A New Pumpkin Patch Fence
My pumpkin patch has a new fence.
Pumpkins grow on vines, which means they take up a lot of space. I always plant my pumpkin patch in a roomy bed that can accommodate a large crop of big, colorful fruits. A couple years ago, I decided to plant them in one of the lower hayfields, in a corner that had long been used for storing smaller piles of composted manure and leaf mold for the gardens. Our last crop was terrific - we had lots and lots of great pumpkins and gourds. This year, it was time to build a more permanent fence around the space to keep out any deer and other curious creatures. Pete Sherpa and Fernando Ferrari from my outdoor grounds crew went to work, and after a week, our fence was complete.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- A stack of 5 x 5 posts are delivered to the pumpkin patch site. These posts will secure the new fence planned for the garden.
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- The patch is across from my long grove of weeping willows. The patch is also next to the carriage road, where it can be accessed easily for watering and harvesting.
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- All fence projects start with string. Pete ties brightly colored mason string from one end to the other indicating where the fence will be placed. Everything is measured several times to be sure all the fencing will be straight.
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- These stakes are placed every 12-feet. They mark where the posts will be positioned. The entire fence will be 84 feet long by 36 feet wide with one double gate.
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- Fernando carries one post to every stake.
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- Each pine post is eight feet long. It will be buried three feet leaving a five foot fence all the way around the space.
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- Next, post holes are dug deep into the ground – and all dug by hand.
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- Here’s Pete positioning a post in its hole, so it is secure. He makes adjustments wherever necessary – the soil is filled with rocks, which makes the digging and positioning more challenging.
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- Fernando checks the level of every post that is in the ground to be absolutely certain they are all properly positioned.
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- Here’s a finished post – in the ground and secure. This is not going anywhere.
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- Mason string is secured atop all the posts to ensure everything is positioned in a straight line.
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- Pete uses a Speed square ruler to mark where this post support needs to be cut.
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- Next, Pete cuts the post using one of our trusted STIHL chainsaws. STIHL’s most well-known tool is the chainsaw. STIHL designed and built its first electric chain saw in 1926 and 94 years later, it is still one of its best pieces of equipment. The chainsaw has soft grips for comfortability and secure maneuverability. And this one is run on an AP 300 S Lithium-Ion Battery, which is powerful and compatible with a wide range of tools, including extended-reach hedge trimmers, pole pruners, chainsaws, and blowers.
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- This triangular bracing configuration is formed by one corner vertical post and two bracing pieces.
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- This roll of fencing fabric is from a company called Red Brand Fence Co. in Peoria, Illinois – the only company in the world that makes this type of fencing. Pete and Fernando unroll the fence fabric along the side of the posts and attach it from the top to the bottom.
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- It is a V-mesh weave fence fabric. It has a continuous weave pattern to provide very effective predator control. The high quality galvanized wire with durable zinc coating resists weathering as well as wear and tear – it’s perfect for this space but can also be used for horse and cattle enclosures.
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- To attach the wire to the posts, Fernando hammers fence staples into the wood. These staples are made of galvanized steel which will respond well in extreme cold and hot temperatures to ensure long-lasting and maintenance-free corrosion protection.
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- Pete and Fernando devise a system to help pull the wire taut. Here, they use a post hole digging bar on the end of the wire fencing secured by a heavy duty tension strap and rope to pull the wire. The ladder provides leverage and holds the ties in place.
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- Using the claw end of a hammer, Pete bends the wire in various sections to make the fence more taut and more straight.
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- Pete stops often to assess where else he has to tighten the wire.
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- Once the fence is secured, Fernando uses a hoe to level the soil on both sides of the fence, covering the bottom of the wire to keep any burrowing creatures away.
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- The actual pumpkin patch will be tilled and prepared for planting, but the fence is now complete and it looks terrific.
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- The posts and fence are all level and taut. Pete walks around and takes one last look.
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- Here’s another view of the completed fence – it’s important that it be level all the way around.
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- And here are Pete and Fernando in front of the pumpkin patch gate – repurposed from an older fence around the vegetable garden. Great job, guys. Now it’s time to get out that rototiller!
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