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Location

Message

Date Posted

Santa Cruz, CA

For the last few years, we've been starting our seeds in late April and putting them in the ground May 1st no matter what. It seems like some growers start the seeds in late April but keep them in pots for a few weeks. What is the logic behind that? I always thought it was in the ground as soon as the pumpkin seed was sprouted and you could tell which way the main vine was going to go.

4/13/2007 8:05:07 PM

San Jose [email protected]

you are correct, you don't want it to get root bound

4/13/2007 8:54:39 PM

Deer Park WA

We plan our germinations around the last frost date for our micro-climate: Usually around May 14th.... That means we have 3 to 4 day old seedlings ready to transplant into the hoop houses by May 14th. Dont forget to harden them off as soon as the Cots are open!

~Gadberry

4/14/2007 2:29:36 AM

Ohio

Your right Gads, I learned my lesson last year, I lost a few Tanner seeds from not hardning them off, but my other seeds set out same day didn't have a problem, some seedling are different then others so be-careful and harden them off the right way. ( Gordon said he was going to send me a 1370 Rose instead this year to try, because of the mishap...)

4/14/2007 5:00:00 AM

Delaware, Ohio

What is "hardening them off"?

4/14/2007 9:03:22 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

"hardening them off" is simply putting them outside during the day for a couple of days before planting and getting them ready to be planted. Taking them directly from your seed germination area that is nice and warm and planting them outside can shock them and cause damage.

4/14/2007 1:13:35 PM