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Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

When they start growing, what do you put underneath your pumpkin to protect them? I used styrofoam this year and wasn't too happy with the results. Anyone have any other suggestions besides styrofoam and just plan sand? I'm looking for something softer to protect them, and that would let water through during the growing season. I have lots of rocks in my patch and need to protect them from heavy rain storms, etc. as sometimes it does push up more rocks. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

11/6/2007 10:43:38 AM

Rhode Island

a lot of growers use a product call mill fabric or sometimes called belting.
its flexible,allows water thru but is very strong. also i have never had a mouse bite through it. burrow under it yes, but not throught it to be able to get to the bottom of the fruit.
i dont know where to purchase it but someone else on here should
you could also post a message to peter rondeau who did purchase some i believe in maine a few weeks ago.
he may be able to advise you
pap

11/6/2007 11:38:04 AM

Cduross1@rochester.rr.com

Thanks pap! Planning ahead for next season.

11/6/2007 11:49:07 AM

Crossett Arkansas

diamondlady e-mail me, I can fix you up with some pulp mill fabric if you want to try some. michaelcoop@earthlink.net

11/6/2007 12:08:24 PM

You might consider adding some washed sand on top of that fabric directly under the fruit it seemed to work well for me this year. Keep adding as the fruit grows and bank it at the base, fun to watch it "move" with overnight growth as well, a bonus,,,lol

11/6/2007 3:07:57 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

I dont have mouse problems, knock on wood, so all I use is playsand. When the pumpkin gets to the edge, add another bag. Easy to work with, never had rot problems.

11/7/2007 12:48:07 PM

Greensburg Pa

I used 4x4 3 inch thick Styrofoam squares with sand on top of it. I did have some burrows under 1 sheet but no damage was noted on square. I have read that mice cannot burrow in sand.

11/17/2007 8:00:54 AM