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Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

I have a small (15x30') garden and have room for just one plant running lengthwise. I've planted the following in a greenhouse at one end of the garden:
1236 Eaton, 1020 Kuhn, 785 Mombert, 880.2 Greer, 953 Langevin, 1173 Mombert, 722 Emmons, 955 Larue, 1097 Ciliberto, 1172 Greer, 879 Greer. Obviously I have some cuts to make before the vines run, since I am cramped for space. Some plants have bigger leaves but a thin stem below the seed leaves and are flopping over. Others have smaller leaves but thicker stems and stand up straight. Any thoughts on which is a better indicator of the strength of the plant? Strictly survival of the fittest in my small garden. No room to let 'em grow and cull later...Any advice appreciated...
Frank
Hudsonville, MI

5/29/2003 9:57:52 PM

canal winchester ohio

I would choose the one(s) with the thicker stem.....Paul

5/29/2003 10:02:54 PM

Ann Arbor, Mi

Another grower from Michigan, not many of us.
Culling from 11 to 1, I thought planting 4 per space was getting close to over doing it....good luck chosing, Bob

5/29/2003 10:15:12 PM

Kansas

I like the thick stemed plants myself.

Shawn

5/29/2003 11:13:24 PM

What a waste of seed; 11 to one, The rest won't say it but looking at that seed, you wasted several years growing for a lot of us, how can anyone ask these people for seed again when it only get's 11 to 1 chance. All the best with the one you choose in 2003.

5/30/2003 12:16:30 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

My thoughts exactly. Wish I had that 953 Langevin to replace mine that didn't germinate. Someone needs to do their homework more, and make choices before they just throw seeds in the ground to waste. Its things like this that make it hard for us to get the seed we would like to plant next year. Shannon

5/30/2003 12:52:19 AM

Usa

I would love any and all of those seeds.
Are you sure you can't find a place to plant more.
I wouldn't want to waste all those.

5/30/2003 1:36:29 AM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Growers choice - some like to protect their chances.

He put forth the effort to acquire them & at least they were germinated & put in the ground. This is better than the seed that sits in the freezer never to be planted - ever.

I'd cull down to 4 or 5 (quickly) and see if you can't provide maximum spacing between plants. Once it warms up there they will take off quickly and you'll have to make more decisions.

5/30/2003 1:46:14 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

I agree with CEIS, it's a growers prerogative and at least he's trying.
Unless you have had 100% success in your germinations over the years, then you too have "wasted" seed.
There always has been plenty of seed available and there always will be. Noone going to want any 2003 crosses?

5/30/2003 5:48:43 AM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

i dont have the balls to cull a plant...if i dont have room i just dont start it, its just something about killing a ag that dont set well with me..i much rather shoot a varmint in my garden as to cull a ag.. take em down to the feed store and adopt em out...

5/30/2003 8:58:35 AM

New Brunswick

That is a wonderful idea blkcloud. I, too was planning on culling 2 out of 3...but.....just might find room to stick em in somewhere. Don't have the heart to cull any good ones. My patch just might be a bit over crowded... Uh oh....I am getting attached.(: I have a feeling none will die. I have friends that just might inherit *grin*

5/30/2003 11:40:48 AM

ontario

The 1236 Eaton or 1020 Kuhn.....boy what a waste of good seeds...double planting to increase ones odds is usually done with a seed that has potentional.....but 11 for one spot WOW....its your right to choose that many, but I do believe a waste of seeds otherwise....hey poopy we agree :0)

5/30/2003 2:50:06 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

Wayne - I'm laughing at the close of your post.
I know that it is a typo but still funny none the less.
He he.


My patch is about the same size and I double planted in my area. I would be up a real creek w/o a paddle if both plants ran into trouble. (knocking on wood) I am unnecessiarly frugal when it comes to seed AND I have a difficult time culling plants.

5/30/2003 3:40:44 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Thanks for the advice, all. Actually, I should have mentioned that I'll let two plants go (if they are well spaced) long enough to use one to pollinate the other. For this weekend though, I'll take your advice, CEIS, and cull to four. And yes, Poppy, I admit I burned too many good seeds this year. I used a heated bottom tray and more than doubled my germination rate from previous years, so I ended up with more choices than I bargained for. Live and learn, I guess. But I didn't completely throw caution to the wind - I didn't mention the seed stock I held back for next year...
Frank

5/30/2003 4:47:37 PM

syracuse, ny

all that last response needed was an evil laugh to go along with it...he just might have an arsenal of 845s for next year...watch out! evillol lol

5/30/2003 6:33:54 PM