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Mount Airy, N.C.

I heard from an elderly man the other day that I need to put straw under my pumpkins to prevent them from rotting.
Has anyone ever heard of this? Is this an old wise tale?

Thanks,
David

7/12/2001 10:07:24 PM

Puyallup, WA

"....old wise"...or "old wives" tales? Seems to me that most of the posters around hear use styrofoam or sand or both.

Stan Pugh

7/12/2001 10:20:47 PM

South Hill, Virginia

Hey Bub from Mount Airy...say hi to Andy, Barney and Goober for me.

I use 1" styrofoam board cut into squares about 12"x12". As the pumpkin grows I just add more squares. I'm new at this so I can't say this works from experience but from all I've read it's recommended to put something beneath the pumpkin to prevent rot and attacks from beneath from various pests. I have heavy soil and when we get a heavy rain it also keeps my pumpkins from sitting in water.

7/13/2001 12:13:36 AM

Western Pa.

Straw under your pumpkins will hold water(and fungus and disease and insects!) It also makes a real neat place for mice to hide as they eat an entrance into your pumpkin. Sand works fine. This lets water run off, the main reason for something smooth under your pumpkin, is so it doesn't hit something hard on the ground and "buckle up" on the bottom.As it grows, you want it to "glide" with no obstructions!

kilr

7/13/2001 8:57:42 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

Kirl pretty much said what i was goung to say, i wouldn't use it under my pumpkins becuase it will retain water also i have stopped using it as a mulch as it provides a hiding place for squash bugs and other pests, i've been using sand for years and it works for me also many of the creepy crawlers, such as slugs don't like sand, you can also mix in some D.E. with it that will sure keep many of the insects from living under the pumpkin as it grows.

Glenn Peters

7/13/2001 9:15:19 AM

Charlotte, North Carolina

Which weigh-off do you go to David?

7/13/2001 4:11:35 PM

Saskatoon, SK

I am using 2" thick styrofoam. I knocked some 1" holes in it to allow water to drain through. I am thinkning now that i will also try to get some sand on top as well.

7/13/2001 10:24:55 PM

Mount Airy, N.C.

Glen- Thanks for responding! What is D.E.? I am a first time grower.

Master P- I haven't heard of any weigh-offs around this area, but I will keep my eyes and ears open. This is my first year growing pumpkins. I just hope that the good Lord will allow me to grow enough pumpkins for fall decorations this year.

Thanks to all who responded! I am going to get some sand and/or styofoam tomorrow.

David

7/13/2001 10:41:45 PM

Charlotte, North Carolina

I found one in Mooresville.

7/14/2001 9:58:36 PM

GULFPORT,MISSISSIPPI

hey david, d.e. is short for diatomecious earth. our county extension office down here in mississippi said that the very fine granules cut slugs and snails like razor blades. also try to prevent breathing in the d.e. because it is harmful to lungs,a possible cancer causing agent so i am told.

7/21/2001 11:43:56 PM