From

Location

Message

Date Posted

United States

If you were to put sand down for the pumpkin to sit on, what type of sand do you use? Wouldn't the high salt content of play/sandbox sand be damaging?

8/9/2023 12:26:05 PM

Syracuse, NY

The simple answers are 'play' and 'no'. eg

8/9/2023 12:35:57 PM

Western NY

I would bet that most sand is mined from inland freshwater pits. I doubt they're getting it from beaches.

I used to use a "masonry" grade sand but the last few years switched to a road sand grade. It is a larger grain size and drains better.

8/9/2023 12:49:18 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I am in saturated soils (clay based), and now use larger grade sand for drainage like Andy. I found the really fine stuff holds water for longer periods.

8/9/2023 2:37:00 PM

Deer Park WA

We use builders or "sharp" sand its a larger grain size as Andy described.

8/9/2023 3:59:49 PM

United States

Would perlite be better than sand?

8/9/2023 5:57:38 PM

Syracuse, NY

The simple answer is 'no'. eg

8/10/2023 7:27:22 AM

Syracuse, NY

Amending my answer to 'Maybe', in that I am always trying to think of new weighs to do anything concerning growing and was actually wondering what ELSE we could use other than sand.
So, 'good question!'. As you all know, I am usually a 'Yes' man,
but in the interest of determining the full scope...eg

8/10/2023 10:49:03 AM

Wisconsin

Wouldn't fracking sand offer the least resistance? Like growing on ball bearings!

8/11/2023 2:45:57 PM

Lewistown,IL

Any type without big pieces of rocks. I've used floury blow sand to play sand to traction motor sand from the RR and they all work....

8/11/2023 3:22:54 PM

Syracuse, NY

You're hitting on it, Moby Mike;
You and me, man - Creating a pumpkin skid pad!
My problem is that I never get ANY material under a fruit in time nor as a final 4'x 4' Rigid 3/4 inch-thick 'Okay, You're it!' right at pollination...then, it starts to get too heavy to manage by one's self. I've been putting silvery bubble wrap insulation material under my smalluns just so they'll have SOMETHING under them, butt it'll be a few days to a week or more each to observe the results.
Further, I will...well, it is ongoing, lol---eric g

8/11/2023 5:16:55 PM