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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 12:03:07 PM

Ashby, MA

Hi, I made the same mistake this year and learned that the plants were getting "leggy". What you need to do is when the seeds just start to pop through the soil you need to take them away from the heat mat and get them into 1 gallon pots. Then place the florescent light about 1-2" way from the plant. You should do 12-18 hours with the light on and the other time with the light off. Don't over water as well. This should keep the plants from getting leggy. The reason they get leggy is that they are searching for light and growing to try and reach it. This is why you put the light source so close to the plants. Also, you don't want the plants on the heat mats anymore because you need to get them ready to be planted outside.

5/3/2011 1:27:04 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

I am sorta impressed w/ BProokie, & the responses... asked on 3 different threads, and the same results on all 3!!! Take off heat, and get lights close!!! Peace, Wayne

5/4/2011 1:01:51 AM

Bear Creek, NC

If your plants are leggy, just plant them deeper when you transplant in your patch. Plant them at an angle to help the main lay down in the direction you want them to grow and bury them up to the first true leaves(not the cots). They'll still do fine.

5/4/2011 9:44:34 AM

Linden, Mi.,

You can not do that (bury up to first true leaves)with watermelons, it will kill the plant

5/4/2011 10:45:03 AM