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Vermont

Please drop me a email or message about the way you transplant your baby pumpkin plant and what you do special for them.

1/18/2002 9:15:11 AM

Edmonton, Canada

I'm wondering the same thing. How big should the plant be when transplanted? I'm planning on starting them in the greenhouse in April. I'm goint to use big pots, but how big should I allow the plant to get before moving to the garden?

1/18/2002 10:12:39 AM

canal winchester ohio

I always direct seed, but if I did start inside I wouldn't allow the plant to get more than 2-3 true leaves. I used 4" peat pots once to see how fast the roots grew. When my plant only had the seed leaves emerged I took it out of the poot to examine the roots. The roots filled up the 4" peat pot & were starting to wrap around inside. And you DO NOT want this, if your plant becomes root-bound it will not do as well when transplanted.
Hope this helps.........Paul

1/18/2002 10:23:29 AM

Webster, NY

I transplant when the second true leaves are just starting to form. That, however, is not a hard and fast rule. Like Indiana Jones said, I'm playing it by ear.

1/18/2002 10:48:56 AM

Columbus Ohio

I plant my seeds inside in an incubator as to get a good germination rate. As soon as the plant starts to break the ground I look closly which way the plant will go and put them into the ground. This keeps germination rates up, but does not shock the plant and prevents the need to harden off the plant.
I hope this helps
John

1/18/2002 11:06:37 AM

Chester Co., PA

I follow the practices of Paul and John. In my opinion, it is most important not to let the main root be confined AT ALL by a pot. I germinate my seed in a damp paper towel, when the root is 2-3" it goes right into the prepared ground. Of course, having a warm climate with frost free April's is a benefit, but building a plastic cover over the planting location or using a soil heater will give you protection.

1/18/2002 12:18:41 PM

canal winchester ohio

Wes,
That is what I do, I do direct seed "after" I have got it to germinate. Say I set the seed in a paper towel at 8:00 pm Monday night, Well by 8:00 am Wednesday it's germinated & in the ground ( 36 hours)........Paul

1/18/2002 12:23:11 PM

Edmonton, Canada

Thanks for the help guys!

1/18/2002 12:48:43 PM

Liverpool , England

Yo VG,
Get them in the ground as soon as possible...don't want to break any roots off.

Alun

1/18/2002 8:00:30 PM

Vermont

Thank you guys~James

1/19/2002 3:27:43 PM