Q.Pumpkins – Maintaining Shape
Once the vines start producing pumpkins, what is best to place under the pumpkin to prevent rot from moisture on the ground? As they get larger and I would like to maintain a round pumpkin, should I rotate them on the ground or try to sit them up? I don’t want pumpkins with flat sides. I am currently just starting seedlings, but the area the vines will be growing on is filled with small – almond size – rocks.
Actually, the small rocks may be to your advantage as it will assist in drainage.. I see to problem is proping up the pumpkins or even trellising so that the pumpkins hang down. Back when I was only 12 I grew pumpkins and we went away for a 3 week vacation. When we cam back, the pumpkin vine had grown into a bush and continued. It had already started a decent pumpkin. We supported the vine but not the pumpkin. It weighed 22 pound at harvest. Best chilhood memory that got me started gardening!
The vines get very thick and can tolerate being moved as the pumpkin first forms.
Another idea would be to place lattice or smoe type fencing beneath but you can't predict the direction the vines will go. I am also assuming that you are hoping for just a few pumpkins.
