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We are off to a good start, 5 pumpkins on 3 plants that are or will measure over 30" on day 10. We have terminated most of the secondaries.

My question is should we be trimming all flowers, tendrils etc off the plant to save energy for the fruit? Can we trim too much in one day...seeing how the wter drips out of the wounds?

Second question is we have well mounded stumps...I read somewhere NOT to water the stump to prevent stump rot...our stumps are mounded about 10" or so....is this something we need to worry about? I would think the stump would be the primary place that needs good water....but what do I know...

7/17/2008 10:23:42 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Our stumps are buried, but under a small plastic greenhouse frame to keep dry. Dry is essential.

7/17/2008 10:43:50 PM

Ct

I keep hearing this "stump" word. What is a "stump" when referring to pumpkins? Sorry I'm new at all this.

7/18/2008 9:24:28 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Where the seed came out of the ground. The start of the main vine, and consequently, all other vines. A very important part of the plant for water flow and nutrients.

7/18/2008 9:30:41 AM

Ct

Ok thank you Jordan

7/18/2008 11:07:41 AM

Ohio

My question is should we be trimming all flowers, tendrils etc off the plant to save energy for the fruit? Can we trim too much in one day...seeing how the wter drips out of the wounds?
What is the answer to this question?????
I'm new at this so I'd like to know too.

7/18/2008 12:03:27 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

some people trim off everything, and some dont every time you walk into the plant you risk tripping/slipping and you compact your soil.

I vote for leaving the flowers, just keep trimming the new vine shoots.

7/18/2008 7:34:41 PM

Klickitat Washington

how much of the stump do you cover? mine isent covered just some of the main vine about 3 ft from the stump on. Thanks Duane

7/19/2008 3:47:24 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I cover it completely. As long as you can keep it dry, there shouldn't be any problems. This is my second year covering completely and zero issues. I leave up the hoophouse frame and put a smaller piece of plastic across the top to keep all water out. Basically, it prevents the SVB from laying any eggs on the stump. If you don't have SVBs, I wouldn't bother.

7/19/2008 8:44:33 AM

Ct

I'm confused { new to this }. If a dry stump is essential then how do you keep it watered? I would think this is a vital part of the plant, no??

7/21/2008 1:11:09 PM

Westford, MA

When You're shooting Nitrogen at the porcelin princess, how do you keep from getting it on the floor and walls??

Good AIM and hold the nozzel with Both Hands.
kevin

7/21/2008 1:53:22 PM

Colorado Springs.Co

some of us need both hands.

7/21/2008 3:39:17 PM