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Casa Grande, AZ

Maybe im the only one who dosent know this but What is the reason(s) for covering the vine with soil? How much do you cover? Also do you cover the base? Thanks again for any advice given!!!

5/17/2008 9:38:28 PM

Casa Grande, AZ

Oh and is there a type of soil to cover the vine?

5/17/2008 9:39:20 PM

Vancouver Island

Wherever you bury vines, roots will grow down - helps anchor the plant plus more nutrients into the plant. I'm sure people use specific or specialized soil, but I just use soil from around the edge of my garden. I'm careful to take just the first inch of soil so I don't disrupt any root systems.

5/17/2008 11:21:12 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Make a trench 3 or so inches deep for the vine to lay in and cover it back with the soil from the trench. This has to be done as the vines grow and all vines including secondaries should be buried. Burying does encourage root growth but also better anchors the plant against strong wind storms (which can cause havoc on a plant) and gives those darn squash vine borers less area to lay eggs on. Some people cover the base and some don't. Personal preference I guess. Hope this helps.

5/17/2008 11:49:54 PM

Rhode Island

just as important as burying the vines is to go back and uncover the top half of main once the fruit is established and borer season is over.
(so you can see any problems that may develop on the main )
the base must remain uncovered for air circulation and easy inspection.

5/18/2008 7:14:23 AM

Casa Grande, AZ

Thank you the advise!!

5/18/2008 10:59:05 AM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Pap, thanks for the tip about uncovering the top of the main. I had never heard that but it makes darn good sense!

5/18/2008 4:33:38 PM

Bridgewater,Ma.

How long does the main have to be before you can start burying it? How much of the end do you leave abouve ground??

Any wisdom much appreciated!

Thanks, Derf

6/21/2008 2:09:42 PM