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Nashville, TN

OK, I've been studying many of you all's Diaries and pictures.. Trying to avoid all pitfalls that most novices fall into...

On sat, when several of my pumpkins were well-over Basketball/volleyball size.. I went out and put Forage cube Feed bags under them.. These bags are strips of white plastic weaved together - which forms a 'breathable' bag for their contents.. Also happens to also let water drain through as well..

I finally found a supply of white 'play sand'.. and so far I've used 60 lbs of it on top of those feed bags, under 5 pumpkins.. Have a few more pumpkins that will need it soon..

How deep of a layer of sand should I put under each pumpkin (before they get too heavy to shift.)?

7/14/2005 8:12:06 AM

Selbyville, Delaware

The sand is just to allow a nice smooth and giving growing surface, depth I guess would be dependent on your soil. I have hard clay which will not give under the weight. Last year I placed styrofoam under the pumpkin that was too small and too high. The pumpkin grew around it causing a dent in the bottom which looked exactly like the piece of styrofoam. The pumpkin was intact, but I lost valuable inches.
Rocks would do the same thing.

7/14/2005 10:44:08 AM

Montoursville, PA

I use regular builders sand because I have a trailer and can get it. A ton and a half cost me all of $20.00. It was a lot of grunt work but now it is out there right where I need it.

Two inches under the pumpkin is a nice average. Also pack the ">" at the bottom which will give some support to the downward pressure along the sides, of the pumpkin. This may prevent concave cupping, on the bottom, of the fruit. May I suggest if it prevents cupping you will have a bit more space inside the pumpkin that can become weight.

Do not fill the stem end and the blossom end ">" more than half as much to provide growing room.

7/14/2005 10:58:41 AM

Nashville, TN

hmmm... I assumed that the sand w/draining bags underneith was used to avoid rot on the underside of the pumpkin. Before I did this, moisture was retained under the pumpkins for a while after a rain (the few times it did rain...).. Since I put the bags down, we've had 3-4 days of on-and-off rain showers.. and there hasn't been residual moisture staying under the pumpkins..

7/14/2005 11:17:28 AM

Western NY

QUESTION -

has anyone tried (or does anyone have access to) quicksand? you know, the kind people and things fall into and never get out of.

i was told a LONG time ago that quicksand works the way it does because the grains are basically rounded instead of angular. i would assume that it might bake a better base than the play sand stuff.

7/14/2005 11:42:22 AM

ipswich, ma usa

quick sand works basically because it is very wet sand. The particals are more "suspended" in water hence you sink. I don't know if the sand is actually any different then "regular" sand.

John (5150)

7/14/2005 1:03:18 PM

Montoursville, PA

Here the play sand is ground and washed round, usually white. Contractor's bulk is crushed and sharp usually darker in color. The sharp edges hold and lock up for a better morter joint and stronger patio too. If you can get it the pumpkin will be supported better if you pack the "<" at the bottom, to support some of the down thrust from the weight.

7/14/2005 3:31:32 PM

Western NY

yeah, i just looked it up. quicksand can be more rounded, but not necessarily so.

7/14/2005 3:47:25 PM