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Minnesota

I am open for suggestions as to what I should put underneath my pumpkins.. I will need to move quickly as I have one over 200 already?
Has it ever caused a major problem just letting them sit in the dirt?
I'm off to the patch now to eyeball possibilities but welcome any success stories.

8/10/2006 4:54:29 PM

Ray, North Dakota

Some people have been using types of foam insulation. Something that won't soak up water and stay wet. I was thinking about that too. Mine is over 200 and laying on the ground, but I am leaving it. First year, hopefully I won't have any problems.

8/10/2006 5:18:02 PM

Piqua,Ohio

I use professional landscapers clothe that they use for weed barrier not the plactic type but actual clothe I find it at home depot works great keeps the bottom clean at least

8/10/2006 5:40:54 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Joe,
If you do put something under it, I'd do it soon, as it could hit 300 lbs. in a matter of a few days:-). Sand has been mentioned before. It drains well. Herbie gave a good suggestion. Some growers use pulp mill fabric, which I'm using this year. It may be difficult for you to get this in just a matter of days(maybe not).
My first year I grew one right on the soil, with no problems. Last year I grew one on a partial sand, and partial soil. When we harvested it, a mouse was underneath, but luckily no damage. Growing on soil, is taking a chance though.
If I was putting something under a 200 lb. pumpkin, I'd make it at least a three person job. Two(or more) to lift the pumpkin, and one to put whatever underneath. Make sure that the vine, that is connected to the pumpkin, has enough give to be lifted adequetely. You may need to cut some of the roots at the leaf nodes, if it doesn't. Make sure no one lifts holding on to the stem. It could break off. Good luck!

8/10/2006 5:48:26 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Sounds like a good idea Sam.

8/10/2006 5:49:27 PM

[email protected]

4" of builders sand
1" of play sand
1 layer of pulp mill fabric
a few handfuls of play sand
1 growing pumpkin

8/10/2006 10:47:36 PM

Minnesota

Thanks for the ideas.. I have given up on trying anything with my "Biggie" as it measured 61 1/4 x 69 1/2 x 92 1/4 for a 223 total and 241. I don't dare try and heave it up now... I have 2 others that were managable and I got sand and fabric underneath.. We'll see...

8/11/2006 10:22:09 AM

[email protected]

Then perhaps just work same sand around it. If the fruit can be rocked a little then some sand will get undet it.

8/11/2006 1:06:28 PM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

Steve...sand under the fabric? I like that idea better than on top but would seem to be harder to add sand as it grows. Why the play sand on top of the building sand? Is it because it is less coarse? Wouldn't the fabric on top be sufficient to protect the pumpkin. Sorry to question so much but trying to learn the various views so that I can develop my "own" method for my conditions here.

8/12/2006 6:41:27 PM

ENGLAND

Petman. Sand is placed under the Mill Fabric to act as a bed for the Fabric to sit on and give drainage imediately under it. Play Sand is used between the Mill Fabric and the base of the Fruit because play sand particles are much rounder than builders/sharp sand and hence act like millions of tiny ball bearings on which the growing Fruit can expand on. Play sand also allows for easier positioning of Friut even when quite large, 600 Lb's for example. A simple test of this is to get a hand full of sharp & play sand in seperate piles, spread out to a thin layer, and try moving a large flat bottomed object over each type of sand. Your findings will become evident and obvious as to why play sand is used.

Regards
Mike

8/13/2006 10:38:33 AM