They will grow without light. I remember that from the kids science
projects. But, you need to introduce them to light after having them in
the
dark so long. It should be a gradual process. Ours never made it when
we
removed them from the dark and put them in the garden right away.
We put them in the floor for a while, then moved them to the top of the
washer (by a window) then moved them to the shade outside, then would
inch
them to sun, after almost two weeks we planted them, and they all did
well.
None made it that were taken directly outside from being in the dark.
This again is only from our own experiments. I have no clue what experts
say.
----- Original Message -----
From: <yorunk@comcast.net>
To: <pumpkins@hort.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 5:44 AM
Subject: Re: Need some help
> Dave, what about light for the seeds? How big do you let the plants
> grow
> before transplanting to the garden?
>
> Debbie
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: "dave perkins" <dperk15@comcast.net>
>> Hey Debbie,
>> I also live in the Chicago area. In order to start seeds indoors,
>> get
>> a
>> cooler (like a colemans cooler). Use an empty gallon milk jug or large
>> gatorade bottle (i use that). After lightly filing the seeds and
>> soaking
>> for
>> a few hours in water, put them in cups with seeds starting soil. Do
>> not
>> use
>> soil from your yard. The soil should be lightly moist. Fill the jug
>> with
>> hot
>> water and put everythig in the cooler. Refill with hot water in the
>> morning
>> and evening. I have had all 5 seeds come up this year within 2-4 days.
>> I
>> am
>> pretty new to this also but this works.
>>
>>
>> Dave
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <yorunk@comcast.net>
>> To: <pumpkins@hort.net>
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 5:48 AM
>> Subject: 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
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists
>> >> on
>> >> family
>> >> favorites at AOL Food.
>> >> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)
>> >>
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