Cucurbita Transplants

[DoubleDogFarm]

I've been starting different varieties of Winter squash, Summer squash, Pumpkin and Cucumber in my greenhouse for many years.

Have you had any problems with root disturbance issues? Transfer shock, slow growth, etc..


Eric

[gumbo2176]

I did in early September when I transplanted some cucumber plants that I started in pots several weeks before. They didn't grow worth a hoot and they were still very small by the time I pulled them a few weeks later since they obviously weren't going to produce before the first real cold snap hit my area. I took a gamble that they would do a little something and give me a few cucs before dying off.

In that area I planted lettuce seed in succession under the trellis and am still enjoying some of it. I do have 30 cucumber plants that are in the 6 pack cells that are coming in nicely. I usually just direct sow but, like I said, I still have lettuce under the trellis so what's the hurry. I am also starting zucchini and yellow squash in the 6 packs this year as opposed to direct sowing. I'll see how they do in a couple weeks when I'm putting them in. I'll also do the "Chicken Dance" to ward off the dreaded SVB's.

[DoubleDogFarm]

I did in early September when I transplanted some cucumber plants that I started in pots several weeks before. They didn't grow worth a hoot and they were still very small by the time I pulled them a few weeks later since they obviously weren't going to produce before the first real cold snap hit my area. I took a gamble that they would do a little something and give me a few cucs before dying off

So, I think you are saying it was just to late in the season. What about disturbing the roots. Do you think that had a part?

Also you are trying again with squash, so I guess you think not.

Eric

[applestar]

Slow growth if I plant them too early and the ground is still cold-ish. I think the DS'd seeds simply won't germinate until the ground is warm enough, but once they do, I believe they spread out their roots in the upper warm soil layer and soak up the heat.

If you're responding to what I posted elsewhere -- Like I said, I take care not to let them get too big -- 3 or 4 leaves at most, and the roots barely exposed and touching the container at transplant time.

I think most beginners will start the seeds too early indoors, and end up with root-bound stressed plants... even plants that are way past "transplant" size. I've seen them like that in stores too. I haven't planted them like that for so long I can't even say for certain that they do result in transplant shock. Ha.

So, are you saying yours don't?

[DoubleDogFarm]

Apple,

I'm only talking indoors here.
I've had no problems with summer, winter squash and pumpkins. Cucumbers are some time a hit or miss, but I can't say if it is root disturbance or something else. I'm leaning more toward soil temperature and soil prep.

I've seen it here. Read it on seed packets. Read it in catalogs. Not recommended to start indoors. What say You?

Eric

[gumbo2176]

So, I think you are saying it was just to late in the season. What about disturbing the roots. Do you think that had a part?

Also you are trying again with squash, so I guess you think not.

Eric

I believe it was just getting too late in the season with cooler temps heading our way even though it didn't get what many consider fall temperatures until sometime in November.

I've never had trouble with transplanting other than the initial shock of it to the plant that seem to last a few days after getting in the ground.

Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment with squash and will put them in my garden again this season. Those things, along with Ichiban eggplant and okra on the grill are what I love to eat a couple times a week in the summer.

[rainbowgardener]

I have not had trouble transplanting squash that I started indoors, presuming they are hardened off and I wait long enough for the ground to be nicely warmed up. And I transplant mine at a considerably bigger size than Applestar. As long as you don't let the plant get root bound in the pot, transplanting it doesn't really disturb the roots very much... just slide the root ball out of the pot and pop it in the hole. Mine don't even show much transplant shock, just take off.

It's after that that I have trouble, with the squash vine borers...

[DoubleDogFarm]

I guess I'm mostly talking about cucumbers. Is it just one of those gardening myths that keeps getting put out there.

This is a photo of one trip to the farmers market. You can see many squash starts low and up the right side in the photo.
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Farmers%20Market/DSC02288.jpg[/img]

Eric

[applestar]

If you're not getting any complaints and same customers keep buying your cucrbit starts, then I'd say they're doing fine.

Whatever works.