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Post by houseodessey on Mar 8, 2009 17:03:26 GMT -5
I want to grow a lot of vineing squashes and melons this year and don't have a lot of room left in sunny spots. I do have a bed that is about a foot above a graveled area surrounding the pool which would give me tons of space.
Would it hurt the squashes and melons for the vines to be trained across the gravel area? The gravel gets pretty hot during the summer but the foliage would get full sun this way and that space is just going to waste anyway. I thought this may be a solution if it wouldn't burn up the plants completely.
What do you guys and gals think of this idea?
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Post by raymondo on Mar 8, 2009 18:09:54 GMT -5
I can't see why it wouldn't work. The reflection from the gravel would reduce as the plants spread shading the gravel beneath and placing something smooth under developing fruit would eliminate potential damage from any sharp edges on the gravel. Give it a whirl.
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Post by canadamike on Mar 8, 2009 19:36:00 GMT -5
Me no see no problem at all...
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Post by grungy on Mar 8, 2009 20:10:09 GMT -5
No problem, that I can see. I would make sure that the soil they went into was rich in nutrients and give them a boost mid-season with a top dressing of manure, as they won't find much for the roots to find in the gravel. And I second Raymondo's suggestion of putting something smooth under the developing fruits.
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Post by houseodessey on Mar 8, 2009 22:10:24 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. The actual plants will be growing in goat manure compost. Just the vines will be on gravel, which is smooth pea gravel. I may still put something under the fruits, though, as the gravel is too hot to walk on from June-August pretty much and I worry that it will cook the squashes/melons. I'm just glad to be reassured and have the extra space!
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loki
gopher
Posts: 15
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Post by loki on May 27, 2009 16:02:28 GMT -5
It should work fine. The soil here is way too hot to walk on, but melons and squash do fine. Their leaves shade the ground into which they spread. They love heat anyway, and the gravel will help keep the heat in later in the year. Also squash can rot when on wet soil, but gravel should prevent this really well! I am worried that you don't realize how far these plant will grow! Many squash can spread 8 feet or more - they might grow right into the pool!
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Post by bluelacedredhead on May 27, 2009 22:21:15 GMT -5
House, Don't grow Queensland Blue pumpkins....I had one last year that went 70 feet...... And I'm not sure I see a problem with the gravel cooking the squash? Wouldn't that just leave more room on the grill for a big old Porterhouse steak?
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