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What is the best way to make a base for a pumpkin to sit on as it grows? I heard a 4x4 plywood with the same size piece of foam insulation board on top of the plywood. Now would treated lumber plywood be used or could the chemicals get into the ground and cause problems for the plant? Thanks in advance!

7/11/2023 9:50:10 AM

South of Buffalo

I have always used playsand, about 3in base when little then i add outward as it grows.

7/11/2023 1:24:30 PM

Kutztown, PA

I use a 4 x 4 3/4" playwood with playsand on top. My thinking is that the foam will be depressed by the weight of the pumpkin over time thus will likely hold water.

7/17/2023 10:14:21 AM

Syracuse, NY

Maybe it's time for 'us' to all use a concave growing surface for the pumpkin, since ANY substance put under the fruit additionally on a flat surface otherwise will merely hold the water longer unless the surface is universally inclined to drain it away. Think of a kid's' (lol) snow saucer down side up (improperly for sliding, lol) and the pumpkin sits on top. It would have to not flex under the weigh of the pumpkin. Okay, Garwolf, you go first.
An alternative would be to all of the above butt flat and have it tilted a few
inches higher on one edge...
I feel that a super-flat pumpkin bottom is not the weigh to go, in that a concave surface such as the design of an archway or bridge would be much stronger.
You would not stand on a flat-topped pumpkin, if sane. eg

7/18/2023 1:08:27 PM

Syracuse, NY

...A pitcher's mound with a hole in the middle of it, if of a solid material, as the fruit may create a seal to the material and not move naturally...okay, pitcher's mound with the usual paper mill fabric upon it, if possible to not wrinkle much. eg
I just remembered I'm forgetting tha the pumpkin starts at only one edge of this ap·pur·te·nance, lol! eg

7/18/2023 1:13:08 PM

Grittyville, WA

Standing water is definitely not good. Ive got air blowing under my kin. I think having some air get under them is the way to go. Fortunate that the cats and weasels are on patrol here though.

7/18/2023 2:44:00 PM