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Kutztown, PA

I'm in the 150 sf contest. I normally put a 4x4 piece of plywood with sand on it under my pumpkins. But I only have 150 sf of course and don't want to block all that vine growth. What do most people do under a 150 pumpkin? Anyone ever tunnel a vine under plywood?

7/2/2024 3:47:45 PM

Syracuse, NY

Good Question.
Here's something I and you have never seen for AGs -
A CIRCULAR piece of plywood. Rounded edges, with PADDING underneath, lol---
Else, I'm sure that vines under it will be fine, butt will risk as high as can be to be at the mercy of the Soil's Fury, if any, lol---If trenches are not dug beforehand and a piece is simply laid in place, I'd let it set for a few days without stepping on it or intentionally trying to settle it in. The fruit would do that eventually. eg

7/2/2024 11:55:06 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

If you have mill fabric, most importantly enough to cut up, you can use it as the pumpkin grows.

For example, I'll start with a 15"x15" square and then add strips of mill fabric of 8"x15" as the pumpkin grows in a circle. It has to overlap (like roofing) the previous piece. But at the end of the season, you'll be covered underneath by mill, and it won't be much larger than the circumference of the pumpkin.

I always grow at least one small sq footage pumpkin and this works well. You can add sand on too.

[Last edit: 07/03/24 8:15:36 AM]

7/3/2024 8:14:46 AM

Kutztown, PA

Both good ideas! I had thought about cutting the corners off of my plywood to make it a Hex. My jig saw went south so I'm down to a skill saw so a nice circle is out. Maybe I'll go octagon. Don't have any mill fabric. Maybe next year, I'll try that. I'm not sure if your allowed to grow on a pallet in the 150, but I was thinking I could said my plywood on top of a 30" x 30" pallet and support it with blocks where needed. Easier to just do the Octo-circle.

7/3/2024 8:29:24 AM

Grittyville, WA

Growing on a pallet seems to me like the way to go. Some folks worry about critters, but critters could also get under plywood. Either way a person has to be vigilant. I dont think growing on a pallet or scale would DQ a grower from the 150 ft contest. Growing directly into the back of your truck might.

7/3/2024 9:01:33 AM

Greenbrier Valley, WV

I have my 150 fruit on a scale this season. The scale does take up a lot of space 4x4 (16sqft). However, I will not run vines under the platform. I considered the act of doing so as going against the rules. As per the rules: "Increasing plant size by going vertical will NOT be permitted".

I will skirt the sides of the scale with vines just as I did in the 2023 season. As for last season, Yes I used a octagonal sheet of mill to save space. I found it to be beneficial.

7/4/2024 10:04:14 AM