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To Pinch or not to Pinch?

biofreakbiofreak Posts: 1,089
in Problem solving
I have regularly read that you should pinch out tips of Cucumbers/Melons/Pumpkins and Courgettes at 5th leaf stage to encourage extra flowering and cropping. Last year my plants did not appreciate it at all and were well behind on production. I am looking for quality not quantity. Advice please.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Don't grow melons and don't pinch out courgettes.

    With pumpkins I do stop them when they have set a few fruits so I get better quality fruits or I stop them when the plant is starting to emulate a triffid and exceeds its bounds and threatens to swamp neighbours.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    cucumbers continue to produce flowers on their new growth so I cannot see how pinching them will help at all. It might help get a crop on melons if your season is a bit short, but pinch after they have set all the fruit you think they can ripen.
    I don't pinch courgettes or pumpkins unless as Obelixx says they are trying to take over the world.
  • biofreakbiofreak Posts: 1,089
    I have neve pinched out Courgettes but I am sowing now for a second crop which I have not done before. With warmer Autumns these should avoid fungal  infections and mottling of leaves (Spray with sour milk/yoghourt or Décoction of Marestail . prêle) I have taken out the Pumpkin Tip and it is producing side shoots fast. I have left the melons well alone.. growing them for first time in raised bed outside as Summers so hot now. Covering all above with upturned orange boxes to avoid direct sunlight. Certainly keeps soil damp.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    @Skandi I took the tips off our cucumbers the other day as they had reached the top of their support.   Both are branching tho so a second support has been given for those.

    I don't cover my curcubits @biofreak as they need the sun to open the flowers for pollination and then ripen the fruits.   The cucumbers are in the polytunnel - doors open at both ends day and night now and the green shade net on.  Works for cucs and tomatoes.  

    The courgettes and squashes are outside in raised beds with a seep hose tho they're currently enjoying a cool rainy morning and, after downpours on Monday and damp bits yesterday they have grown like topsy.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • biofreakbiofreak Posts: 1,089
    Sorry,  should clarify only shade Courgettes etc when we get major heatwave to stop leaves etc.flaggng. For those who don't biodynamic tip..a late evening or dawn  spray of Camomile Tea seems to give them added protection against excessive heat.
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