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Pocatello ([email protected])

OK, one more chapter in my never-ending thirst for knowledge...

I usually grow the fruit on sand. Drains well, and the sand allows the fruit to grow evenly on the bottom. A lot of other growers grow on styrofoam. Does styrofoam drain (with holes) and does the fruit grow evenly or does it get all bundled up underneath there?

My reasoning for thinking again about styrofoam is that it certainly would be an excellent insulator. My soil is cold. Normally my overnight temperatures are in the low-50s. (However, this year has been a disaster, we were in the 30s in August!!) If styrofoam keeps the fruit warmer.......

8/25/2009 11:50:25 AM

Roselle, IL [email protected]

I had some buckle on the bottom. They don't seem to glide over the Styrofoam. You can put a dusting of sand down to act as ball bearings. I now use sand and belt fabric and never had a problem with the bottoms buckling up or rotting.I don't think the Styrofoam will keep the fruit any warmer

8/25/2009 6:06:48 PM

Ohio

Ive used styrofoam for about 6 years, I never ever had a problem (knock on wood). , I'm not sure what kind of insulation board you using George, but all my bottoms have always been flat and perfect, none have ever buckled? or even concaved,, the pumpkin slides easy as it grows.

I just switched back using the insulation board this year from the mill fabric, seemed like I always had a problem with it wrinkling on me once the pumpkin got to a good size, by then it was to late, I couldn't get the wrinkle out,,lol. I also never seen the need to put sand down on top of the mill fabric ether, no need for the sand because the pumpkin slides real easy as it grows on the fabric alone.

As for sand ,I have had problems, I have had concaved bottoms from where the bottom grows around the mound of sand , if your sand isnt perfectly flat and spread out on a hard surface you might run into a problem like I have.

8/25/2009 7:55:39 PM

Roselle, IL [email protected]

I had some problems with the pink 1/4" or 1/2" Styrofoam. The bottoms were concave or buckled up and split/rotted. Sand helped. I switched to sand a belt fabric a few years ago. As it grows,I pack the sides of the pumpkin with sand to help support it and keep it dry.

8/25/2009 9:16:57 PM

[email protected]

Never used foam sheets after the first year. Slugs, mice, broken sheets, etc.

Builder sand first as it holds a shape.
Play or beach sand next (rounder shaped - rolls).
Mill fabric - mice can't chew through it.
Another thin layer of round sand - ball bearing.

8/25/2009 9:45:30 PM

try the 1/2 inch foil backed on both sides styrofoam panels commonly found in building supply stores in 4x8 sheets. no holes. water runs right off. keep it clean. has worked well for me.

8/26/2009 9:13:29 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Thanks. I know, if I were to sleep on the ground outside this time of year, I'd want to be on styrofoam rather than on the bare ground. That's what got me thinking on this...

8/26/2009 10:35:54 AM

Minnesota([email protected])

That sounds like a good idea Cliff. I'm guessing it would keep the bottom of the pumpkin warmer.

8/26/2009 2:14:52 PM