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Massillon, Ohio

In anticipation of successfully growing a big one: What type of material do you put under the growing pumpkin? What size do you use? What size is the pumpkin when you put it under? Thanks, Glenna

6/4/2006 5:50:44 PM

Nipomo, California

I have never put anything under my pumpkins. I have sandy soil and have yet to have any problems.But alas, all of the varmints in my area that do damage are of the above ground type.

6/4/2006 6:36:26 PM

Jericho Vermont

Glenna. For many years I have been using the styrofoam insulation that comes in sheets. It is usually either blue or pink in color. I usually start with a 2x2 piece and put it under the pumpkin within a couple of days post pollination. If the pumpkin is a keeper I add pieces around the 2x2 as needed. You want to keep the bottom dry and to stop burrowing critters like mice from coming up under your pumpkin.
This year I am trying mill fabric out but still have my old insulation standing by in case I need it.

6/4/2006 6:59:30 PM

Lexington, Ky

What VTJohn said! I tried sand only on a couple of fruit last year and lost an estimated 700 pounder to a mole. I also used foam as well as burlap feed sacks on top of sand with success last year.

6/4/2006 8:51:39 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Builder's sand 2-4" deep. Then a thin layer of play sand, then a piece of "Pulp Mill Fabric" with a handful of play sand on top. The play sand is rounder than builder's sand & acts like bearings so the fruit can be easily moved to prevent vine stress. The builder's sand is more angular so holds it's shape better but still drains. Never saw a mouse chew through pulp mill fabric but a piece of copper screen would prevent mice if they are a big problem.

6/4/2006 11:21:16 PM

Sioux Falls, SD garyboer@dakotalink.com

I just use a bag of sand, but have used styrofoam or nothing. I think you can move the pumpkin a bit easier on sand than dirt. Mice don't dig in sand very quick, but I didn't really have a mouse problem when I used nothing

6/5/2006 12:01:13 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

sand

6/5/2006 8:29:34 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

Thick mil weed blocking material works well...resists moles/ mice and allows water to pass through. Sand also works very well for keeping a nice bottom shape and preventing excess moisture but can be a hassle to apply properly if the pumpkin you want to be a keeper has gotten to double-basketball+ size.

6/5/2006 9:00:26 AM

Creston, Iowa

So where can a person find the mill works fabric and is it expensive.
Frank of Iowa

6/5/2006 11:20:39 AM