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Salem, OR

Hi all, I'm a fairly new grower (second year) doing some testing of germination locations. I have a small domed plastic "thing" I bought at a garden store. I placed a planting heat mat underneath it, and a couple trial peat pots filled with my starter soil (no seeds yet). Temperature is just where I need it, but I am getting a lot of moisture inside the container (to the point that it is dripping off the sides). Is this going to be a problem, is there such a thing as too much humidity when trying to germinate seeds? Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how much I have learned by reading this site!!

4/26/2007 3:56:15 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

This is normal. The number one cause of poor seed germination is to much moisture. If you presoak the seed. It acts like a good rainfall. The seed then soaks up the necessary water need to start the process. The soil you place the seed in should be a slightly damp Sterile Mix NOT WET. If water is coming out of the bottom of your peat pots you have to much moisture. Again the #1 reason for poor germination is conditions. To Damp..To Cold..with pumpkins we are lucky we do not have to much "damp off" like other smaller seedlings if exact conditions are not met. Sometime you can also kill you seedling with to much love. As in you try to speed the germination process. Peeking is a NO NO. You can damage the fragile new tap root with one swipe. When the seedling does come up. Water from the bottom the moisture will wick up the pots.

4/26/2007 4:29:52 PM

Salem, OR

I did the presoak for about 8 hours. I've now got the seeds (in peat pots)in the germination box (plastic domed thing), and have been able to keep the temp at about 84 degrees. They've been in there for about 48 hours. Any idea when I should start checking them to see if they have started to "pop up"? I've placed plastic over the peat pots to help keep in the moisture (someone on one of these pages recommended that), but with the moisture build up it is impossible to see what is happening underneath the plastic. THANKS AGAIN!!

4/29/2007 10:31:35 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Did you moisten the peat pots ot just the seeds? If you poured water directly into the soiless media, it may be too wet.

I usually moisten the soiless media in a large bucket with my hands (yes it is a messy afair). In doing so I can FEEL if there is too much moisture by squeezing a handful. If more than a couple drops can be squeezed (hard) out, then I know it is too wet.

4/29/2007 11:02:35 PM

Salem, OR

Thanks!! I did premoisten the soiless media, but I tested exactly as you said. I basically put it into a tub and just mixed in a little water, I did the squeeze in hand test and was unable to squeeze any water out. Should the plastic cover be getting that moist, that I am unable to see what's going on in the pot?

4/30/2007 2:09:28 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

SJ...the peat pots might have sucked a lot of moisture from yer starting mix, dryer is better than too wet...but if I was gonna use peat pots, I would mist them inside and out a little. Peace, Wayne

4/30/2007 9:48:43 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

The plastic wrap will be covered with moisture at all times. That isn't a problem except that WE get anxious & want to see what's going on. The moisture droplets do block our vision but this isn't a problem for the plants; just us.

5/1/2007 12:25:30 AM

Salem, OR

Thank You all very much. I went home yesterday, and two of my little babies had popped there capped little heads up. I was able to see their "white little heads" through the plastic even though it was wet. I am also seeing a little mound underneath the plastic of another one, so hoping his head will be up today.
Thanks All!!

5/1/2007 10:35:02 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Now GRADUALLY start cutting the plastic open over a few days. This will gently lower the humidity so the cots aren't shocked by the transition. Also make sure the emerging cots don't grow right into the plastic. Depending on the height of the soil (relative to the plastic) you might need to prop it up with a popsicle stick or something.

5/2/2007 12:26:51 AM

Salem, OR

Uh Oh, I read your message too late. I took them out of the germination box and are now under a grow light - without the plastic. Any ideas? I have a couple still in the germination boxes, so will handle those as you have suggested once they emerge. Since the germination box is fairly dark, would you suggest I bring them out of the germ box (but with the plastic still on)? Or leave them in the germination box?

5/2/2007 4:11:23 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

They might be OK if the plastic came off as soon as they broke soil. Leaves get very "soft" if they're grown in a humid environment too long. If they've grown over the day today then you should be OK.

5/2/2007 8:59:46 PM

Salem, OR

Thank You for your help, I was able to see the start of the first true leaf yesterday, so they appear to be growing. How soon should I start "hardening" them up? I've heard this is important.

5/3/2007 3:42:15 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If the seedling is just breaking the soil I like to take them outside for real sun light right away & bring them back inside at night. If the seedling is kept inside under artificial light then they need to be acclimated to the outdoor world. The sun is too strong & the humidity often too low for a one day transition. On the occasions that we've started too early inside I've acclimated them by setting them under the glass topped patio table on my deck the first day. then partially under it the next, etc until they are toughened up. It doesn't take more than 3 days.

5/3/2007 6:20:15 PM

Salem, OR

Thank You so much, that is very helpful.

5/7/2007 11:44:38 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I've got a couple under that table right now. ;o)

Best wishes!

Grow 'em BIG!

5/7/2007 1:52:49 PM