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Hyde Park, Utah USA

Okay, I wanted to get everyone’s opinion on whether it would be better to directly seed into soil or planting containerized seedling given conducive soil and weather conditions? In my mind direct seeding would give the plant a deeper root and avoid any transplant shock. Planted in the right container, it might enhance lateral rooting. What are your thoughts? Any experience with direct seeding? Thanks!

1/1/2020 9:53:26 PM

UK Gloucestershire

For me, transplanting allows selection to take place, picking the best seedlings, then planting on. I don’t have the time or space to directly plant each seed.

1/2/2020 3:42:45 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

If you are growing in a greenhouse with good temperature control and a sterilized potting soil, direct seeding might be OK. But if you are dependent on the weather and grow in real soil, transplanting will be better.

1/2/2020 8:05:22 AM

Bethlehem CT

I think there are many advantages to transplanting and use that method myself as do pretty much all the growers that I know. Here is a link to an article from way, way back. I have never tried this method but it sounds really good.
https://www.backyardgardener.com/garden-forum-education/pumpkins/direct-start-method-of-pumpkin-growing-by-george-brooks/

1/2/2020 5:26:14 PM

Syracuse, NY

if i've noticed anything at all, it is that seedlings that are growing along from rogue seeds in the patch when i'm about to till-in my amendments and manure are the best-looking seedlings ever, lol - i've longed for years to shove a monster-maker into a peat pot in an exact spot and position a thermostated heater fan directly over it, enclose that arrangement and see what happens. hmmm...

1/5/2020 6:51:43 PM

Syracuse, NY

duh - skip the peat pot; old habits die hard, lol---eg

1/5/2020 6:53:02 PM

Grittyville, WA

Hey pumpkinpal is back. Cool...

I have trouble with slugs and bugs so it helps if they get a head start indoors. The stump itself becomes unimportant once the secondary root system is well established. From what I've seen on here bp, it looks to me like having a healthy secondary root system will gain you more pounds than worrying about the primary roots being perfect.

But it's really up to you to figure out what works best for you... Try doing a side by side comparison.

1/5/2020 10:46:47 PM