RE: Need some help

Hello.  I live in the Chicago area and need some guidance on a couple of things.  I figure I will plant the pumpkins in the ground around the first of June.  I want to start the seeds indoors, but am unsure how to do it.  The room downstairs where I plan on starting them is very cool - about 60 degrees.  What is the best way to keep them warm and can I start them in 8" pots?  Also, when should I start them?  This is my second year at giant pumpkins and want to have a better year than last.

I was also wondering how I can dry out my garden soil.  It is extremely wet and I can barely get the rototiller in the garden.

Thanks.

Debbie
 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Alan Eaton" <eaton1446@rogers.com>
> LiAne--too much water.
> 
> Try soaking the seeds until they swell up,in 4-6 hours or so.Temp 80-90 F or
> so should be best.
> 
> Then the seeds have all the moisture they need to start a seedling.
> 
> Place seeds on their sides about 1/2 inch deep and tamp down the covering
> soil mix gently.The soil should be just slightly damp,the seeds also need
> oxygen/air.You should not have to water until sometime after seedlings
> appear,all depends on your ambient air conditions.
> 
> You could treat soil and seed with a bit of fungicide,if you deem necessary.
> 
> They should be up in about 5-7 days with the temperatures you describe.
> 
> Al Eaton--Ontario--(retired AG grower)
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net]On Behalf
> Of LiAneBell@aol.com
> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 7:21 PM
> To: pumpkins@hort.net
> Subject: Need some help
> 
> 
> Hi,
> I am having some problems starting my pumpkins. I have a green house so they
> are protected and warm. How long should the seeds take to germinate? Last
> year
> I planted 15 seeds and got one plant. This year I haven't gotten one plant
> in
> 4 weeks.
> I plant the seeds in a peat pot with potting soil and water them once a day,
> some times twice if the pot looks and feels dry. The green house doesn't
> freeze but it will get down to 40 and up to 90 durring the day (depending on
> the
> day). The soil's pH and nutrients are in the norm for pumkins.
> What am I doing wrong?
> Thanks,
> LiAne
> 
> 
> 
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