Most seed packets for curcurbits (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, etc) say to start seeds 3-4 weeks before planting them outside. We also know that cucurbits are more sensitive than other plants (such as tomatoes or peppers) to staying in their pots too long, so I would err on the side of LESS time in pots. They don't like their roots disturbed, so you don't want them to get too many roots in the pots. Tomatoes don't mind having their roots disturbed as much, because they love growing new roots. I plan to start my curcurbits this coming weekend (May 15), and then plant them in 2 weeks on Memorial Day weekend. If I don't get them in then because the weather is crappy, it will be okay, because they can hang out for a week or two in their pots without trouble. But I definitely wouldn't want to go longer than that.

brookw - Yes - I found dropping the really big Hubbards on the cement, to be just about the ONLY way to break them open. Some of them can get to be huge. Fortunately, the most recent ones were only about the size of a person's head - just right for best handling. I try to find a can or smooth rock to set ripening pumpkins/squash to set on also, something that keeps moisture or soil from coming in contact with the flesh, to prevent rotting. Glad I happened to tune in, cuz I need to rescue this year's harvest soon by cooking them. Wouldn't want them to wind up in the worm bin after all this trouble. I like to toast the seeds from my Hubbards, then grind them to add to breads - makes a nice flavor and crunch. Bejay

Sorry for not responding sooner but our internet connection has been down soon after I posted this. Dial up goes down when it rains or snows much and we just finished a big snowstorm. Silvia I got the Futtsu from Sand Hill and the Sibley from Baker Creek. I also saw Sibley at Fedco but not Futtsu. I saw a post by you last year and you had a squash that I think you called Seminole and it looks like my 3 Seminole to the left of my group of 8. Weirdtrev says they look like a squash called 'La Estrella'. What do you think and where did you get your seed? My problem is that I had Seminole seed from 3 sources. Sand Hill, Fedco, and Baker Creek. I had opened all 3 packs over the past 2 years but none matured in 08 so I don't know which one was which. I had one hill of about 4 seeds of the one that looks like La Estrella and harvested 20 squash at 12-17 lbs each so it was a good producer but most did set late. Steve You may be right about the ph. My soil runs about 6-6.3 but I thought Amish Pie was more strawberry shaped and mine was more flattened but not as much as a Long Island Cheese. Mauirose I planted 2 hills about 10 feet apart and had about 4 plants per hill. I had one other hill about 500 feet away as I don't like them together due to bug problems here. They spread out about 25 feet but if they get too close to something else I just prune them back. Mailman22 I just had a good year I guess. We also have fertile soil here being in the heart of the corn belt( I am a farmer also). The ground I used this year has not had a crop of any kind for 10 years also. Knittlin Maybe I will try Amish Pie from another seed source and see if I get the same thing. I got my Warsaw seed from George McLaughlin(AKA Macmex) I think George also named the squash. I also have some seed as I hand pollinated several squash but I don't have many of the round ones like he has. Weirdtrev Thanks for the input on the Seminole. I didn't think there would be that much variation. What information can you give me on the 'La Estrella'? I have not heard of that one. I think I know where my seed came from so I may contact them to see if anyone has had the same results.

I just finished packing up everybody's seeds and they are ready to go into the mail tomorrow morning(going to send my hubby to the P.O. in the morning to do the deed, teach him to take a vacation day LOL) Once they reach you , please come back on and post here to let me know you received them. I am always a nervous wreck until my packages reach their new homes safe and sound. I want to thank everyone here for joining this swap. I really enjoyed hosting it. And I think the best part was going over everyones wish lists and learning about all of the squashes that are out there. I am now better prepared to grow them myself due to the research I did for this swap....I found myself up late at night googling all of the fascinating squashes in bed on my cell phone LOL,and I loved every second of it!! So Thank You all again ....and I look forward to our 2011 Incredible Edible season!!