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Ohio

Toady we had a very hard rain, I noticed today that the sand under my pumpkin is soaked, This is the main thing that worries me about this pumpkin that it will rot from underneath, It is over 350 pounds right now, its about 35 days old, You think it will be ok till sept 22? Should i put a fan on the sand to dry it out or do u think it will be ok to just let it dry out by itself? Its in real good shape but it just worries me to think I have about 60 more days of this pumpkin getting wet like this from underneath. Any pointers for a newbie? How would soaking down the sand with captans? This would probably wash away in time though huh? My Pumpkin is sitting in a flat area, before the season started I made sure i would have good water run off by digging a small trench all the way around my growing area.

7/26/2004 4:46:30 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

Do you have a tarp or something covering your pumpkin? Thats the way I been keeping them dry from the rain.

7/26/2004 4:51:50 PM

Ohio

yea, its covered with a tarp, but sand still gets wet.

7/26/2004 6:39:14 PM

Eau Claire, WI

I use 1/2" foam insulation under the pumpkin. It costs about $5 for a 4x8 sheet (the pink stuff) and can be cut into smaller pieces to slide under the pumpkin as it gets bigger. I have never had a problem with bottom rot.

7/26/2004 6:59:26 PM

Key West, FL

How deep is the sand? If the sand is just wet, then you should be fine, but if it's sitting in a puddle up to the pumpkin, that probably isn't good.

7/26/2004 7:05:34 PM

Ypsilanti Michigan

As long as the water can drain through the sand it should be fine. Good drainage is important.

7/26/2004 7:23:49 PM

Ohio

ok thanks, I have about 10 pounds of sand under it,No puddles in the sand just wet. maybe ill take a small dial rod in the morning and poke holes through the sand down into the dirt for peace of mind and better drainage. Thanks everyone.

7/26/2004 8:49:08 PM

Ohio

Jim I think next year im gonna try the foam,

7/26/2004 8:51:44 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Brooks,
Sand drains very quickly, you'll be fine.

7/27/2004 9:16:52 PM