From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Sparta, NC

I was curious when everyone plants their long gourds. Do you use a small hoop/ cold frame for early starting?

1/28/2009 8:52:06 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I have always started mine about the same time I start my AG's. Usually around early May when I hope to be safe from frost. My experience has shown me that gourds that pollinate earlier in the season when we have more sunlight grow faster than those that pollinate in mid August. So I may set up a small hoop to protect them from frost so I get a quicker start and earlier pollination. Since they keep well, I am not afraid of having them mature a month or so before the weighoffs.

1/28/2009 9:17:30 PM

Ohio

Growers Supply carries a clear plastic umbrella shape hoop type of plant covering which is what I use in May to keep the seedlings warm and protected. They are very easy to put on and off as needed. They are about 2 feet wide and 2 feet high. Just right for seedlings.

1/28/2009 10:54:21 PM

Netherlands

Two weeks after pumpkins, so May 1.

I just built a shelter for them about 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 4 feet tall.

1/29/2009 4:53:14 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

I've had good success in the early season with "walls-o-water" enclosures. They're those circular plastic cylinders about 18" tall with multiple cells you fill with water. Green tint makes them warm during the day and give back some heat at nite. Has been adequate protection in the past when planting LG's 2-3 weeks after AG's. I think I'll check out Venari's suggestion from Growers Supply. Could be a lot easier to handle than "wall's-o-water"

1/31/2009 6:31:21 PM