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Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

OK, melon virgin here so the answer may be obvious. Germinating the seeds has proved pretty easy, I started several for a friend and after a short period most popped and looked healthy. After 10 days or so, three became droopy and died. The others are fine, doesn't seem to be disease and all were treated the same. Just wondering for future reference. As of today, three have advanced to 3rd leaf stage and three have stalled.

5/14/2011 10:07:36 PM

Waynesboro, Virginia

I would guess damping off. http://www.gardenersnet.com/atoz/dampingoff.htm

5/14/2011 10:43:33 PM

Bethlehem CT

Yeah I agree, melons damp off way easier than the pumpkins do.

5/14/2011 10:51:52 PM

formerly RGG

If they have stalled then there is a problem with growing conditions. It will be difficult to say what killed the plants that died without any knowledge of the conditions that were being provided to them. Sometimes some plants are hardier than others and are able to stand up to conditions that killed other plants. I had several to die from stem rot this spring due to being too cold and wet. One plant actually started down and came back (my 291 Kent). Other plants I had growing seemed unaffected.The stalled plants really need to be figured out. Are they in a good growing medium and getting proper nutrients? Are they warm enough,both roots and top? Are they getting enough light?Is it possible you already have insects or leaf fungus or soil carried disease? If you can figure this out you are on the road to taking care of your problems. Good luck Andy and we can probably make better diagnosis if you can give us more details about your plants enviornment.

5/14/2011 10:53:53 PM

Linden, Mi.,

Damping off- it sure sounds like
I use Captan

5/15/2011 10:58:08 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

While I have no doubt dampening off is the likely culprit, just wonder why two in this pic are alive but stalled and the others are growing slowly but growing. Everything was planted at the same time, same seed, same soil mix and under lights right after popping. The temperature is between 65 and 70 degrees most of the time. The seedlings on the front left and rear right don't look right

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=155900

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=155902

5/15/2011 1:08:35 PM

formerly RGG

Andy, those plants need more light. I see they are very leggy.Placing them much closer to your artificial light source will help a lot. Also, get them into some sunlight a few hours a day will probably totally take care of your problem.And if anything cut the temp down just a little if you cannot apply more light.

5/15/2011 2:24:53 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Small change in ?, but same basic thought stream...if plants do get a lil leggy, can you plant em up to cots, like w/ AG's? Peace, Wayne
PS...a lil stretch in main stems has happened here, w/ cooler weather...plants are now back inside, close to lights!!!!!

5/15/2011 3:53:47 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Thanks Dreamer, think I have just the spot. I will be getting rid of about 12 tomato plants tonight, which were growing under hot/cold lights.

PS- good to learn this now, my own seedlings are just breaking the surface.

5/15/2011 4:30:01 PM

formerly RGG

I am glad I could be helpful. Good luck Andy.

5/15/2011 4:56:22 PM

Bowdon, GA

Wayne some people do bury them to the cots with no trouble. I have had them rot before, but I have a very high OM%. If you do use something very sandy above the normal root line.

5/15/2011 5:43:48 PM

formerly RGG

Wayne, I have been told that CC's do not take to being planted up to their cots as well as AG's do. I have no personal experience with that so I really couldn't confirm it.

5/15/2011 5:52:27 PM

formerly RGG

I think Jake is probably on the right track.

5/15/2011 5:53:43 PM

Linden, Mi.,

You will kill the plant if you bury them past the level they are growing.
Trust the old man on this one!

5/15/2011 8:27:47 PM

Pataskala,OH

Good thing I saw this. I would have buried mine all the way up to the cots. It surprises me how many things are different between pumpkins and watermelons.

5/15/2011 8:59:01 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

I did do that!!! Ops!!! Not having any luck getting another one started. Oh, bother! BSD, David

5/15/2011 9:30:49 PM