From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Batavia, IL

I see a lot of photos here that show pumpkins sitting on tarps, sand and foam. Do I need to slide something under the plant and why?

7/21/2005 10:12:40 PM

Ohio

Keeps its dry and helps from preventing rot,you dont want your pumpkin sitting in a mud hole. Also the foam and sand protects it as it grows so nothing sharp in the dirt cuts it.

7/21/2005 10:26:56 PM

[email protected]

Some soil borne fruit rot diseases (Fusarium comes to mind) often infect pumpkins as the causal pathogen splash up from water. So besides offering some mobilty, fabric & sand also help keep these diseases in check.

7/21/2005 10:40:25 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

There's a discussion in the new growers forum about what materials to use. I have a couple crazy ideas. But, I think I'm just going to go with sheets of styrofoam and some sand.

7/22/2005 12:15:35 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Something needs to be under it...at least to keep it dry, smooth, and critter proof...have read lots about mice under fruit eating holes...something tough and lets water flow thru. Peace Wayne

7/22/2005 3:01:54 AM

Canada

last year I used wood, This year I am useing Styrofoam

7/22/2005 3:18:34 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I really like sand. With it, the pumpkin tends to grow
flat on the bottom. Without sand, the friction of my regular
soil doesn't allow the fruit to move, so there forms a cavity
under the pumpkin where it grows up there with nowhere else
to go. Also, the blossom end tends to disappear down under
the end of the pumpkin when it can't slide around. Sand solves
these problems.

7/22/2005 11:23:17 AM

Long Beach, CA

I'm using sand this year, though I'm not sure if I spread it as thickly as is best.

7/22/2005 5:55:52 PM

addison Il

we use foam only because we gets it for free you want something under your pumpkin because the bottom could rot and or insect and critters could make a home of your prize without you knowing it.

7/22/2005 6:20:42 PM