Re: question for NY growers
Deborah Kirkum-Bartholf <deb01@localnet.com>
writes:
>I'm posting a question for my father again. When are those that are
>NY growers starting your seeds? Thanks in advance for your input and
advice.
Contact your local cooperative extension or gardening help line. They can
tell you the "last expected frost date" for your area.
For me, up near Rochester, NY, that date is April 30-May 10th. Thus, I try
to germinate the last week in April, planting in peat pots. I germinate in
a damp (NOT WET) paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm spot.
I would then advise to get them in the garden as soon as possible, using a
mini-greenhouse made from plastic and/or old windows (but keep it vented
when the sun is out or you'll cook the plants) for warmth and late frost
protection. If you keep them in pots too long, they will get root bound and
the vine will be slow to grow in early life, and you'll never make up this
lost root-growth time (=smaller fruit).
-Rick I.
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