[radiohead]

 I'd appreciate some opinions on whether I should 'stop' my plants now by pinching out the growing tips. I have two rouge viv d'tampe and two crown prince on my plot,on yesterdays visit I was delighted to find several good sized fruits of both varieties and rampant growth in amongst the sweetcorn,it's a real jungle!......given that we are now in late summer should I prevent too many fruits forming and perhaps risk only a few maturing,or just let them get on with it?

[Kleftiwallah]

This is a constant quandary!  Snip the extreme ends of the runners to stop the plant growing and possibly divert the plant's strength into the fruit or allow the plant to carry on growing with the extra leafage? providing the extra goodness for the fruit.

I would snip.   

Don't forget to examine for auxiliary roots and make sure they are covered with soil.

Cheers,    Tony.

[BabbyAnn]

As it is still early August, I'd be tempted to leave them a little longer before making the decision of snipping the ends - if it was later in the month then I could understand the worry about fruit not being ready in time.  Unless you are growing a huge pumpkin for show, I find most squash grow to usable sizes without having to nip off the growing ends.

[mumofstig]

snap BabbyAnn 

[radiohead]

Thanks for the replies all.....leaving alone for now