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Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

So I am almost at day 14 and would like to get situated for the long haul. I am going to use sand on some cloth (similar to the mill fabric) (thanks Wayne!). So do I move the pumpkin over, dig under it a bit so that I have a depression, and then fill with sand back to level? OR do I just move the pumpkin over while I sort of smooth the area out around the pumpkin and add a couple inches of sand and then set the pumpkin on it. I assume then you just add a couple inches of sand around the edges of the pumpkin as it grows. Yes, silly newbie questions, but what seems very simple may not be and I don't want to create stem stress or anything later.

7/14/2006 3:11:24 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

I'm leaving the "what to do with the sand explanation" totally alone, but if it was me at day 14..I would be VERY CAREFUL moving the pumpkin around. Wait till you get some good advice before you make a decision on how to go about that. Good Luck and Be Careful!! Deb:)

7/14/2006 4:09:25 AM

Mastic Beach, New York

the sooner the better! it's only gonna get bigger..cut the tap roots under the main where the pumpkin is ,that should give you some slack(dont know how big it is )need 2 people 1 to lift and 1 to slide your fabric under..i dont use sand ,so i cant tella how much sand to add.remember you are only lifting high enough to slide the fabric under..hope this helps

7/14/2006 9:10:46 AM

Bristol, ME (stunner906@roadrunner.com)

The only limiting factor with age is if you or your helper can lift the fruit. Like Billy said, cut the tap roots under the stem and 1 node on either side of the stem (carefully). Someone lift the fruit up about an inch and slide your fabric under the fruit. Leveling the ground that will be under the fabric is necessary before you place the fabric under the fruit. Next, pour your sand in front of the fruit, blossom end, and someone life the fruit again, this time a couple of inches and spread the sand evenly under the fruit at a thickness of 1 -2". Once the fruit is setting on the sand, you can pack a bit around the bottom as doc described. You may need to prop your vine with styrofoam to take the weight off of it. Make sure you do this all in the heat of the day when the vine and stem are somewhat plyable. Go easy, slow and carefully, paying attention to where you step, resistance when lifting and the dreaded fingernail in the fruit.. Once you do it a couple time it'll be a piece of cake. Good Luck.

7/14/2006 8:55:23 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Ditto the 2 Bill's. Sooner is better. I've done some big ones alone but it can be really difficult. Once they get around 50 lbs you really do need a helper.

7/14/2006 10:09:51 PM

Montoursville, PA

..........and make your memo record clear so that you start placing sand and mill cloth or other materials while the early fruit is still up, in the air. When it comes down you are ready for the go with a no touch situation at the highest danger point, of breaking one off.

7/15/2006 5:41:03 PM