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  • #1

    Pumpkins

    I'm planing ahead, so sorry for asking for advise on pumpkin growing now. If you think my plan is half decent then I've got some fencing to do.
    I want to grow pumpkins in the top of my 3 dalek compost bin. One plant per bin. The thing I'm not sure about is how to support the fruit once they start forming. I was thinking something resembling a hammock. But what should I use? Was thinking net ( something like pea, bean net), but not sure if that would cut into the fruit. Then I was thinking fleece, but not sure if that would block out to much light for ripening ?
    What do you think?
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  • #2
    Old bras - the bigger the better...

    It might be worth seeing how you can cushion the top of the dalek too, the rims are quite sharp and the weight of the vines might mean the rims cut in if there is no protection.

    Will the stuff in the bins be likely to shrink more in the growing season? This doesn't matter in open bins, but shrinking into the bins could be a bit problematic for the vines.

    It's an interesting idea, have been wondering about doing the same myself next year, with squashes that have smaller fruits.
    http://mudandgluts.com - growing fruit and veg in suburbia

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    • #3
      Surely they'd just trail down and then form on the ground?

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      • #4
        A word of warning - I tried this a few years back and you have never seen such happy slugs! The plants were a good size when planted - 3 or 4 leaves if I recall - but didn't last much more than a couple of days.
        But maybe your daleks have fewer slugs than mine
        Le Sarramea https://jgsgardening.blogspot.com/

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        • #5
          I grow small acorn bush types in a stack of 3 old tyres - I use the foot end of tights (bought at the pound shop) folded over a bit and then pinned to the tyre to help prop up the fruit.
          I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison

          Outreach co-ordinator for the Gnome, Pixie and Fairy groups within the Nutters Club.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by Small pumpkin View Post
            I want to grow pumpkins in the top of my 3 dalek compost bin. One plant per bin.
            Having tried it, I can say categorically that it won't work, because the compost will continue rotting, and sinking, as the plant grows. So you'll find your pumpkin plant disappearing inside the dalek.

            More chance of success if you take the dalek off, and plant into the heap that remains. I grew cukes successfully like that this summer, but the pumpkins not so good: the heaps dry out too much
            All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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            • #7
              Good to know - I thought the dalek contents might keep shrinking. Don't think I'll bother in that case.
              http://mudandgluts.com - growing fruit and veg in suburbia

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