Monday, May 12, 2008

Transplanting the Seedling-Walking on Your Tipi Toes with New Plants

It is time to put my potted plant into the ground outside. Normally I would have done this two weeks ago but because of very cold weather here in Denver (possible snow in the forecast tomorrow) I haven't done it yet. I plan on planting two plants on Thursday with a green house and a 60-watt bulb to give them a little extra warmth. For the last couple of days I've been preparing the pumpkin plants by putting them outside for a few hours a day and in the garage at night. This can be a little nerve racking for a new pumpkin grower. Wind, cold, sun and kids can be a real risk to new pumpkin plants (caught my 1-year-old son digging in the pot yesterday afternoon).

It isn't uncommon for new pumpkin plants to droop considerably when they get in a new environment. When this happens don't get to discouraged. Take the pot inside (if it isn't planted yet) and give the plant a little water. Pumpkins can be a little finicky at first and when they get unhappy they will tell you very quickly. Just give them a little TLC and they usually come back around.

If you have any great tips for transplanting new plants please let me know. I'm always happy to get a great new tip.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

How far apart do the giant pumpkin plants need to be planted?

Jamie said...

Each plant needs about 100 square feet. One study I read said that giving pumpkins a little more space produced higher yeilds of pumpkins. That said, I assume giving pumpkins a little more space will produce bigger pumpkins. I would recommend a minimum of 12-15 feet between each plant.

Anonymous said...

Jamie, have you really read a "study" about pumpkin yield? Was it in the National Pumpkin Journal?

Jamie said...

I have to admit I have read a study or two. And after looking this study over I found I didn't quote it right. Yeilds weren't effected but pumpkin size was effected so this is a better study to sight then I remembered. If you can't sleep some night in the near future this is a good read...http://msucares.com/crops/comhort/pubs/verona_pumpkin_2001.pdf