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Canada

Ok need some suggestions.

Its now March 21st and its still COLD. Here in Ontario
I usually dont get the Garden planted till the May 24 Long
weekend and some years its proven to still be a tad early
this year id LIKE to plant my pumpkings outdoors the second week of May ( garden will be covered) in an framed / double plastic green house to keep the plants warm at night and dureing the day ( when warm) the top will be opened a tad so it doesnt roast the plants. I just want to do this so i dont loose any plants by startingt to early.

Ok should i start the seeds in doors in medium size pots
then transplant them outdoors second week in may?

or just germinate the seeds in doors ( 3-4 days in advance in warm wet papertowls) then plant them outside a week later?

or just toss the seeds into hills in the garden and keep them damp and warm and covered and let them grow that way?

this is my FIRST year attempting this thats why i ask
thanks

later Dave

3/21/2004 8:35:09 PM

So. Maine

Dave , way up north here we start em inside under controlled heated conditions to start the seeds.Keep them under lights (about 2 to 4 inches from the bulbs)at night when sunlight is not available.
If you use a pot to start them in make sure it has a removable bottom so the seedling can be slid out on transplant day. Time your planting so you can set some seedlings out at two days old and some at 2 weeks old.
Good Luck on your first year ! ...Al

3/21/2004 9:18:32 PM

San Diego

Dave, many growers start inside, some directly outside. For colder areas, inside is great because you control your temperature and can closely monitor your seeds. I'm in san diego, and I still start mine inside. Here's my method which has worked well for me. I start my seeds using the advanced seed method in between wet paper towels in a zip lock baggy after taking off the seed shells. Put baggy ontop of my vcr, it's warm to the touch. Within 24 hours, you should transplant the seeds which should have small root growth into pots. I use 1 gallon clear water jugs. I pre-cut them, tape them back together, for easy transplant later. I fill mine with potting soil. any seed starting soil is fine.I put my jugs on a heating pad on low so the pad heats them from the bootom up. Keep the soil temp around 80-85 degrees, no higher than 90. The seedling should come up in 3 to 5 days. The clear plastic jugs allow me to see the roots so I know when to transplant. I suggest transplanting them within 2 to 5 days after coming up. My seedlings become root bound so fast it's crazy even in this large of a jug. This is my method, seems to work great and is pretty simple. Best wishes, Jim

3/21/2004 9:25:32 PM