From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western PA

Lets say I take the hoop house off in June and my plant is vined out to 6 ft. and a few ft. wide.
About how big should the root system be in diameter at that time ?
I ask because I am considering tilling one more time before the plant takes off and I don't want to disturb any roots if they are beyond were the hoop was.
Lee

5/8/2010 2:07:56 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

While digging trenches to bury vines, I have encountered roots 5-6 feet away from the plant. If you need another tilling...do it now, not in June.

5/8/2010 3:50:05 PM

Mt. Pleasant, MI

Never till closer than 10 feet from plant. These roots grow much farther out than you think. Good to keep in mind while watering too.

5/8/2010 4:39:13 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If you must loosen the soil near the base, use a stout garden fork with a gentle rocking motion.

5/8/2010 5:34:41 PM

milford, CT,

Zappa...If you have walking boards around the hoop house...lift them up and look underneath in a few weeks..There will be roots from the base all underneath...

5/8/2010 7:05:15 PM

Western PA

Great replies everyone !!I will take all of them in consideration.
Milford, I will keep an eye under my walking boards. I will only scratch the surface with a rake several feet away. Anything closer, I better pull by hand.
Thank you all,
Lee

5/9/2010 8:31:46 AM