Pumpkin in the Orchard Question

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
kmom246 Murfreesboro, TN(Zone 7a) Jan 02, 2008

My "orchard" is really only 6 trees right now. And small trees at that - most with a trunk diameter less than 3 inches. I am going to plant some new zealand white clover in a ring around the drip line this year, and I am also thinking of letting some pumpkin and winter squash vines run around the trees. I haven't grown either pumpkin or winter squash in quite a while. Will they root where they touch the ground and therefore compete with the trees? I am hoping that their vigorous vines will help shade the ground for the trees during summer. Kind of like a living mulch but with edible bonuses. I would train the vines away from the trunks so the trees would have at least a 6 to 10 inch "breathing space" around them. Any thoughts or opinions much appreciated.

Post #4350506
Quote
Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jan 02, 2008

As long as you keep the vines from climbing into the trees, you should be ok.

Post #4352616
Quote
kmom246 Murfreesboro, TN(Zone 7a) Jan 03, 2008

As a kid, I remember pumpkins taking over our small suburban back yard. As long as they don't grow as fast as kudzu, I will be able to keep up with them. Lost the kudzu battle in rural TN once... being 10 years ago, I imagine the whole county is now burried deep under kudzu...

Post #4353447
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Fruits and Nuts Threads

Go to all Fruits and Nuts threads
BACK TO TOP