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Location

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Date Posted

Minnesota(dw447@fastmail.fm)

....before planting out in the patch?
Should it be at least an inch in diameter?

Doug

5/7/2005 12:06:17 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

I planted my best seeds in gallon containers this year to get some extra time before transplanting to patch. By the time the cot leaves have formed the roots were bottoming out of 3-4" peat pots. Just a thought, good luck!
Duff

5/7/2005 7:00:54 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I don't think the size of the first leaf matters at all. Smaller is better really. It's root binding balanced with frost protection that drives people crazy. Wait too long to plant & the roots suffer. Plant too early & frost could take your seedling out.

5/7/2005 9:03:38 PM

Ri

the above plus... large enough to accurately determine the direction of the main vine. Pete

5/8/2005 8:03:00 AM

Montoursville, PA

In four inch pots the situation is real important in timing. There is little forgiveness. In the ground in four days or likely experience some root stress.

Soak four hours and pot in 80 degree germ box. Some will emerge in two and a half to three days and show you the true leaf in another day or two. The roots will bottom out in three or four days, in four inch pots.

A gallon ice cream box straight sided type will give you the five or six days you may appreciate having before the roots are begining, to root bind.

Smaller pots are often the reason for root stress while larger than gallon ice cream boxes are more difficult to handle when planting.

I know some guys use buckets but this 'ole goat can not handle the weight and bulk when trying, to depot, a plant, in something that large.

5/9/2005 5:08:20 PM