When to start squash seeds?

[tam91]

I'm going to try again with the Kuri squash, see if can find some way to keep the vine borers off.

When is the ideal time to start seeds indoors?

Last year, I started them really late, just because I got them late. I'm thinking it should be earlier - but how much earlier? I don't want huge vines crawling all over my basement.

[Wi-sunflower]

Don't start squash, or any other vining crop, more than 4 weeks before you want to plant out. Any longer than that and they will be too big to easily transplant.

Also be sure they are in the biggest pot you can use as you don't want them to be rootbound before transplanting. I use a 3601 for my squash and pickles for plant sales but you could go bigger if you wanted. I wouldn't go any smaller.

I just put 2 seeds in a pot and sell them in about 3-4 weeks. Often they will only have 1 or 2 true leaves but in another week they will often start to vine. You do not pull the 2 plants apart when planting out.

Just how I do it.

Carol

[tam91]

Thanks so much Carol - that sounds great, I'll wait a while then.

I'm just starting a few for my friend and I, and we'll just plant a hill or two each I suspect. So planting a couple together sounds like a great idea.