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Santa Cruz, CA

I've never used pulp mill fabric before and am seriously thinking about using it this year. I was wondering when you use it, is it necessary to put sand down as well. Also does it protect the pumpkin from gophers tunneling up into it? We use soaker hoses to water our patch and in the past we have put down a piece of plywood and then play sand before the pumpkin was placed on top. The plywood helps keep moisture off the pumpkin from underneath. Is that important with pulp mill fabric too?

7/5/2009 2:35:49 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

If you bed-sand then mill fabric, it will be good. I do know mice and star moles can't get through the stuff. I just level really well, put in a slight drain angle, then put down the fabric. (I have things that are attracted to sand so I don't use it.)

Mill fabric is one thing that helps me relax a bit over growing, and been well worth the investment as you can reuse the same piece for years. It lets the fruit 'slide' and helps reduce the chance of a concave belly on the fruit. (which makes you go light to tape!)

7/5/2009 7:00:15 AM

Santa Cruz, CA

I did have the problem with a concave belly so that's why I'm trying pulp mill fabric. Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a try.

7/5/2009 10:31:48 AM

[email protected]

Mill fabric does prevent damage from mice. Even hoards of them!

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=77883

Seconds before this picture was taken that shovel was stomping mice. Despite a large nest right under the pumpkin, we didn't suffer any damage.

7/6/2009 1:58:33 PM