Topic: Cucumber Seedlings

[Rox]

I have 5 cucumber seedlings which apart from being a bit leggy, were doing okay. They were in individual 3 " pots, and I thought it would be a good idea to put them in slightly larger pots (height-wise) before putting them in a proper next size up pot (the first true leaves are only just emerging on most of them). I planted them a little deeper in this pot, hoping this would help their legginess, and create sturdier stems (as with tomatoes). All 5 seedlings are looking droopy today  - is this  normal, or did I make a mistake to bury the stem a little??  ??? If it is a mistake, should I do anything at this point? many, many thanks in advance for any advice! 

[Simon05]

Rox,

I planted my seedlings deeper too, at first they were droopy but a bit of water did the trick, they are now doing well

[tim]

Don't know - you only held them by the leaves - not the stem?
 Are you growing them to maturity in pots??
Normally, one would grow them in 3-3.5" pots till plant out time.

[TULIP-23]

Tim

Do you begin the Seedling Process n a 3/3.5 Pot or do you
Prick them out into the Pots !! ::)

Many Thanks  Mike

[tim]

Don't quote me, but I germinate in a tray, or cells, & pot into 3-4" pots. Maybe too big a jump but I'm lazy! We get by. Despite.

[TULIP-23]

Thanks Tim

[Anne Robertson]

When should i plant out my cucumbers, they have 2 true leaves and are in 3" pots. Should i harden them off first? " are going in container at home and rest in lottie.

[Merry Tiller]

I'll be sowing some time in the next 2 weeks & they will be planted out end of May at the earliest, depends when you expect to get your last frost really, cucumbers are very sensitive to cold, if they get frosted they'll turn to mush.

[tim]

Cus?? I'm risking all this year.

Earliest sowing to date - for cold 'house - 6/4. Put out 2/5. Fruit 20/6 - 26/10.

This year - sown 27/3 - now like this - out....?? Your guess!

[Derekthefox]

leave them to get a little pot bound Tim. That will slow them down if needs be!

[tim]

Good thought - but the g'children get itchy fingers!!

[Mothy]

Lol Tim.....I've been getting our 2 year old involved in sowing a few bits and bobs...now every time she steps outside the back door she wants to either sow seed or water everything in sight!! The early spuds in the dustbin are of particular delight to her as she loves to throw some compost on top of them...whether they need it or not!! Bless her!  ;D

[redimp]

My youngest - four year old daughter, has taken to lottying nearly as enthusiastically as me.  So much so I had to buy her a new set of tools (I had to buy me some too  :)) and give her her own lottie.  Now we both have seeds in pots and trays at home and she (she seems to have the finest soil) has even managed to sow some smaller seeds.  Needless to say my peas are no longer covered with fleece but the lottie within a lottie is.  All I can say is I hope this enthusiasm continues - she is growing some fast result crops and I have bought her some pumpkin so she has something to look forward to in Autumn as well.

[tim]

Mine are itching to eat the things - they each have one in their lunch box.