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North East, Pa

This will be my first year growing giant pumpkins, I have got the right seeds thanks to Mr. Foss in MN. Now my question is I'm putting my patch where my above ground pool was, the ground is level and gravel, should I till this up with the top soil or leave it like it is and just add the soil, and other things on top of the flat gravel base. Thanks

2/16/2010 10:21:26 AM

Rhode Island

a small amount of stone mixed in with top soil and sand should not be a problem so long as no chemicals from the pool have saturated the ground.
if however the gravel is six or so inches thick? id remove a good part od it.

2/17/2010 7:44:55 AM

Corryton, TN

I agree with pap. Also if the gravel is limestone it may effect the PH of the soil.

2/17/2010 8:02:33 AM

Rhode Island

yes good point dave. id be very carefull putting a patch over that area. .its a very snall area as well.
you might be better served to till and ammend a new area and plant grass over where the pool was.
thats what i would do.

2/17/2010 10:46:23 AM

Sacramento, Ca

I had almost the same issue three years ago, only difference was that there were trees and gravel in my spot I wanted to use. I dug the trees out, framed a raised bed with 2x12's, hauled in 11 yards of dirt and planted a veggy garden in the spot. Last year I made it my giant pumpkin patch. Here are some pics.

http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/digital686/?action=view&current=100_0188.jpg&newest=1

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/digital686/100_0748-1.jpg?t=1266444310

2/17/2010 5:06:20 PM

North East, Pa

Thank you for responding to my question. This website is an excellent source to talk with other giant pumpkin growers.

2/20/2010 12:25:48 PM