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Greene County, Pa.

It has been just beutiful here the past 2-3 weeks, so I have been working in the garden and yard everyevening after work. Pumpkin growing is hard work!!!Havent even got them planted . so much more work to do. OK I have a problem. I have a hard clay soil, I dug three holes three feet in diameter and close to four feet deep. Last night we got almost an inch of rain, two holes are dry, but one held almost 2 inches of water. When i get my soil in them should the soil soak up this much water or should I find another way to get rid of the water in this one hole. I was thinking about getting a peice of black plastic about 6 feet in diameter and covering the holes after the soil has been put in, and only letting them have the water that I give them through three 1 1/2 inch pvc pipes with holes in them. I am getting 5 yds shredded topsiol Friday and mixing it with compost I have and installing my pipes then filling my holes, and putting my hoophouses over them. Any help would be very appreciated.Thanks to those who gave me seeds. I am planting 880 Bortner, 1178 Rivard, and 1076.5 Werner. Good luck to everyone in 2004!!!!!

BuddyG

3/31/2004 7:14:20 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Be careful in clay...pits can become swimming holes...the loose soil in the hole will accept water much faster but can't escape into the clay..so the root rot problem below could be more problems..water drainage is just as important.Grow em Big! Chuck

3/31/2004 8:13:09 AM

Walkerton Ont

Be also aware that the roots will travel further than 3 feet

3/31/2004 9:47:25 AM

huntsburg,ohio

Fill them in and go up.Jerry

3/31/2004 11:16:29 AM

Key West, FL

I'm with Jerry, that's what I do too. Great to hear you're planting my 880! Best of luck with it and you're other seeds.

3/31/2004 11:31:14 AM

Saegertown Pa.

Liston to Jerry if you don't your asking for trouble.

3/31/2004 12:10:45 PM

Key West, FL

Oh man buddy, you got some work ahead of you with that "soil", I hope it's better than it looks. lol

The stuff with the manure added didn't look too bad though.

3/31/2004 9:08:56 PM

Puyallup, WA

Loosen up the soil in the bottom of the hole and add some sand. Mix well, then fill with compost and good soil.

3/31/2004 10:24:29 PM

Greene County, Pa.

5 yds of bottom land topsoil is on its way noe... I have close to 5 yds of manure left and im going to mix the 2 together and use it to fill my holes. I had to dig drainage ditch for one hole. hope to get my pipes for watering tomorow also.. I am close to being ready...Thanks for the help..Good luck everyone...

BuddyG.....

4/7/2004 3:44:51 PM