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Joliet, IL

i have used styrofome in the past and this will be my first year using mill fabric and sand. i have re-read many posts on sand and fabric and have a basic idea on the method. my question is do most put sand under mill fabric and then on top as well or just the mill fabric on patch soil and a couple inches of sand on top of the fabric? i have read play sand is smoother for the rolling/sliding effect and builders sand to help support the edges of the pumpkin and help it keep a better shape. i am hoping to get as many opinions on past successful methods from everyone out there. thanks, shazzy.

6/22/2008 9:36:58 AM

Jericho Vermont

Shazzy,
I lay the mill fabric directly on the ground and put sand on top. I really just want the mill fabric to allow moisture to go through and to keep mice and other tunneling animals out. I also use about 1 inch of sand underneath the pumpkin but on top of fabric to help the pumpkin slide. It also helps to keep the bottom from getting concave in my opinion. I see some growers using 6 inches or more of sand underneath and I don't know why. I don't want the mice to get a chance to tunnel through the sand. As the pumpkin grows out I keep spreading the sand farther out in circumference.
John

6/22/2008 1:34:38 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

I have just been using the mill fabric alone. I see a lot of people put sand on the mill fabric...I'm wondering if people have had problems just using the mill fabric alone? I haven't noticed any problems with it so far.

6/22/2008 2:01:27 PM

Washington

We just use mill fabric. We have never tried sand so I don't know if there is need for it or not. The fabric allows the pumpkin to slide and allows moisture to go through. Sherry

6/22/2008 3:19:27 PM

Joliet, IL

thanks again sherry, i appreciate it greatly.

6/22/2008 11:36:35 PM

Joliet, IL

thanks also doug and john. much appreciated.

6/22/2008 11:38:01 PM