Ugwu is also planted with that staking method.
We do that on smaller land space for family consumption.
Very few number of seed is planted with this method, 4-5 at most

1. Staking does not affect the leaves in anyway, I did that for a friend here and will get you pictures coming Sunday when I visit her again. I will like us to compare both.

2. Fluted pumpkins do not need lots of manure, in fact we did not add any manure to the one in my friends garden.
   The soil is fertile enough and you will be surprised at the pictures I will show you.

Commercial fluted pumpkins are planted this way, most times above hundred seeds are planted.
And harvest can be continuous for months.
Harvest is done at every two weeks interval