Don’t let your pumpkins and squashes rot

If you are growing pumpkins and winter squashes, then it is very wise to protect the fruits from soggy soil. When they sit on soggy soil, they tend to rot, by protecting them you can avoid this.

Assuming you are growing your squashes in raised beds or similar, then chances are the fruits will be sitting directly on the soil. To protect them you will need a sheet of weed membrane, a square of old carpet (only if you’re sure it isn’t one full of nasty chemicals though) or some straw. Simply lift the pumpkin/squash carefully and slide the membrane, carpet or straw underneath the point at which the fruit makes contact with the soil. You just need to be wary of breaking the fruit off its stalk – depending on the size of your pumpkin, it might be a two man job!