Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've been having problems with my italian heirloom pumpkins not developing fruit - they seem to set, then grow a bit, then go yellow and rot off. I put this down to potassium deficiency, though noticed that the ones that are setting are the ones not in contact with the ground. The ones on the left are on the ground, and in the air on the right.



Anyone else found this? Just coincidence or should I get some sky hooks for them?

Wet ground can be a problem, probably fungus gets into them and they turn to mush, but dry ground is ok. I think it is best to lift them up a bit if you can. I've also found that if a vine gets too dry the pumpkins (and squash etc) will stop growing, yellow, and die off.
My one surviving in ground pumpkin was chewed on by rabbits, but seems to have healed up after I wrapped it in shade cloth, and I'm hoping it will be ok to pick in a month or so when the frosts start.

You can always use a stocking and tie it to a frame to keep the melon off the ground. The nylon expands for growth and allows air circulation