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Bristol R.I. USA

I've just started to plant some Cucumber seeds along with some collard greens and some broccoli seeds. I have them under a heating mat. Just asking how and If I'm doing this right. I understand that pumpkins are quite different then other veg. What do you think and do I need to do anything else.

2/27/2010 1:05:43 PM

Bloomington, IN

Don't need to start cucumbers until May.

2/27/2010 3:57:02 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Thanks. New to trying to get my own garden plants from seed.

2/27/2010 4:11:17 PM

Bethlehem CT

Hi Kenny most garden seeds don't need temperatures to be as warm as A.G. seeds. Seeds will come up faster on a heat mat then on a windowsill, etc. I am thinking 75 degrees would be a pretty good baseline average to shoot for. It's kind of like pH though. Some plants may like it warmer than that for ideal germination. ( ex. melons, peppers) others may like it cooler. (ex. spinach, lettuce, peas.) The more you can learn about each individual crop the more it will help you to give it what it needs. Also seed packets will help you to determine what the seed will need to germinate. If it says; " Plant as soon as the soil can be worked" it will probably germinate fine at low temps. If it says Wait until soil has warmed" or" plant after the last frost has passed" Chances are you need warmer soil temps.

2/28/2010 8:11:22 AM