I thought I'd update on my seedling outcomes that I posted on February 14, 2010: "I planted TONS of seeds to start indoors. Basil, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes (6 types - Black Krim, Brandywine, Yellow Pear, Cherokee Purple, Mortgage Lifter and Pineapple), cucumbers (lemon and gherkin), chard, squash (pattypan, portofino, zucchini - oops, no yellow crookneck?), lettuces and marigolds." Of those planted the basil, eggplant, tomatoes, lettuces, and marigolds had a good success rate. Of the peppers, only 25% took. The cucumbers and squash sprouted but didn't survive long enough in their puny containers to get transplanted. I recall it said something about "not recommended for starting indoors" on the label. But, hey, what do they know? They are just the experts, right? Anyway, perhaps they have a point. I have so many more seeds I want to get in the ground - actually wanted to get in the ground about 6 weeks ago. I hope to have more updates soon.
I got a Mr. Stripy start also and it's doing great :) My compost pile - the one formerly in my holey trashcan that I dumped out - is spouting TONS of tomatoes! I'm going to let them get bigger and then move them. I also have a bunch of cucumber? or melons? sprouting too, but I've heard those "hybridize" and I might get something like a cucalope :) Doesn't sound good so I guess I'll toss those. I've read that the squashes/melons don't transplant well because they send out a very long taproot and it's hard to pull it up w/out stressing it out.
ReplyDeleteAs I recall, I've had some luck with volunteer squash. I think you should leave them and report back on what you get. It if is a scary cucalope, I'll be the guinea pig and try it! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what type of tomatoes your volunteers turn out to be. I seem to have more volunteer cherry tomatoes than any other type. No idea why. I can't wait to EAT Mr. Stripy.