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Ottawa Valley, Ont, Canada.

g'day all! i was just in the garden and saw that the tap roots are growing right under the fruit holding down the vine. i was also into your pictures and noticed that some of you cover the leaf section of the vines with soil right up to the fruit, and some leave a couple feet on eather side of the fruit. im not shure which way to go. most of my pumpkins have short, thich stems, a couple are longer. however it is to late to stop the tap roots from growing so ive gotta decide weather to keep 'em or cut 'em. would it hurt the plant or set it back if i cut the ones around the fruit? or should i cover them with soil and hope for the best? if you read this i would really appreciate your opinions. oh, one more thing, i am useing 2 inch thick foam cushioning under the pumpkins. is this wise or should i use something hard? thanks everyone, couldnt do this without you. happy growing.

cheers,
mike

7/27/2003 1:18:46 PM

Midway City, California

Hi Mike. The way that I have read and am doing is to cut the tap roots for atleast 4 roots back on each side of the fruit including the one under the stem. The reason for this is to allow the Vine to move up as the pumpkin grows. If the Vine can not move it will pull the stem from the pumpkin. In the photo Gallery there is a picture of an vine pulling out the stem. It is in My picture Gallery (WATER)the picture was taken about three years ago on my first try in growing GP's. (FOAM CUSHIONING)I am not to sure about the foam cushoning if there is water or moisture in the foam it might cause damage to the shell of the pumpkin.
Good luck in your growing John = Water

7/27/2003 2:15:35 PM

Connecicut , No. Stonington

I am no advanced grower...i have actually never succesfully grown a giant pumpkin but about the tap roots... i have heard the best thing to do is cut them so the vine can lift up as the pumpkin grows. If i were you i would leave a few feet on either side of the pumpkin uncoverd. sorry i cant be any help abou the foam but i hope the rest helps!

7/27/2003 2:18:33 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

very carefully, dig under the main and cut the tap roots

7/27/2003 3:25:45 PM

There is usually two tap roots at each junction where a leaf or secondary comes of the main. If you slide your fingers under the buried main, you'll feel them. Then cut them both. Langevin says cut all tap roots for 3-4 feet in both directions of the pumpkin.

7/27/2003 8:56:46 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Cut the tap-roots out and about the foam, if it is a soft foam pad, then get rid of it as it will hold water and could damage the pumpkin. I use sand under the fruit because it lays a nice bed for it and has good drainage around it keeping it relatively dry and helps keep crawling bugs out of the area. Good luck Phil

7/28/2003 8:06:57 AM

Montoursville, PA

Heavy duty open celled foam would pass water and hold water.
At best you may have to much water. Closed cell foam generally is going to puddle water as it can not pass or hold water. Neither a very good choice.

At this hour sand sounds best. By another year there is a product you can get to put a mat under the pumpkin that is even better. To late to fool with it now, for this year.

7/28/2003 10:20:17 AM

ipswich, ma usa

I like to take a knife and slide it under the vine and below the surface of the dirt to cut the tap roots. You don't want to take any chances cutting your vine, so if your below the surface with the knife you can side step this possible problem. Cut only the tap roots that help put slack back in your vine. As of know I have about a 40" cir pumpkin and tap roots are cut two leaf node sections per side. This allowed me to get plenty of slack in the main vine. As the season progresses you may need to cut a few more.

John (5150)

7/28/2003 3:05:01 PM