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Madera, CA

My three seeds sprouted today. They are in jiffy pots and inside the house. My idea is to move them 5 gallon buckets and put a grow light on them. I am planning on filling the buckets with soil from the garden, potting soil, and seed starting mix with a little Mykos added. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

3/29/2011 9:26:55 PM

Bear Creek, NC

A bucket will keep them from getting root bound as soon, however, it will be harder to transplant without damaging roots. Try a gallon size pot or if you have to use a bucket, wait until the soil dries out and it will come out of the bucket easier without damaging roots.

3/29/2011 10:54:31 PM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

suggest take out of jiffy pots before roots grow to the sides (now!) and replant

suggestion for using a bucket:
put lid on bucket, cut bottom out, put cut-out in bucket, put in soil (about 75%-80% full), put in sprout/plant, in about 7-10 days, take off lid (hold cut-out in place) put in garden, slide out cut-out, slide bucket up, spray exposed roots w/ a good tea, dust w/ mycho, place garden soil all around

3/29/2011 11:22:07 PM

Muddy Waters

Ive never planted in any thing that big.would be hard to handle,Less you place bucket in hole,& cut up pail with a dremel tool as to not trash the young fragile plant.I would plant outside ASAP.Are you growing for GPC?? its a month early for that your Kin will be ready on labor day.I think the root bound fear is over rated,one of my best years ever,were root bound plants,ugly yellowed,I mean root bound bad,planted on June 7th grew a 739 kin & 181 melon in 1998.Melon was 2nd place Pt.Elgin.Kin was in top ten.Thanks Bill Edwards for your back ups that year.

3/30/2011 6:36:48 AM

Muddy Waters

I would put in 1-2 gallon pails & get outside ASAP.if cold cover with a house of sorts.If two wet 2 gal, should do.Good Luck!Whatever you do, cut container off I wouldnt dump plant out to risky they break easy.

3/30/2011 6:42:12 AM

Muddy Waters

Corn husk may have a good idea,I cant wrap my mind around it though,Im lost as usual. I would put lid on bucket,turn upside down,fill with dirt,plant kin in pail,when transplanting,Carefully remove lid from bottom,plant should slide out with soil,while placed in hole.Plan B cut bucket up with Dremel!lol They maybe what corn husk is saying???Plan A??

3/30/2011 6:56:18 AM

Madera, CA

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll get something a little smaller today (1-2 gal. and build something to put over the plants in the garden. These plants are for our local fair in early September. Thanks again.

3/30/2011 7:28:55 AM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

If I took lid off upside down pail, dirt falls out....bad.
If I took lid off but the cut-out was under dirt, I slide my hand under cut-out to hold dirt in pail when setting in garden. Then the cut-out slides easily out from under pail and dirt is not disturbed....good.
:)

3/30/2011 11:50:24 AM

Muddy Waters

I see said the blind man,Makes sense now,Thanks Cornhusk

3/30/2011 7:30:46 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

I start in one gallon containers w/lids...turn em upside down and cut off the bottom...which is now the top!!! When transplanting, just take off the lid & slide out the lid...everything, roots..starting mix & plant slides out!!! Putting the cut off (previous) bottom makes sense!!! Makes an easier slide!!! Thanks C.Husk!!!
PS...not an original idea!!! Been around for years!!!
Live, and learn...almost sounds like a Pap thing!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

3/31/2011 1:11:13 AM

Muddy Waters

If weather is permitting I will plant directly in ground & by pass the 1 gallon Pot I start in small peat pots,I may try a six inch this will buy me a couple more days!I will make sure plant spends a couple half days on the deck first.I dont like the transplanting to pots,Its like watching my kids learn how to ride a bike,lol

3/31/2011 6:45:44 AM