From

Location

Message

Date Posted

C N Y

Hi. Well, there you go, with that there used to be a 10-14-day basic limit as to how long to keep them at bay until actual patch incorporation. I hope I can ask you this without offending, and I will change it if asked: I've seen a lot lately of grow lights, all kinds, seemingly way-higher than usual, which to ME is asking plants to grow more toward the light and probably a concern of leggy plants in the process. I don't have LEDs and have always had 40-watt X 2 fluorescents in each assembly at ~1" clearance, with the leaves eventually actually mingling with the tubular bulbs. Summing it up, is there a closeness minimum to LEDs concerning anyone's plants, aside from having had any drawbacks? My otherwise 27-Watt Walmart bulbs would DRY the touched leaves out, but I had AwEsOme seedlings recently. Thanks. eric g

3/20/2026 1:18:01 AM

Watlington, UK

Pretty much the same setup as me this year. I'd include a fan to get some air moving + thermostat or the seedlings might get cooked. In reply to Eric, 12" is the minimum for LEDs.

3/20/2026 4:45:07 AM

Austria

Hi, I think keeping the plants indoors for up to 21 days is totally fine, if you direct the plants to the light in order to grow nice. Also transplanting 1x into a bigger pot before into the soil seems to be a grow boost for those little plants-> if they are about 8 days old the roots usually alredy begin to "swirl up" on the bottom side.
But just my opinion:)

3/20/2026 9:20:10 AM

Portland, CT

pumpkinpal2: My light distance is a bit random. That's part of what this experiment was for. If they get too leggy I'll just lower it 6ish inches for the next round and see what happens.

3/20/2026 11:48:43 AM

Portland, CT

Gerald UK: I'll get a small fan going asap. I just wanted that warm humid microclimate for the first day of life above ground to help with seed case shedding.

3/20/2026 11:50:24 AM

Portland, CT

Wyldaur: Some people can get away with longer periods indoors but I'd prefer to minimize that time period. I want to get them into real sunlight and into real soil asap.

3/20/2026 11:52:51 AM

Hadley Ny

With a grow light like that 15-20" would be your minimums. I use clear plastic 16 oz cups to start mine but put them inside red solo cups to block light to the roots. If your seed has sprouted your roots should be near bottom of cup and ready for transplant. My cold climate doesn't offer early planting so mine go in 1-2 gallon containers until I can plant out. Clear cup will show how fast side shoots from roots want to travel horizontally and then forced down and around. You are right about getting them into real soil as soon as possible. Good Luck

3/20/2026 12:38:31 PM

Sunny Okanagan

Nice setup, Nick. That's mighty smart of you to take the time to dial it in prior to starting your main plants. I'm also trying something new, and starting some seeds (not pumpkins, yet) in a miniature greenhouse.

Unrelated to this, a couple questions: A) Will you be uploading videos of this year's growing escapades to YouTube? I hope so! B) I don't suppose there's room for one more in that virtual grower's meeting on Zoom, eh? And C) Seeing as you and I have some things in common (age, pumpkin weights, and a general affinity for science-based growing), would you be open to getting in touch? If so, I'll share my email address. Cheers!

3/21/2026 2:15:54 AM

Portland, CT

Big T Hoff: I like that idea a lot, I'll go buy some regular solo cups today. I'm sure the roots don't really like being exposed to harsh light.

3/21/2026 10:06:42 AM

Portland, CT

Gardener-In-Training: A) I will do my best to make videos this year. I really enjoy it, it's just I have weekly deadlines at my job until like 2028 lol. B) I only got to participate in the zoom meeting once. Let's both grow 2500lb+ pumpkins and maybe they'll invite us. C) Sure! My email should be on my profile. Or you can message me on Facebook at Nick Lee.

3/21/2026 10:13:22 AM