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western Kentucky

As I look around the site I see that everyone already has thier seedlings in the ground I still have Mine in the pot. Am I getting a late start. We have pretty long growing seasons down here so if I am runn ing a little behind will it hurt? I hope to get it in the garden today.

Justin

5/26/2001 12:03:55 PM

Long Island,New York

Hi Bob...you have a longer season than most and these plants tend to really give it the gas when temps are warm....shouldn't be a problem getting a good fruit to grow and mature. There are two "problems" that i see....one is if your aiming for the weighoff in Georgia---its sometine in late August--you might not be done growing by then.It all depends on when the plant allows itself to be pollinated...you'll have to wait and see.
The second "problem" is that you will likely be trying to get a pollination "to take" in the hottest time of the year. As I understand it,the southern growers try to start earlier to avoid this (or maybe later?). Its not at all insurmountable however, all you need to do is keep the female flower cool for a while...actually six days is best....so the pollinations will take. This involves rigging up a system to keep a female flower cool....ice in a bag next to the flower all under a cooler,etc....a white sheet as shade if its not that hot can work...it all depends on the weather. These topics will come up as the season progresses so stay tuned....but no....your within the time frame of success !!.......Glenn

5/26/2001 12:56:03 PM

Roanoke Il

Bob there is plenty of time you need around 120 days maybe less with constant warm weather in wich you probably enjoy all summer. Like the great squash grower Glenn said you will have to cool your plant down in some manner. If you get a big one there is always weighoffs in Indiana an ohio wich may not be that far away. best of luck. mark

5/26/2001 5:28:48 PM

western Kentucky

Thanks for the advice and information I am so glad to here that I may not be too late .
Justin

5/26/2001 8:36:54 PM