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Merrill, Wisconsin

This is my first year trying to grow pumpkins inside with the heat mat and 4' flourescent lights. I experimented last week and the seeds grew tall and skinny where they would snap easily in the wind. What do I need to change to have the plants grow normally, meaning shorter and thicker stems? FYI= I had the heat mats and lights on 24/7 for 4 days straight.

5/3/2011 12:01:50 PM

El Paso TX.

The heat is only needed to get the seed germinated after that you should turn it off - then make sure the light is placed only about 1-2" above the seedling or they will grow tall searching for the light source also using a full spectrum (sunlight) bulb in the fixture helps. and they should get a period of darkness as well instead of 24\7 lighting -- some growers also put a small fan blowing on the seedling to get them to grow a bit thicker since the wind will make them grow thicker to withstand the pressure.

5/3/2011 12:46:27 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Like JD said, keep them close to the light. I've only done one thing right so far and that is have short stocky plants. I had light on 17 hours and then the plant counts sheep for 7. Here is my set up:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=154282

5/3/2011 12:52:08 PM

Presto, Pa.

Thanks I was also getting worried about them growing so tall. I am real excited about the growth. It has to fall over sometime. It is about a pencil size not height but thickness. nice color first true leaf is about 4 inches long. thanks again. I read all posts have a great no rain weekend if there is such a thing.

5/5/2011 10:13:33 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

BP, & Ed, a sort of solution to yer problem might be to get em into the patch...when doing so, plant em deep, right up to the initial cot leafs!!! There is a down side to this...if too wet in planting area it could cause problems w/ buried part of main stem!! A cut worm barrier should prbly be installed!!! BP, the solution to your problem was addressed well by JD & Luke!!! Unkl Ed, the last thing you want them to do is "fall over sometime" ...you want to ease them down to the ground, falling over can, and does cause main stem splits/cracks, esp if it happens early in am/colder weather, is tough on new sprouts !!! Grow em BIG!!! Peace, Wayne

5/7/2011 3:06:51 AM

Presto, Pa.

Thanks Wayne.
My plants r two weeks today. I put my plants in a hanging planter. but it ain't hanging. It give more room then a gal jug. And I got two in a pot, or pan I got at walmart 98cents.
Good knife will go thru them when time comes to spring them bad boys. I put a little more dirt around them. And I did put a ring around for Mr. Worm. All I need is two days with out rain. Today it poured I mean poured. Well I'll see what happens to few days. Thanks again

5/7/2011 9:21:39 PM

East Jordan, MI

Uncle Ed,
Be very careful cutting pot with plants in them, the roots will most likely be wrapped around the outside of the dirt against the pot. I cut quite a few roots on a test plant last year. After that, I cut the pot and tape it back up before I plant into it so all I have to do is set it in the hole, remove the tape and slip it off, undisturbed.

5/7/2011 10:51:38 PM

Presto, Pa.

Ok I will be carefull. They r going in the ground wed.

5/10/2011 8:32:52 AM