Advantage to starting beans, melons, cukes indoors.
misterpatrick
12 years ago
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defrost49
12 years agoJon_dear
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Thinning/Spacing of Squashes & Cukes & Beans
Comments (2)Last year I grew three cukes on a 4' wide trellis, and had more than we could eat fresh, give away and pickle. For your 4x4' zucchini bed, I think you could do 2-3 plants if you give them room to sprawl beyond the borders of the bed. I'd think hard about doing more than 1 or 2 unless you've got multiple varieties, though because they are so prolific. I don't have much experience with melons, but I think it depends on your variety. I'd imagine that large-fruited melons with long vines would need more space per plant, whereas some melons grow 1-lb fruits and only 3-5 foot vines, so you could get away with closer spacing on those....See MoreDid anyone try raising squash/melons/cukes under row covers?
Comments (3)I do raise melons under cover and have used the netting on pumkins/ squash when young to protect from the squash bugs. I don't use the remay or other floating row cover, it is too hot down here and as you mentioned the plants don't do well due to lack of circulation. I use insect netting that is designed for outdoor use (UV protected) and designed for use on pollination cages. I have used it on a small scale in the past and this year I am using it on a much larger scale. The netting is very durable allows good air circulation, and good sun penitration. I am using it on beans and limas, field peas, and watermelons right now. ON the watermelons I planted the first patch 6weeks before the second patch. This allow the bees to pollinate the first and st a good crop of melons. When the secound patch started to bloom and the first female blooms set fruit, I removed all the fruit then covered the first patch with the netting. This allows the bees to pollinate the second patch. I have had the first patch covered for three weeks now and I have some ripe melons under the cover so no ill effects by covering and the melons have ripened. The second patch has lots of pollinated fruit. In another week I will remove the cover on the first patch. I have all the melons on the second patch marked and any that pollinate after the cover is removed on the first patch will not be used for seed only the marked ones. This can be done with squash also. Plant two rows with on variety of each family on each row.ie one pepo one mushata etc in each row. Alternatly cover one row on day in the evening. then switch to the next the next day or in a couple of days.This allows bees to pollinate mark each fruit as it developes when a good crop is set remove all covers. I use ribbin at the base and one of those little survy flags that the utility companies use to mark underground lines. Melons under cover. Patch on right covered on left open inside one of the covers over limas...See MoreArmenian cukes and yard long beans
Comments (6)They ARE cucumbers. Technically, they are Cucumis melo, while regular cucumbers are C. sativa, and if your fail to pick them will ultimately mature into something sort of like a banana melon but not sweet, but picked young, until the seeds start to harden, they taste like any other cucumber and can be used for any use, pickles, whatever. Yard longs/asparagus beans have a slightly different flavor than regular beans, almost a faint mushroom-like flavor that is very delicious, but delicate. In pickled dilly beans I'd doubt you'd notice any difference at all. You might, however, want to do just a very small trial batch, because the yard longs are more tender than regular beans, and might get too mushy. I have only frozen mine, never canned them....See Moreadvantages of starting seeds indoors during ideal weather?
Comments (7)I can tell you why I do not direct sow many things at this time of year and instead start with pots (although they are outside). Number one, there are some things I need to get started now, even though their space is not clear. For my climate, the time to start fall crops like Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, etc, is right now. However, the places I may want to plan those are currently occupied. I use a lot less water when I germinate seeds in seedling trays than if I were to use the hose in the garden proper (rain is great but cannot be counted on me for me). Also, when I have all of my seedlings together on the porch, it is easier for me to monitor them whereas if a day is quite busy, when I am doing my round of the garden, I might overlook the new seedlings. It is also easier for me to protect the seedlings from birds if they are on my porch or somewhere consolidated than spreading out row cover fabric all over the place....See Moremandolls
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