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New Brunswick

My plants are 3 weeks from seed starting, a foot long and crawling. They are very healthy and in still their ice cream containers. Temps are 52 F today. At this point are they better off planted outside in the ground, in a mini greenhouse (even if it is still cool at night) or are they better off inside? Should I fill a large pail with soil and stick their pots in that (with the tops which are now the bottoms off) and keep them inside awhile longer? Our last frost date is June 10th.

5/22/2003 4:56:36 PM

Montoursville, PA

I think beyond a shadow of a doubt you should get into the ground....as soon as possible. I was coached to hit the ground at the sight of the first true leaf. At this point in the 1/2 gal. Ice Cream boxes I had a few roots showing on the sides and the bottom. The plan as explained to me is to try not to get root bound in the pot. Get them out there quickly so they hardly know they were moved.

5/22/2003 5:11:47 PM

Desert Storm, Put them outside, surroned by plastic and cover whole cubie with blanket at night. I do mine till June 15th. Give me a call if this is not clear enough & I'll tr'y to explain better. 902-838-3354 Bill

5/22/2003 7:59:44 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Gotta side with Doc here. Get them in the patch now. I've got back-up plants in Clear gallon containers and roots are growing up the sides looking for growing room !

5/22/2003 8:31:20 PM

New Brunswick

I have huge piles of manure which hubby is supposed to harrow in in a day or so. The plastic is ready, as is the rebar and plastic pvc. So the mini greenhouses should be ready very soon. Its just 48 deg. F. out there tonight....and to think we had a heat wave up until last night! The weather is crazy! Poppy (Bill)...do have yours out already? My best plants are from your seed...I sure don't want them to freeze....I am putting a pic that I just took of the two 770 Vans in my diary tonight. Suppose I should knit 'em a sweater???? LOL

5/22/2003 10:19:24 PM

syracuse, ny

maybe try this out:
plant your plants, just like you would if it were gonna be 75 at night and 83 in the day....run an extension cord to each plant---over each plant you will place a 58-quart or bigger semi-clear plastic container, like you would store blankets or kids' toys in....as a substitute for the mini-greenhouse of pvc and plastic sheet.
on the end of each extension cord you will place a light socket, and a small, 3-receptacle plug-block for connecting the other extension cord to. this is exactly like stringing-up the Christmas lights! i have used 40-watt bulbs, one per container, last year and this year, and it works well for me, keeping the light bulb away from the plant, like in the far corner of the container. also put a cement block on top of the container to alleviate noontime hot sun and to keep things in place! a timer to turn on the lights at dusk and off at dawn would be good---5, maybe 6 bucks---anyway, this works for me, and allows the plants to be IN THE GROUND while you can still be building your greenhouses otherwise, like I'VE yet to do also.....hope this helps you out-----------------------'pal

5/23/2003 1:57:24 PM

Puyallup, WA

A great suggestion! :>)

5/23/2003 3:18:44 PM

syracuse, ny

Why, Stan, I am honored!

5/23/2003 4:47:44 PM

Lincoln Ma

Hey Docpipe,
I hope you are still on the OG competition... Duff gave me 2 beautiful plants to me... and lots of great info on how to grow the pumpkins... Thanks Duff!!!!
Snappy

5/24/2003 7:54:41 PM

New Brunswick

Three greenhouses are up. Outside temp is 49 F tonite. I put three plants in each 6 X 6 greenhouse. (Two to be culled out of each later) I accidently killed one of my best plants ..... 945 Van.)<: Forgot the blasted Insectigone for the millipedes....had the plant in the soil and remembered the blasted powder...tried to move it a bit to get the dust in and snapped the stem leaving just an inch of roots on the bottom....I think it is dead, even tho I replanted and brought it back in the house. (Last year I sliced the stem of one of my plants with my jackknife...while trying to slit the side of its plastic pot....now I have know to have the pot pre-slit and taped... But with all my new found knowledge..I find I am still capable of screwing up! Sure hope my plants are ok with the cool weather. I did not cover with blankets as it is threatening rain.

5/25/2003 10:38:30 PM

Deer Park WA

You can hold em only untill the second.............................

5/26/2003 2:42:50 AM

Deer Park WA

The second they need more room.......

5/26/2003 2:43:24 AM