Re: Cramer 550/Meisner 299

Hi Teri,

First, a quick update:
  Meisner 299:  at 12 hours the seed casing was split, then nothing.  
The seed is now gummy.  I will keep it around but try to start another 
one.
  Cramer 550:  at 36 hours, 1/4-inch root; at 48 hours, 3/4-inch root.  
It's in the pot now.  The seed has looked solid all the way.

Teri, I am a mere babe in the pumpkin woods.  My knowledge comes 
primarily from two sources:  1. Don Langevin's book - look here:

        http://www.athenet.net/~dang/books/htg_wcgp.html

and 2.  the pumpkin list.  I have gleaned what I can from the postings 
and the archives.    I will try to elaborate to answer your questions, 
but I hope those with more experience will elaborate as necessary...

>have I got it right:
>	1. file them with an emory board until ... what happens?
I believe you file or sand just the edges of the seed very lightly - 
just until there is a color change (unless you have a Meisner 299, in 
which case you need a jackhammer).  This allows the seed to open more 
easily when the time is right.

>	2. put each in warm water ( does blowing with a straw get >the temp up 
to 86 degrees??????)
Some people soak seeds before they do the official germination step.  
Many don't.    Blowing with a straw was as much a way to involve my 
children as anything.  "Bubbling" has been discussed on the list - I 
believe those who are most serious about it use a mechanical device such 
as a fish tank aerator and bubble the seeds for a couple (few??) hours.

>	3. leave them overnite in water then the next day 
>	    put them wet into the paper towel into a zip lock 
Here's where the temperature control really comes into play.  I think 80 
to 85 is probably best.  Many of us use an insulated cooler with a heat 
source enclosed.  I believe the Hollands put in bottles of warm water, 
but these need to be replaced periodically.  I believe some people use a 
small, low-wattage light bulb.  This year I am using an electric heating 
pad set on low.  Of course you need some sort of pan or dish so that 
moisture doesn't get to the heating pad.  Also, in my case, I needed to 
add a small board (or something) to raise it a little bit from the 
heating pad, otherwise it overheats.        Last year, I germinated in 
an overhead desk cabinet in my office that has a flourescent light 
attached to the underside.  That actually gave me more control than I'm 
having so far with the cooler.

>	4 and then what leave them in the bag in the house 
Then into baggies with damp paper towels until they get roots going.  
Darkness is okay until later.
>
>	5.  then put in potting soil  
With roots aimed down, into pots with "seed starter" mix.  It is lighter 
than regular potting soil.  When they break ground, they need light.  I 
will be putting mine close (3-4 inches) from a gro-light bulb  
(gro-lights are another subject which arouse strong opinions.  GBPumpkin 
awhile back had the most coherent explanation I had seen, so I decided 
to get the gro-lights.)

>	6    after 10 14 days transplant????
Uh, I think 7 - 10 max.  Last year we left them in pots way too long.  
If your outdoor conditions are good, get them outside, I think, as soon 
as they get the first set of true leaves.    I am aiming to plant out 7 
days after they start if all goes well.

All you veterans, please speak up if you can refine my explanations!!!

Teri, did you get some good seed offers yet?  If not, let me know.

Beth










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