Pumpkin vines/plants are HUGE! - HELP!

I'm growing pumpkins for the first time the SFG method. I grew a few last year in the ground but had crop failure (weather related) so I can't go by that. My plants are HUGE! I wasn't expecting them to get so big. I started googling growing pumpkins and got detailed information about training vines in certain directions to help the pumpkin grow, not crossing vines, pruning some stuff but not other stuff, etc., etc. For one thing it was described for on the ground and mine are vertical. I went out and uncrossed my vines as best I could and laid the runners on the ground - the best I could at this point. I'm really not sure what to prune. What I think is supposed to be pruned already has baby pumpkins on it. Has anyone grown pumpkins before with this method that can help me know what to do or what really doesn't need to be done? I don't know where to put all the vines! They keep growing and growing and growing - and supposedly are supposed to be kept straight. Well that's not going to happen - my trellis only goes so high. I'm also not sure what to do with the vines now that they're reached the top of the trellis - gently and gradually bend them down to start growing downward? Cut off the tops to stop the vine growth and allow more nutrition to go to the fruits? I need HELP!

Hi Bec, I have the same question. I have run out of space on my trellis, and I'm not even sure that the trellis will hold them, even though they're the smaller variety.

I had forgotten to check the SFG site about pumpkins. Mel says to prune all but the main stem. Ok - I can do that but some of my other stems already have babies on them. I don't think I have the heart to prune those. Regarding the height, I think I'll experiment and clip off the end of one at the top and not the others and see what the difference is. I don't know what to do with the rest of the plant that continues to grow though. I've read that they get very, very long. This year will be experimental but my thinking is that even though the nylon trellises should hold pumpkins, these huge plants may just belong growing horizontally - in a LOT of space - although the web site I looked at with all the instructions still recommended that they be grown in raised beds.

I think gardening is a never-ending learning experience.

Bec wrote: I think gardening is a never-ending learning experience.

And a humbling one.

I think gardening is a never-ending learning experience.

And a humbling one.

Oh so true! Seems whenever I start getting proud of my gardening "skills" something happens to put me to shame.

I also planted pumpkins for the 1st time and also my 1st yr for SFG. My husband made a trellis to add to the end of the SFG. I am growing cucumbers in the SFG along the trellis. On the other side of trellis I am growing pumpkins (small) which is a row garden that is also along the side of my house.

The pumpkin vines are all over the place! So far I only have one pumpkin growing which is on the trellis. I have no idea why there aren't more since I have alot of vines! Any suggestions?

Happy Gardening Everyone....

Well, I just transplanted my pumpkins. Two of them. In the same square, since I waited too long to transplant and they are now grown together at the roots. I am just asking for trouble, I know... but after dealing with the rampicante, how could they be bigger? (*knocking on wood and laughing at myself*)

Bec and Megan:

I too did not trim my pumpkins so of course they are out of control but live and learn!

Happy Gardening Everyone....

Megan wrote:Well, I just transplanted my pumpkins. Two of them. In the same square, since I waited too long to transplant and they are now grown together at the roots. I am just asking for trouble...)

The Pumpkin That Ate Manassas

Use a sky hook! HAHAHAHA I know its not funny but I couldnt resist!

Tell you what, the rampicante is doing its best to eat my front yard. There is one branch heading directly for my foundation....