I've tried pumpkins on raised beds with plastic mulch. I don't do it anymore. Pumpkins don't need to be completely weed free. Yes it nice to irragate under plastic in the years we have drought, whenever those years appear.

The plastic mulch application is tricky unless you have the bed shaper with the mulch applicator. Still have to spray between the beds, but not "on" the beds. Plastic is difficult to pick up, burn or dispose of. You need alot of help to get rid of the stuff. Biodegradable plastic, dosen't biodegrade in a year, it takes several years to go "somewhat" away. It's a mess if you don't pick it up.

I've tried no-till pumpkins in cover crop dead vegetation. Don't do that anymore either.

Less is more.

I can still make a good pumpkin crop by spraying for weeds (pre) and watching out for bugs.

Larry

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