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Belmont, WV

Hi everyone,
My personal best is a measured 600+ pounder and also had one measured at around 800 before it developed stem problems. I placed 2nd in WV in 2007 with a 500 pounder. That was my first real attempt at trying for a giant. Anyway here are my questions. The past 3 years I have been having two major problems and would really like to hear any opinions. It involves what to cover the pumpkin with and what to put under it. I have had better success with the pumpkin just growing on my soil. It seems like everytime I try sand or fiberglass board (or both) my pumpkins begin to slow and eventually die. So I was wondering if I need to use a different kind of sand that is courser than play sand or what? I know mill fabric is best but I don't have access to it. I also tried landscape fabric one year and was wondering if others tried it as well. Second is what to cover it with. I have always been told white sheets or create a tarp structure. I don't like the sheets because I like other's to see my pumpkins as they have became a local draw for my neighborhood. Just wondering what is the best way to tarp/ Any suggestions on either of these would be greatly appreciated. Happy growing in 2011-

4/15/2011 2:35:26 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I use sand that I get from the beach under the pumpkin and mill fabric under the sand. Ive also used plywood then the beach sand to help the pumpkin slide as it grows. I use white sheets that can reflect the light. If you want people to be able to see then you can build a simple tarp structure similar to how you build your hoop houses. Hope this gives you ideas. Good luck.

4/15/2011 5:04:12 PM

Fresno, CA

A couple of times a year someone will announce on BP that they have mill fabric for sale. I ordered a piece from Dan last year for about $34 shipped.

4/15/2011 5:06:52 PM

Cheshire,Ma

Hello. I have mill fabric that many people have used. It's $15 for a 5' x 5 1/2' piece plus shipping. I ship UPS and the shipping cost depends on how many pieces you get (weight) and where it's going. I can give ya a pretty close number on shipping. email me at [email protected] thatnks Dan by the way I have used the same pieces of mill fabric for over 10 years

4/16/2011 6:31:09 AM

Cheshire,Ma

mistake on the email should be [email protected]


Dan

4/16/2011 8:18:28 AM

Griffith, In

Instead of a sheet, you can make a tent over your pumpkin with a cheap tarp, a couple 2 x 2's, 4 short bungies, and 4 fence posts,,Here is a picture of one of mine from my 2008 diary,,,http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=90622,,,if you dont like this style, look in other diaries, alot of people do basic tents other ways also,,,good luck

4/16/2011 1:53:36 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Funny, I have all the tools for growing a fruit on top of what ever is required. However I have never used any of them. Just bare soil and I have never lost a fruit in 9 years due a soil surface contact issue.

4/17/2011 10:22:20 AM

Cameron

We use styrofoam on the bottom, with a thin layer of sand on top. Then we use a piece of mill fabric & then another layer of sand. This gives us protection from the cool wet dirt & makes a nice bed for the pumpkin that allows the water to drain away from the fruit. Good luck.

Jane & Phil

4/18/2011 9:28:39 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Phil and Jane have you ever tried sand on the bottom of the mill fabric then sand on top of it. I think I may try that this year.

4/18/2011 12:50:33 PM