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Pennsylvania

Has anyone tried growing without tilling? I would kill all weeds with tarps before planting and make sure at least the initial mound is well broken up. I’m wondering if the vine roots are strong enough to penetrate un-tilled dirt.

5/12/2025 9:40:30 AM

Hadley Ny

I've planted my field kins along fencing and ran it up and across the fence and without trying and only feeding water I've grown several between 70 and 90 lbs. I did make sure along the fence where I planted was well fertilized with aged manure. So no roots other than the planting area. Was gonna plant a bunch this year and run them across sheets of mill fabric. You get at least 50% feeding from main roots. Hope this helped. Good Luck. T

5/12/2025 11:50:23 AM

Western NY

Joe Ailts does field pumpkins for sale no till into rolled/crimped rye. Looks like it works pretty good.

5/12/2025 11:58:28 AM

Pennsylvania

Thank you!

5/12/2025 12:01:42 PM

Bethlehem CT

I think it will grow fine for you with the method you are attempting. I have found that under the tarp the soil tends to loosen up, with just natural processes at work. It is quite amazing actually.

5/12/2025 2:12:15 PM

Mission Viejo, CA

I like to broadfork for loosening up the soil.

5/12/2025 5:20:43 PM

Netherlands

We grow all our commercial and giant FPs with no dig. Just add a layer of compost and/or manure on top each year. My heaviest was 205 lbs.
For the commercial FPs last year we added a thick layer of manure, then put 500 gram heavy tarp on top, burning holes every few feet to put the plants in. This year we only added compost to where the holes are. The tarp stays put.

[Last edit: 05/13/25 11:03:51 AM]

5/13/2025 10:59:58 AM