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Westmoreland, KS

I only have 2 plants so i doubt that I'll try this pattern but I was just wondering if there is a way to utilize the vine next to the pumpkin.

Here is my thoughts...forcing the vine next to the pumpkin to run the opposite direction instead of cutting it and then flag pattern it.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=274426

6/7/2017 4:14:17 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

I would say sure, as long as it doesn't stress the stem. That would be a major concern for me.

6/7/2017 4:45:08 PM

Westmoreland, KS

I have a pumpkin opening in 2 days at 11.5 feet out weather should be very good to get a set and then I'll have another opening 6 days from now when the weather is around 95+ it is in the perfect spot 13.5 feet out.

I'm just tossing around ideas for what I should do if the 11.5 foot pumpkin is the one I go with.

6/7/2017 5:04:01 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

11.5' out is a great place to grow. Pollinate both and decide later.

6/7/2017 5:24:36 PM

Westmoreland, KS

Sweet will do

6/7/2017 10:39:56 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kevin, if trying to pollinate in that type of heat...some cooling system prbly needs to be set up, for female & males too, ice bags & fan inside some type of enclosure for the female. Pick the males the night b/4 & keep inside your air conditioned house...place in a sunny window early in a.m. & the males will open!! Peace, Wayne

6/8/2017 12:42:52 AM

Wisconsin

I really like the idea, but if you get a big pumpkin, with its shoulders growing forward, you will likely stress that secondary and possibly break it.

6/8/2017 2:29:36 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Wayne, I've tried the ice bags/fan idea which works great if you can replenish them throughout the day...working an 8-5 job doesn't allow me to do this. I've tried doing it in the morning before I leave for work and I think it actually does more harm then good because once it warms it gets really hot and I think it puts the pumpkin under great stress and it causes aborts.

Last year I changed how I do things and I put in a automatic watering system that i can turn on and off from my phone. All i do is put out some overhead watering sprinklers and i turn them on every hour for a few minutes...didn't have any aborts so that is what i'm doing this year but when it gets really warm you just don't know.

6/8/2017 9:05:03 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Mike, that is why I don't want to try it since I only have two plants...if I had more plants I would definitely try it.

Who knows maybe I'll grow some balls and just go for it...really if i grow a pumpkin big enough to cause that much stress I guess that would be a good problem to have!

6/8/2017 9:08:11 AM

Colorado

Half the time the pumpkin will really slow the growth of that vine slowing its development even stopping it.

6/8/2017 10:26:35 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Awe I wondered if that would be an issue cojoe. Thank you for the reply i'll definitely cut it off if I go with this set.

6/8/2017 11:26:47 AM

Sharon, MA

Thinking it might not be good for that on side vine loaded up with all the tertiaries. The nutrient flow through that side vine might be too much, and blow out the vascular system in that side vine.

6/9/2017 1:22:33 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks, Jake...sounds like a great idea...no automated system here, but might find a way to get someone to turn the water on & off? Will find out, I guess? Peace, Wayne

6/11/2017 1:23:50 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Wayne just wanted to give you an update...the pollination took...it got up to 90 on the day of pollination and 93 each day since.

The next pollination will be on Wednesday should be upper 90's that day and the same for the following week or so. I'll let you know if the overhead sprinklers keep doing the trick.

6/12/2017 11:16:18 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Jake, what type of overhead sprinklers do you use? I have several wizzer head sprinklers that I could use...do I use these or something different? Peace, Wayne

6/13/2017 12:14:04 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Wayne, I've tried many different ones over the years and the funny thing is the cheap 2 dollar ones work the best. I go to Menards and buy this one https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/water-systems/watering-irrigation/sprinklers/ray-padula-reg-plastic-impulse-sprinkler/p-1444451943716-c-8661.htm?tid=-6341380923097809994&ipos=32

and put it on a tripod if you use amazon i would also go cheap

https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Plumb-Tripod-Sprinkler-Gardening/dp/B0058I2DWC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1497360176&sr=8-11&keywords=tripod+sprinkler

6/13/2017 11:32:06 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Jake, how can I make my system work w/out a smart phone? Is there a programmable type, that I can program for 3 min. every 20 minutes for 8 hours or so...battery operated, that I can just connect in the hose? I know I am asking a lot...but that's what I have? Peace, Wayne

6/18/2017 1:45:50 AM

Stratford, CT

Wayne, I bought a programmable timer from HD for my patch because we were away for five days. I just use it for morning watering. The brand is Orbit, they're located in UT. The customer phone# is 1-800-488-6156. It cost about $15.00. Good luck, Steve

6/18/2017 5:12:55 AM

Stratford, CT

Wayne, Go to orbitonline.com check 'hose end timers'. I got the 1 in and 1 out timer. Some of the other hose end timers are more sophisticated, might find exactly what you want. Steve

6/18/2017 5:43:21 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks, SWitter....hopefully I got what I need. I ordered a one in one out #27729. Thanks for the lead to the site...will prbly be back there again!!! Peace, Wayne

6/19/2017 12:54:27 AM