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Ware, MA

Hi all, New to giant pumpkin growing. I have some fafard c-2
70% Canadian sphagnum peat with vermiculite and perlite. I was wondering if this is a good mixture for starting my seeds? What would you recommend?

2/20/2013 9:02:53 PM

valparaiso, in

I use 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 vermiculite. Works great for me.

2/20/2013 10:20:18 PM

Bethlehem CT

It sounds like it will be O.K. The important thing that I look for is that a medium is soilless. The soilless mixes have fewer disease organisms in them. I use Pro-mix bx which is a peat/perlite blend it also has some mycorrhizae in it.

2/21/2013 7:27:10 AM

Germany

Take some test seeds, treat them as you would do with the precious line-up candidates, and start them in your peat mix. See how the plants develop within a couple of days, and then have a look at the root system to check if it looks fine as well. If you´re happy with the test seedlings, then there´s a good chance you´ll also be happy with the performance of your precious seedlings.

2/21/2013 7:54:47 AM

Ontario

I use a mix formulated by Elloit Coleman ( organic gardening godfather )it contains. peat,rock phosfate,greensand, bloodmeal,lime& compost.In 20 yrs. of organic gardening it has never let me down. Terry

2/21/2013 10:02:10 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Can't you just microwave it if you do have some soil in your medium? I have always mixed in some soil from the actual patch since that's where the plants will be transferred to within days and then spend the next few months.

2/21/2013 10:07:57 AM

Bethlehem CT

Yeah, that will sterilize it, Luke.

2/21/2013 12:22:01 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Don't do this in the house if it is moist or wet...You will have to live in your hoop house...and like it. It stinks really bad

2/21/2013 1:14:07 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thanks, Big Moon.

2/21/2013 2:28:39 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Linus, the microwave part?

2/21/2013 2:29:36 PM

Omaha, Ne.

If you spent good money on seeds. Spend some more on a good seed starting mix. Save anything else for the potted flowers:)

2/21/2013 3:42:35 PM

Ware, MA

Thanks for the replies! Guess I will be using something with less peat. Probably pro mix.

2/21/2013 7:27:30 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I start my seeds in 5" peat pots. The bottom half I fill with a good potting soil and mix in a little Jobes Organics or Espoma Starter plus for a little fertilizer and micorhizzae. Then I fill up the pot with straight Jiffy mix. The seed starts in the Jiffy mix without any damping off problems and the poting soil with organics seems to get them off to a good fast start.

2/22/2013 1:48:05 PM

Mnt.pleasant ,tennessee

Luke you got me wanting to stick this tomatoe plant in the microwave.just cause

3/1/2013 8:02:41 PM

President - GPC

Test early and often...so when itZ time to GO, your are @ 100%. If not...then use whatZ already been proven....

3/1/2013 9:23:33 PM