From

Location

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Date Posted

Eugene, OR

Hi All!

Just a couple of questions for those who know better....

What causes a vine to go flat? I've heard a lot about this and the loss of growth that can result from it but have no idea how it's actually caused and how to prevent it.

Same goes for vine blowouts and splits? Are they normally caused by over fertilizing?

Last one....if the soil is amended properly before the seaon begins, what sort of fertilizer usage is needed to get the plant and pumpkin to the end of the season?

Once again, Thanks to you all!

11/19/2003 12:30:01 AM

Deer Park, WI

I'll take a stab- My impression is that flat vine is a genetic trait that is enhanced by various environmental factors that we as of yet do not understand. Blowouts and splits can be genetic as well, but rapid growth due to overfertilizing can cause this problem. If your soil is amended properly, then watch your plant for what it needs. After a couple years of experience you will be able to "read" your plants needs and supplement based on that.

My answers are kind of vague, I realize. But you have to understand there are no clear-cut black and white answers to the questions you are asking. Everything is subject to a limitless number of variables, and you have to observe and take note of what goes on in your patch. Get a couple years of experience under your belt, and you will be answering these questions for future newbies.

11/19/2003 8:55:44 AM

Utah

well said Joe...
I agree with everything you said... except i think double and flat vines are purely genetic. but we don't know for sure.

11/19/2003 10:29:18 AM

Montoursville, PA

Oregon.....zippity do duh! There should be enough organic leanings in Oregon to enable you to go in with good old fashioned organic slow release additives. I know the Portland garden centers abound with opportunities to pick and choose. Been there and seen that. I envy your opportunity to grow in one of the best areas. Go get youself some good seed and just tell 'em you expect 1000+.

11/19/2003 1:10:19 PM

Eugene, OR

LOL, Portland is about 6 hours from where I am! I live in the "high desert" area at an altitude of about 4500 feet. We have very dry summers but the temps only reach a maximum in the mid 90's. Nightly summer temps are around 50 degrees. The area is very volcanic and I'm sure my plot will need a great deal of amendements to become half way decent.

11/19/2003 2:00:50 PM

Montoursville, PA

Well...when I use volcanic ash I pay through the nose to get it. I sneaked a few scrapings out of an area that was full of volcanic ash just last summer. Private ground mind you, in your backyard! That's all Ironite was doing until Calif. crunched down on their tiny heavy metal content. Pennsylvania has discontinued any further action against the company. The content was so small it was deemed a non-issue.

You get that ground up to 10% organic content with reasonable attention to the other factors and you should be getting some outstanding results.

11/19/2003 3:57:34 PM

Eugene, OR

I sure hope so. I'm still waiting on my soil test to come back so I won't really know what shape I'm in until then. I've used ironite quite a bit on the sod farm I worked at for a few years while saving up for college and it did a great job greening up the grass without cauing an increase in growth like the nitrogen based fertilizers will. We used anything from composted cow manure to EKO (human waste based) at initial planting and they worked great.

I'm guessing from your name that I'll also be growing one of your seeds. I have a few seeds from the 710 and look forward to trying one of them out. I'll most likely cross it with the West Virginia record 1019 Chambers I was graciously given....as long as the males and females cooperate!

Brian

It'll be interesting to say the least. :-)

11/19/2003 6:27:26 PM