From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Tasmania Australia

Hi, i am just looking to find out what most here are actually growing their pumpkin on.
Are most using a pallet, just sand, , just straw, or anything else?
I grew mine on pallets last year, two out of three got some rot in the base, thinking maybe got pinched between the pallet boards.
Any information on what is best recommended to grow them on would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.

5/9/2015 9:38:21 PM

Austin MN

I always do sand. Makes for nice drainage!

5/9/2015 9:57:14 PM

Slate River,Ont. Canada

I grow mine on two inch Styrofoam s m with a bit of sand on top.The sand allows the pumpkin to move when needed and the Styrofoam keeps bottom warm for better growing.Be sure to always keep pumpkin covered and dry.

5/9/2015 9:57:45 PM

Prairie Du Sac Wi

Hi. I used foam under my fruit for years and never had one rot . but..I dont like the idea of water sitting between the foam and fruit,if the shade cover doesn't block ALL the water and that could happen all to easy. So sand seems like the best way to go. It allows the skin of the fruit to move under itself and shift as it grows and stretches. With sand you may see the fruit is not as likely to roll the blossom end under itself . It will be somewhat free to de stress itself as it grows. After years of reading peoples opinions here on BP. You want to put something under the sand for critter controll . Mill fabric is the way to go,then 2 or more inches of fine sand and keep it dry dry and your good to go. Have a great year!

5/9/2015 10:36:34 PM

British Columbia, Canada

Sand

5/9/2015 10:43:32 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Mill fabric on the bottom then play sand sand then pumpkin.

5/9/2015 11:32:00 PM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, some good advice there.
Sand it is.
Might look at the foam for the base if i get a few holes in it for drainage, with a mess to stop eating critters coming up through.
Cheers.

5/10/2015 12:25:11 AM

Muddy Waters

Cement board 10$ a sheet 3x5s If you kin aint worth 20$ to insure no burrowing critters/drip tape or water issues from under?Then I put delta subfloor material then sand.The rat from hell will never get my kin.lol Never take a knife to a gun fight.lol

5/10/2015 10:17:54 AM

Muddy Waters

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=221525

5/10/2015 10:20:20 AM

South Hero, VT

Which ever choice you make, do NOT allow the bottom of the fruit to get wet and stay wet--unless you want a prize pumpkin to rot on you. I've learned MY lesson the hard way--several times...

5/10/2015 3:59:17 PM

Tasmania Australia

Cheers, sand for movement it is, and allow it to drain.
Then anything to prevent boring critters coming through the sand.
Cheers.

5/10/2015 7:15:19 PM