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Dresden, Ohio

What is the best to put under a pumpkin to keep it from rotting?

Skid/Pallet, Insulation Board, Sand?

Thanks!

1/2/2008 9:58:51 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Insulation board, sand, plywood with sand, mill fabric. Last year I used styrofoam covered with sand. The pallet is probably not a good idea. I think I would stay away from that one.

1/2/2008 10:12:17 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We use & have been happy with a bowl shaped layer of builders sand (3-6 inches deep) followed by a shallow layer of rounder pay sand. On this goes a layer of pulp mill fabric with a dusting of play sand on top to act like bearings. This insures drainage, prevents fruit rot diseases, allows easy movement to permit vine adjustments & keeps mice from ruining the fruit.

Here is just one example of how the fabric helps:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=77883

1/2/2008 11:51:28 PM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

I used both the insulation and sand on different pumpkins last year and liked both, if you have a pumpkin with a very low stem the sand is probably a better idea as it keeps the pumpkin lower to the ground or so I found.

Kirk

1/3/2008 6:13:16 AM

Ontario, Canada.

I have simply gown then on the ground for the last three years with no problems at all.

1/3/2008 8:09:42 AM

Georgia

Insulation boards worked fine for me topped with some sand. Plywood topped with sand also works great. I had no problem with rot or mice from either method. Most insulation board has a slippery surface which lets the pumpkin moves as it grows but a little sand helps.

1/3/2008 9:40:37 AM

Western NY

I tried sand for the first time last year and really liked it. Previously I had used either styrofoam, belting material, or nothing. From now on, I will be using sand in combination with the belting or sand alone.

1/3/2008 10:01:29 AM

Dresden, Ohio

Thanks for the help!

1/3/2008 6:10:12 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Everybody loves straight sand until the mice arrive. LOL

1/3/2008 9:12:35 PM

Greenwood Village, Co

can anyone tell me where i can gets some "pulp mill fabric"
to put under my pumpkin? i tried to google it.......no luck

4/11/2008 9:56:32 PM