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Midway, UT

My poor plant got pummeled two days ago by a hail storm. One inch hail did a number on it. About three inches from the end of the main vine about half of the vine is missing for about 1/2 inch. Should I just cut and terminate the main. I'm pretty sure it is to damaged to be able to grow anything on it. It can't support it's own weight right now. It's kind of sad because it was really growing this past week but hasn't grown at all in the last two days. Pictures of the damaged plant can be see on the first post at www.denverpumpkins.com.

6/7/2008 4:41:20 PM

I had the same thing happen last season (see diary entry end of June) I cut the damaged main back to the first tiny secondary and trained it as the new main. Ended well grew my 1105.5

6/7/2008 6:03:07 PM

Midway, UT

Thanks for your reply. At this point I would be thrilled with a 1105. When you say you "trained" it does that just mean you kept it pointed in the right direction or did you do anything else?

6/7/2008 6:42:21 PM

You got it,,,just aim it where you want the new "main" to go(use sticks), make a clean cut when removing the damaged section as close to that secondary as possible. It only takes a couple of days to see the result, early on like this you don't loose alot of growing time.

6/7/2008 10:13:53 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

After looking at the picture, i would leave it alone, I wouldn't mind betting it will recover from it's ordeal.

6/8/2008 4:15:56 AM

Columbus,ohio

Burry the vine to help keep pests out....The other advice is very good.

6/14/2008 6:14:50 PM