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Belmont, WV

Hello,
I have been growing giants for two years now and have a few questions I would love answered to get over the 1000 pound mark- Finished 2nd in WV 2 years ago and had what I estimated to be an 800 pounder until problems last year.
1st- I have never had much luck putting pallets under pumpkins and was wondering what else might work and what is best and cheap?

3/23/2009 1:59:15 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

For transport? Pallet. Deck it with 3/4" plywood and put foam on it (clean non slivered non stapled or nail bearing carpet underpadding works, a few layers) If it's not up to the task adding a few screws and additional crossmembers helps. Just make sure to not block the area the pallet jack tines run through (or forklift tines)

For growing? I swear by mill fabric. It keeps mice and star moles from coming up underneath to bother your pumpkin, it lets moisture through, and the pumpkin can 'slide' as it needs to grow. Some also use sand; I just work to have a nice level spot and put the fabric under the pumpkin at about basketball/10 day size, while it's still easy to lift. It's easier to remove mill fabric from under a later cull or abort than it is to stick it under a heavier pumpkin.... Mill fabric can be reused for years, so. I considered that a 'well worth the purchase price several times over' investment; to get mill fabric.

3/23/2009 2:20:48 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Are you trying to grow the pumpkin on the pallet? If so this is your 1st mistake.

Second shading the pumpkin itself can be as simple as some old white sheets. Buy some new ones for the house and steal those.

3/23/2009 6:52:49 PM

Western PA

DOC, Check this link out, there are some really suggestions there.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=292999

3/23/2009 10:30:21 PM