From

Location

Message

Date Posted

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

I have noticed more growers using sand under their pumpkins this year. Is it just a fad or is there a reasosn? If so, lets hear the pro's and con's.
james

8/5/2004 12:05:22 AM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

Sand allows excellent drainage and allows the fruit to expand without the friction caused by styrofoam. Friction will cause a fruit to concave on the bottom and be much more suseptable to splits. I personally put papermill drying felt (not belting) under my bed of sand to keep out rodents, etc.

8/5/2004 5:19:26 AM

Central Connecticut

Stunner...where can you get that papermill drying felt ?

8/5/2004 7:01:03 AM

Key West, FL

sand pwns stryofoam 1!!!1!11

8/5/2004 1:07:31 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

The paper mills have to change the drying belt periodically due to wear just like the other belting that many folks use under their pumpkin. Many of them throw the belting away, only to have it scoffed up quickly. I got mine from a friend who lucked into a bunch of it...

8/5/2004 7:51:17 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Industrial grade weed blocker material works very well also. Lets water drain thru, but tough enough to keep objects, or small animals, from coming up thru the underside.
I'm using both sand and weed blocker material, no probs. Styrofoam cracks and can make a mess with small pieces everywhere. Still works well overall tho'.

8/6/2004 1:10:27 AM