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This is my first time starting ag's, and I don't really know much about it. My seeds [718 Young (1125 Frantz x 1180 Daletas) and 860dmgUOW Bowles (630 Huntington x 818.5 Engels)] have been been in the 4-inch pots that I started them in for 6 days now, and there hasn't been any activity. They are in a insulated box with a heating pad underneath, covered, and a heating lamp on top. I have been keeping the soil moist, and checking frequently, but I don't know when/what I should be expecting, and what I could do differently. Any pointers?
--Thanx--Maya

4/17/2007 2:44:48 PM

unka to the rescue,,,,email on the way


gotta watch out for my babys !!

4/17/2007 4:15:02 PM

President - GPC

Go gettem Dan

4/17/2007 4:27:22 PM

Minnesota

I'm new but, I think the reason most of these expierenced pumpkin growers file down the sides is to speed it up (the growing process)and help it along, did you file them down? Is the seed to hot, with the warmer. Goodluck Richard

4/17/2007 8:38:42 PM

I'm guessing you can get a seed too hot. Is that correct? I thought I was under the needed temperature, but when I put a thermometer in, it was way higher than I thought it was. Do I still have a chance? I took the heater-pad and the light off. Might is sprout as it cools? I feel bad about messing this up. I hope they will still work.
--Maya

4/17/2007 9:13:17 PM

No, I didn't file the seed down.

4/17/2007 9:13:37 PM

Bethlehem CT

How hot was it? I wouldn't give up just yet. I wouldn't remove them from all the heat maybe turn off the lamp.

4/17/2007 9:30:39 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

With all that heat, you probably cooked them unfortunately? Do you have any idea the temp in the box? With a pad and a lamp, I am afraid you cooked them (essentially boiled in the moist hot soil)

Lets hope not.

4/18/2007 12:42:49 AM

It's funny, because the soil didn't seem hot at all. It was just that the thermometer (that went to 80*) maxed out. I don't really know how hot it was. I will probably start some more in the next few days if they don't come up, but I'm crossing my fingers. Thanks for all of the advice. Any advice for the next ones?? I want some pumpkins!

4/18/2007 2:35:50 AM

Bethlehem CT

Sometimes when I am wondering what to do next I very carefully pull back soil to see if the radicle is emerging. I made a similar mistake with my seed starting matt this winter and cooked some pepper seeds. My heating matt does not have a thermostat. (and I am to cheap to buy one.) Mine will heat the soil to 85 degrees if I put it in a room that is 60 degrees and then throw a plastic garbage bag over the top. This (the Plastic) holds in the moisture and it also allows me to attain the perfect temp of 85 degrees. As long as the room stays the same temperature and I put the plastic back on the same way, the temperature will remain steady. I would also get a new thermometer that goes high enough. Then you will be fully confident that you have done everything possible to ensure success.

4/18/2007 8:27:42 AM

Georgia

I start mine in a basement thats about 60 degrees give or take. I just place the peat pots on a germination mat and keep moist but not wet and they all seem to come up after about 5 days. I never thought to cover with plastic makes sense. I dont put lights over the pots until they sprout and as soon as they sprout I remove the bottom heat that can damage the roots Ive found out.

4/18/2007 1:44:58 PM

Thank you for all the advice!!! I went to the How to... page of this site, and picked the "advanced seed starting technique. Neither of the seeds I started made it, but I have started 3 new ones, and they all seem to be taking off! 2 in a Ziploc bag with the coat peeled off, and one in a 4-inch pot after being soaked in water. They are all being kept warm on the radio, but not boiling anymore. Thank you everybody again.
--Maya (Alaska)

4/19/2007 3:03:08 PM

The two seeds in the Ziploc bags have opened after 24 hours and the other after 12 hours. What should I be looking for next, and when should I do what next? Thank you!

4/19/2007 3:48:59 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Get them into some sterile soil (no fertilizer) before to root hairs entagle the paper towel. Pre-moisten the soil so that it is just damp. If you can squeeze drops of water from a handful then it is too wet. Bury the seed so a half inch of soil is over the top. Be very gentle.

4/19/2007 8:27:41 PM

Jericho Vermont

Maya,
I have fried a few seeds in the past. just chock it up to the category "things I won't do next year". LOL I have been growing for over 10 years and still seem to add to this category every year. Like Steve mentioned place the germinated seeds into your pots gently and about 1/2 inch under the soil and wait for them to show themselves. Once the young plant has emerged wait untill you see the first true leaf before planting in the garden. This will help you figure out which way the plant is going to run. Feel free to email me at jkpayoung@hotmail.com if I can help.
John

4/20/2007 6:26:08 AM

Santa Cruz, CA

Joel Holland has a great video on how to start seeds. He walks you through it step by step. It has worked really well for us.
Last year one of the members of BP.com suggested we practice on a few seeds we weren't going to plant. We learned lots doing that too. If you need some practice seeds let me know.- Kristine

4/20/2007 11:33:58 AM