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New Castle, Indiana

I don't know if this is proven, but I've sprinkled paprika around my garden and patch area to keep rodents out. Apparently they find that stuff offensive? Of course my property is pretty open and we don't tend to get animals around too much because there's nowhere to run for cover from predators.

4/18/2024 10:20:03 PM

Syracuse, NY

Worse yet - there's been a human in your patch. They can be really pesky! You'll wanna get some walking boards at a Home Depot/Lowe's Home Improvement store to keep from compacting that otherwise-fluffy soil and thereby reduce the roots' ability to spread out.
One 4' X 8' X 5/8" plywood cut into 6 pieces, each 16" wide X 4' long, grain long.
You could snap a shot of this and show it to the nice lumber guy whom will cut them for you.
It is so cool---eg

>>>These guys in the link below USE exactly what I'm recommending, and have grown the HEAVIEST and BIGGEST pumpkin in the World:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=343870
Have fun---eric g

4/19/2024 12:42:08 AM

San Diego, California

@Steve's Garage Thank you for the tip! I'll definitely look into paprika. I need all the help I can get!

4/19/2024 12:51:18 AM

San Diego, California

@pumpkinpal2 Amazing advice, and thank you for the visual aid! I'll make sure to go get some boards ASAP!

4/19/2024 12:52:38 AM

Syracuse, NY

Hey - Cool, and yer right there, lol---Keep in mind the 'grain long' - the 'lines' in the wood will go the length of each piece. It matters as the flexibility of the boards. No NEED to comment back, as I am offa here, now. Good Luck---eg

4/19/2024 1:01:11 AM