From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Indiana

this is my first year attempting growing a big pumpkin, i have noticed in different pictures and videos that some people have boards layed down in thier patch. what is the reasoning for this and is it necessary?

4/25/2013 8:59:49 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

They are to minimize soil compaction as you move around the patch, helping roots to grow and overall soil biology. And no they are not necessary but we do all we can to give our plants the edge. With that said, if you find that moving the boards around and staying on them is cumbersome and prevents you from weeding feeding pruning etc in any way then the boards are creating negative value and should not be used. I myself use boards till mid season then after that just for moving about the main pathways around the plants.

4/25/2013 9:08:43 AM

Deerfield, Michigan

Boards a a pain in the a$$. I just lose weight in the summer so I don't compact the soil as much. lol

5/1/2013 3:31:53 AM