From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Rome Ga

How long from the time you get the seeds up before you need to move them outside

3/25/2011 9:57:23 PM

Muddy Waters

I do as soon as weather permits,I would rather have then get real sunlight then fake.Then back in at nite.

3/25/2011 10:06:52 PM

formerly RGG

I have read some of the northern growers state they raise their plants to a pretty good size indoors before setting them out.This is because of the shorter season up there and the long season required by Carolina Cross.I usually start mine in my incubator and then set them into pots. The pots go outdoors when weather permits and then into the ground when it is warm enough.Some of them will be in pots for several weeks and the later seedlings may go directly or almost directly into my patch.There are a few growers who plant ungerminated seeds into their patch.I guess you just have to find what works for you.

3/26/2011 9:27:11 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Sorta guessin that some northern growers also use hoop houses, or mini green houses, w/heat of some sort to get an earlier start!!!! The question is a bit vague tho...beeman, do you mean just outside to get direct sunlight, but still in the pots, or outside...planted in the ground? If planted, I would think soil temp 70 degrees, or so, is when!! Peace, Wayne

3/26/2011 11:42:14 PM

Muddy Waters

In the North we need to get plants in the ground & going by !1st week of May.Using hoop houses cables what ever it takes.If we have a cold start in May which can last the entire month,were in trouble.You cant get May back once its gone.I love my greenhouse.I can make it 80 & 90 for 2 plants regardless of weather & even keep rain off if a wet spring.Either way I will have 2 plants in the race.I have never gone to this extreme on kins or Melons Let the growing begin!!!Acclimate your plants to outside conditions if they spend there entire first 2-3 weeks indoors they wont be as strong.

3/27/2011 7:36:32 AM

Rome Ga

Hey Wayne I am asking about getting them in the ground. How long can you keep them in the pot on average and still transplant without damage to the plant. TD I am one of those who has always plantd the seeds outside about the last week of April but wanting to start them inside this time to make sure i get good germination. just wandering when to put the seeds in the cups. I will also be using a incubator for the seeds. I just didnt want to start them to early

3/27/2011 9:24:20 AM

formerly RGG

James White usually grows his to good size before setting them out.He uses a couple of tiles held together with wire or string I think.He sets the whole thing into a planting hole and then removes the binding, pulls the tiles off and then fills in with soil.He says this works very well for him.We haven't heard much from James lately.He is the man responsible for the founding of this watermelon growing forum and his 225 White set the Minnesota state record.

3/27/2011 9:55:31 AM

Rochester, Minnesota

You haven't heard much from me because my house is in total re-do mode. I had to ask my wife nicely to remove all the boxes that contained half of her kitchen from my grow area.

I should not that I have a solarium on the side of my house. Makes my place look a little like a Wendy's restaurant. So I am able to keep my plants going nicely with good sun for quite a while.

On the positive note, I just had my 149.5 White germinate 4 out 5 and 291 Kent germinate 2 out of 2. I also had the 35 Kent germinate 2 out 3. But's that just first germination. I will check it again tonight. I really like my newly constructed germination box keeping the temp at 90 degrees.

3/28/2011 10:11:24 AM

formerly RGG

Good deal James.I am glad you are doing well with your early growing season in spite of everything else you have going on.Also,I was worried about the 35 Kent germination and you have given me some reassurance.

3/28/2011 10:28:13 AM

Muddy Waters

Kirk & Marvin are saying there getting better germ. at high 90s

3/28/2011 12:26:08 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

I am a believer now. I use germination boxes and heat mats to achieve optimal temps. I am doing this for my peppers also. At colder temps its a race between germination and rot.

3/28/2011 1:29:26 PM

sevierville, Tn

Good to hear James, I was hoping those 35 lbs would grow. I hope they are like acorns ;)

3/28/2011 2:30:12 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Big, Giant, Fat, Long, Wide Acorns:)!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

3/28/2011 6:11:17 PM

Bowdon, GA

David, I like to get them from the pot to the ground soon as possible for our area. I don't think they need as much hardening off here if you can hold off planting. I think our temps are warm enough that a plant planted mid to late april will catch one that has been siting in a pot in no time. Plus you have a younger plant. Luckily we don't have to worry about running out of time in the fall. I ussually wait no more than a week after the seed comes up. They grow roots fast.

3/28/2011 7:37:11 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

beeman, sorry for getting off topic...I guess the time frame depends a bit (maybe a lot) on the size of the pot you sprout em in. A one gallon pot, with AG's, and the roots are at the edge in about a week! Prbly a tad longer w/ melons...but prbly not a lot!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...will be re-trying to start peppers again tomorrow, this time in the germination box!!!

3/30/2011 11:25:34 PM

Rome Ga

thanks guys for the info

4/16/2011 9:30:15 PM