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I've looked at a lot of pictures of growers plots, and when they transplant there is black plastic around the mounds. can someone tell me what reason for placing it,how far out should it go,and how long to leave it on.thanks. john and hallie

5/12/2002 11:28:21 AM

walton n.y.

i put black plastic down about a week before i plan to plant to help warm the soil and let it cover the planting mound under my cold frame if the weather is cooler than what i would like i'll cut a hole in the plastic and leave it in place for a few days but you want to watch that if you get a sunny day even with a cool wind the temp inside the cold frame can cook your young plant

5/12/2002 11:34:55 AM

and how hot would too hot be in the cold frame? my cold frames have shed roofs and saturday with both ends open the temp was pushing 95+ do you think that is too hot

5/12/2002 2:15:25 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

95 is warm even full size vine would show wilt. The problem is you want to get the soil temperature up and keep the vine comfortable. Let it cook as much as you can before you put in the plants then you have to monitor it closely. soil temperature of 50 and air temperature of 100 isn't what your shooting for...want that soil temperature up to get the roots going and the cold frame to stop the cold frost at night. You're just trying to steal a couple of weeks from mother nature.

5/13/2002 6:12:17 PM

its 43 degrees outside and pouring down rain,I don't know why I'm worried about heat.but my plants are doing fantastic,inside the house.thanks.

5/13/2002 8:05:57 PM

walton n.y.

mine are doing fine as well alexsdad is right with the cold frame and plastic we're stealing growing time over 90 air temp will start your vines wilting if this happens for 2-3 days i would pull the plastic before i cook my plants slow growth is better than a dead plant

5/14/2002 9:14:47 AM

Tacoma, WA

Your shooting for a soil temperture of 80°. An air temp. between 80-90°. That will usually provide for maximum growth if the ground is moist.

Stan
PS. I have had air temps. to 110° for a short time without damage.

5/28/2002 7:25:54 PM

I've decided that the worst thing to fight right now is the wind.The smallest of breezes sends those big leaves around like a kite.I just read on here someplace that a guy went out and found his plant broken off while it was inside the hot house,I went right out and mounded soil all up around base.

5/28/2002 7:41:17 PM