From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Elizabeth, PA

Any suggestions on seed starting medium?

3/3/2016 3:46:23 PM

aurora, IL

I like using Burpee's Seed Starting Mix and Pro Mix - Ultimate Organic Mix.

3/3/2016 3:56:48 PM

Ireland

I use ordinary potting compost and it works pretty good so far. Youre best to try out a few practice seeds and see which ones give best results for you

3/3/2016 5:46:37 PM

East Jordan, MI

For the best start use sterilized plain seed starting (soilless) medium like ProMix. It will hold enough moisture and be disease free so the little seedling can get a good start.

Definitely practice practice practice before you attempt to start the one seed you plan on growing(practice seeds can be had for the asking).

You only want the medium DAMP not wet. If you can squeeze more than a single drop of water out of it, it is too wet. If you use peat pots, pre-soak them or they will suck the moisture out. (personally don't like peat pots)

Getting the medium to a constant 85-90 degrees will germinate the seed quickly.

Good Luck

3/3/2016 6:34:58 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

Pro mix hp is high porosity .. Which means it drains faster... I use that helps me keep seeds moist not wet

3/3/2016 8:48:27 PM

Elizabeth, PA

Thanks guys that's why I'm asking now this is my first year and I want to start practicing now so I don't screw it up when it is show time!!!

3/3/2016 9:22:46 PM

Walhalla, ND.

I'm a new grower. I did purchase lot # 46 during the auction on this site 28 February consisting of 2002 Hawkley [1894 Mathison x 2032 Mathison]
2058 Hawkley [2032 Mathison x 1985 Miller] I'm interested in getting more seeds to do some cross breeding. In my search I see seeds listed as 12 or 15 % heavy, what does this mean. I'm also seeking advice of what seed to use for cross breading the stock I have. Any suggestions would be very welcomed. Thank you...
Kent

3/4/2016 10:13:28 AM

East Jordan, MI

welcome to the hobby Kent.

The % heavy listed is in reference to what the pumpkin actually weighed vs what it "should" have weighed based on it's physical size.

Three measurements are taken (see this video to see how -- http://gpc1.org/index.php/resources/331-how-to-measure) then added together to get the OTT (Over the Top) total, then that number is referenced on this chart -- http://gpc1.org/PDF/chartscombined.pdf to find out what it "should" weigh.

To get some more seeds, go to the seed exchange board and see what has already been offered, or make a post requesting seeds.

An couple of important notes on "cross breeding":\
1. These plants have both male and female flowers and are perfectly fine to "self" them by pollinating from one if the males produced by the single plant.
2. The pollinator has no effect on this years fruit. The cross is in the seed that this fruit produces, so if you are not planning on regrowing your own cross, there is no reason to worry about having a different seed.


And a side note about the site.
You will get more/better responses if open your own thread in the proper board rather than jumping on someone else's thread to ask a different question.

Good Luck, and GROW 'em BIG
Cecil Weston

3/4/2016 6:52:45 PM