Planting cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchini seeds today
11.6 years ago Uncategorized
When it comes to pumpkins, cucumbers, and zucchini, I plant these and much the same way. This might make sense since they are all in the cucurbits, Latin for the squash portion of the family. All three of these are pretty rapid grower so no need for small cells and transplants here. Actually all three really do not appreciate being transplanted so go with the largest container you actually fit in your seed starting area.
Given these sprout, early, grow quickly, and are large in size this is a perfect plant to start with the little ones.
With worries of putting all my eggs into a large basket I typically create three holes and place in three seeds thinning out the two weakest seedlings. if I am feeling a bit soft or change my mind on how many plants I want this year I have been known to carefully “save” a seedling and transplant instead of ending its life here
Here are the seeds in their happy home in the grow box with some of their older seedling friends.
11.6 years ago
Your post reminded me that perhaps it’s time I got up off the couch and planted some seed of my own! Trouble is the weather here in southwest Mo (see taneyservices.com)has been less than perfect what with temperatures that have dropped near freezing lately! That said, I do hope to get motivated and appreciate The Cheap Vegetable Gardner for advice!
11.6 years ago
I am a terrible seed starter! I got all the equipment this year (shelf, lights, pots, seeds, etc), but threw all the seedlings away a few days ago. They were so runty I gave up on them.
A lady sells her tomatoes from her truck near me, and her tomatoes are about 2′ high, while mine weren’t even 2″!
The local high school FFA have a sale each year, so I’ll depend on their cucs!
I direct seed my pumpkins and melon, and this year am trying something new. Just pushing the seeds into a compost bag set in the back of the garden.
11.6 years ago
Started my seed again this year. Tomatoes, peppers, and cukes. All have done well and with the soil temp above 60 all are in the garden. I did this in an utility room with DIY bottom heat and PVC pipe for light supports. I plant to build a small room in one end of a porch for this maybe next year.
11.6 years ago
One thing you should definitely try is starting these type of seeds in biodegradable pots. Squashes and melons do not like to have their roots disturbed. Using peat pots to start these seeds allows you to plant them out with minimal root damage (i.e. plant the pot). I have had a few experiences where the plants didn’t come out of the plastic pots very easily and they sulked for weeks.