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Pulaski Tn [email protected]

what would be best to put under my pumpkins? and why. thanks

8/23/2001 9:27:47 AM

Utah

I think plywood/fiberboard- that is what i use.

but i know many who use styrofoam. and other who
use sand.
you want something that will keep the bottom of your
pumpkin dry, clean and will protect it from any
critters that may be about. ( a friend of mine had
a rat ( or was it a mouse ?) burrow up into his pumpkin
from the very bottom. a 700+ lb-er ruined ! and he
didn't know till he picked it to take it to the weigh-off)

I use two pieces of wood butted up next to each other
with the seam right down the middle of the pumpkin.
plus two pieces are easier to put under a pumkin. you don't
have to ever lift the whole thing off the ground. also the seam allows for any water that gets on the wood to drain off. I pick up scraps cheap at the local Home Depot.
I've seen,( in one of the pumpkin books) where
a grower used 1x6's. started out with two and added
more as needed. looked like a great idea to me.

I think that pumpkins tend to crush stryofoam down
and make a pocket where water can stand. I
haven't hear of anyone using bubble wrap before.

just 2 cents

g1t

8/23/2001 10:06:09 AM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

thanky!! thats just what im gonna do.. now if i can just get one that would be big enough to crush stryofoam i'll be happy!!!

8/23/2001 10:51:38 AM

Greencastle, PA

if I had one big enough to crush anything I'd be happy. lol.

8/23/2001 4:21:14 PM

Wisconsin

This is my first year growing and I used sections of clear heavy plastic runner (like from stairs) I cut slits in it to let any water drain that might pool on it. They worked real good. And that is my 2 cents. Mare

8/23/2001 7:52:11 PM

Deer Park WA

I build up the soil under my pumpkin when it is still small (50-75# or so). I then place a nice piece of 4'X 5' perforated black plastic under the fruit. Add soil around specimin to keep it about 8" higher than grade. I also cover my pumpkin with a shade/sun silver tarp to keep her dry. Current= 450#=Clone, 436#=Holland 1026, 423#=Gads 410.
My 2 cents worth, L.O.L ;]

8/24/2001 2:48:03 AM