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Oak Grove, Mn

This will be my second year at attempting the 150 sq ft contest. I learned some last year and will be making some slight modifications. I am going to change the shape of the plot some. Going to repeat the double flag (looping one side of vines over the main). I know that last year I used probably the most unique shape of the contestants. Last year, I tried to limit the nitrogen to keep the internodal length short. I will probably do the same this year. The biggest change for this year will be in the higher use of hydroponic nutrients. Wondering what everyone elses strategy is going to be?

4/15/2017 8:57:26 AM

FlatNorm will not change his patch configuration mostly because of other limitations. The vine pattern is very aggressive and haven't decide if I will repeat it or not this year. Somewhat depends on where I'm able to get a good set. After that there may be a little less water and a lot more everything else. Maybe I'll publish my vine pattern later in the season.

4/15/2017 11:28:40 AM

There will be several more experienced growers this year so things should be exciting and bring in some fresh ideas. Did I say today is the last day to register...

4/15/2017 11:31:05 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Bnot, what's the double flag? All side vines on same side (normal and looped)?

4/15/2017 10:12:53 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

yes, that is what i mean..one side goes normal and the other side loops around the main to run in between the normal ones. I did this last year and had equivalent of 300 sq ft of vines in 150 sq ft but they were only about 6 - 7 inches apart. There is obvious difficulties with training the plant this way. I did pruning of some of the leaves and it becomes impossible to walk in between the vines. But since the area is so small most of the plant is reachable from the outside. The advantage to this method is double the root nodes. It might not be the best pattern for a small area, but i had enough success last year to give it another try.

4/16/2017 6:18:41 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I like the idea of the double flag more than the standard flag, Bnot. I think every node should be "activated" all year with a side vine where a standard flag basically eliminates a lot of activity\flow at every other node due to cutting the secondary. I'm sure the standard flag still pulls in nutrients at the node's taproot, but without any type of secondary it's like an abandoned train station. Only problem I see with your way is disease pressure from crowding leaves.

4/16/2017 9:05:43 AM

Essex, UK

First time taking part for me, so going to experiment a bit. I will stick with the pattern used to grow the current record for my entry into the competition. Going to try two other 150sq ft plants and for those I will give your 'looping over' method a go, and maybe the other a bit more conventional.

4/17/2017 3:03:54 AM

Canada

First time here as well was looking for a good spot to grow my 150 Butler EST I am hoping to win a Howard Dill Award with it

4/17/2017 7:21:29 AM

Syracuse, NY

is there any rule against growing vines UP a fence or pole, like a vining tomato plant? hmmm.............

4/17/2017 2:08:30 PM

Wallingford,CT

not permitted pumpkinpal2

4/17/2017 2:27:14 PM