,,,,, I've been told that info is 180 degrees wrong. Can you guys help clear this up? Who's right? Do I have a lot of redirecting to do over the next few weeks? And if so will a circular main vine at the stump do anything to limit the plants? Thanks....:) Ben

10/27/2002 7:22:55 AM

don't worry about it..just direct the mains as they grow out but be gentle and move them slow,only during the heat of the day..very important to support them while they are trying to lay down and wind protection is a absolute must have..

10/27/2002 7:42:56 AM

Key West, FL

I think that the main will go in the direction of the first true leaf but this is just with my experience. You can always make them go the way you want. When they start getting tall and look like they are leaning the wrong way use some sticks to make it lean the other way and keep doing that and they should got down the way you want.
2nd Ben

10/27/2002 11:44:11 AM

Caceres, Spain

The normal way the main vine use to follow is opposite to the first true leaf, but sometimes all the plant rotate for any reason. Be careful with the steaks you use to redirect the main vine because if they are too thin or rugh can damage the plant. And do it before the vine reach the ground, better when it is yet pointing up.

10/27/2002 2:00:35 PM

Choctaw, OK

I have witnessed that the main vine will fall opposite the frist true leaf, but usually not directly straight, usually with in that 180 degree plain. But in reality, the plant can fall in any direction...whether left alone or directed. As others have stated, supporst the vine well so you dont end up kinking or splitting the vine or stump.

And just to point out. In 2000, i let my 788 wentzell plant grow too far up and one day it fell over due to its weight and that created a major kink in the main vine, about a foot out. The plant went on to grow a 762 lb fruit. In 2002, my 712 kuhn plant split the main stem vertically adn the plant fell over towards the weaken side of the stem. The stump on that plant ended up being the smallest i have ever had...but that plant grew my 830 uow. Just saying a mistake or misfourtune early doesnt spell the end.

happy growing boily

case

10/27/2002 8:48:15 PM

North Mississippi

These pumpkins are pretty forgiving if you make a mistake.I allowed one of mine to get to tall without any support and it got blown down during a storm.It broke the main in half about six inches from the stump.I started to pull it but decided to bury it to see what would happen.I ended up with a 96lb pumpkin out of the deal.Not a giant by any means but i thought the plant was a goner.

10/27/2002 9:41:21 PM

Herndon, VA

Mine have always gone opposite the 1st true leaf. There's an exception to every rule though, and I've read plenty of diary entries where the vine went the "wrong way". As lobsta and pumpkinface said; if it goes the wrong way, you can redirect it. Just do so SLOWLY and GRADUALLY and be CAREFUL. -Bruiser

10/27/2002 10:09:13 PM

Sydney, Australia

Thanks everyone for the advice. :) Will do what is required and hopefully no kinks etc. These plants are awesome. The stumps have doubled in size in 2 days!! Will keep adding to the diary.-Ben

10/27/2002 10:51:43 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Hey Boily, Plenty of good advice already...Had two new plants on one hill this year and both spun around on me. Proper traing and everything was fine..Great looking patch there! Looking forward to your season... Chuck

10/28/2002 6:34:28 AM