From

Location

Message

Date Posted

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

of the pumpkins & squash lost this year, what were they sitting on? sand, styrofoam or other.

9/30/2004 11:17:43 PM

Western Pa.

I've invariably heard the "what do you put under them" question almost as much as "do you turn them", and "do you feed them milk", and countless others. I believe it's a misconception many people have,that if you don't put something under your pumpkin it will rot. The reason we put something underneath is so the pumpkin will "glide" as it grows, rather than "buckle". True, a pumpkin sitting in standing water is not good, but I believe a lot of pumpkins rot because of disease or fungus that the plant becomes afflicted with. In keeping up with a complete insect/fungus/disease and weed program and a healthy soil, I believe much less fruits will be lost to rot. BTW, I use sand!

10/1/2004 8:32:11 AM

Kenyon, Mn.

Sand is what I use too James, And i agree with kilr, Being a gardener gives you a heads-up on the aspects of when,how and how much, ammendments,care and the thing that gets many of these growers is WATERING TOO OFTEN, Ya gotta let the roots breath and they can't if you are out there evry night with the hose, also sets up the perfect inviroment for problems...of all sorts! James, when we having a get together??

10/1/2004 8:43:18 AM

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

I guess what I was trying to get at was. Is one or the other causing more pumpkins to be lost to rot, mice, etc.
thanks
James

10/1/2004 12:16:41 PM