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Northern New York

Hi folks! My 1st post but I've been reading the board and see a lot of great information. I live in Northern NY near the Canadian border.

I'm a experienced gardener and hobby farmer but I'm new to growing big pumpkins. I'm also a couple of weeks behind schedule but I have quality seeds started (4 days) and under lights in a shed with a lot of sunlight. They are growing like crazy.

I'm building mini-green houses this weekend so I can transplant in to the garden next week.

I feel more than a little overwhelmed after reading the board and searching the how-to sites. I have many questions but to start:

How much light should new plants get? The plants have been up for 4 days and I'm using my halogen shop lights.

Should I add some dirt around the stem as it grows?

I appreciate any and all advice!

5/16/2008 10:50:41 PM

San Jose [email protected]

12 to 18 hours of light, if you can get fluorescent lights, the halogen is way hot, you want the light as close to the plants as you can so they don't get too leggy.

you want to get the plants in the ground as soon as you can and bury up to the bottom of the first two leaves

5/17/2008 7:15:02 AM

Northern New York

Thanks. I'm afraid my plants are already leggy.

5/17/2008 10:31:36 AM

[email protected]

Put them outside for some real sunshine. Acclimate them first.

If they are still young (4 days is young) you can repleant them into larger pots deeper than before.

5/17/2008 11:58:39 AM

Northern New York

I have a question on the temporary greenhouse. I have a bunch of 6 mil poly. It's clear plastic but I don't know if it will work on a greenhouse. Is there a special "clear poly" I should use? I'm concerned it doesn't allow enough light.

I built 4 x 8 frames , 24 inches high with a hoop top.

5/18/2008 5:26:22 PM

Western NY

6 mil should be fine, that's what i use. just make sure you don't roast them if the sun ever comes out. take it completely off on warm days, i think that's part of why mine didn't want to lay down last year.

5/18/2008 9:49:37 PM

Northern New York

Andy, Thanks. This is clear plastic from the lumber yard. It's not greenhouse plastic. Is that OK?

5/19/2008 11:43:28 PM