23,821 Garden Web Discussions | Vegetable Gardening

Seeds for them are available from several sources and then you can grow your own plants. Easy to grow just like the other members of the cucurbit family but they do need a long growing season. There are some cuttings for them listed over on discussions on the Asian Vegetables forum here and Google pulls up several different sources for plants.
Dave


It could be that your growing area is very dry and regular watering is needed. If your experience is that this is the case I would suggest transplanting everything now to larger pots. It may not seem the thing to do but I always can skip watering for a week after potting-up. Rootbound plants may actually need watered more than daily and those should not be allowed to remain in that situation for long anyway.
Your alternative solutions don't seem feasible. Maybe I don't understand your setup but why do you have those particular plants(other than tomatoes) Started nnow?

More info needed. I often leave my garden for a week or three, but do check the local forecast and might call and ask someone to check on things. They get the added benefit of harvesting for themselves as well.
A week is fine as long as it gets a good soak with proper mulch to keep that moisture in. We all have different set-ups for holidays depending on climate and what time into the growing season extra care is needed.
(i do have a drip system, but it can clog with newts after a heavy rain)...so i have a neighbor check...



Actually, the cardboard works great. It deters grass and weed growth from below and provides a welcome attraction to earthworms that improve your soil. This raised bed has a layer of cardboard under it and it supports artichokes and has supported tomatoes.


thank you for all of the help. I can't remember the types of zucchini of the top of my head. When I get home I will let you know.
They are two different varieties. I'm glad that the sliver leaves aren't concerning, and that everyone thinks they look good.
As Peter said my main concern is the wilting and brown spots.


You can look it up. A third of the worlds population is estimated to carry a toxoplasmosis infection. You've probable gotten it. In immunocompetent people it just causes flu-like symptoms. It is not dangerous, though pregnant women who have not been previously exposed to it (such exposure confers some natural immunity) are exposed to some fetal risk. Such immunity is normally tested for in pre-natal exams, I believe. Those who are immunocompromised can also be at risk for serious symptoms.
Now, that being said, warm blooded animals can carry the parasite, so if you're worried about cat poop, you'd better be worried about at least squirrel poop as well. Your cat is unlikely to have it if it is primarily an indoor cat, such that it can't eat the parasite-ridden meat outside.
Wash and or cook your food (especially that food whose fruit grows in the soil) and wash your hands after yo've been handling soil. It's that simple.


A few years ago I might have agreed with Dave about transplanting cucs but there are often good reasons for starting indoors. One of my best reasons is to know the germination of plants and adjust planting routine accordingly. Another is that the cucumber beetles won't be devastating them as they emerge.
I like to plant both ways but I'm leaning to indoor starting when a good stand is important. Like other cucurbits you want to transplant before they start growing into each other. Mine are in the ground a week and I'm expecting them to takeoff any time now.



I notice you're not answering where you live, so I'm guessing you've figured out that you put them outside way too early. :) Generally, you don't want to put tomatoes outside until the LOWS are consistently above 50 degrees, and peppers until the LOWS are above 55. That's typically a good couple weeks after your last frost date, unless your long range forecast says differently. Baby those damaged plants as an experiment to see how they do, but don't count on them as your main crop; you may not get much from them even if they survive. Since you say you have others in pots that are still OK, put them outside when the daytime temps are in the 70's, but bring them all inside at night until the lows are above 50-55. Peppers like it warm, warm, warm, even warmer than tomatoes. Good luck!


Hi, To answer your questions:
1)Site - Hill, tranche, or as is? see #3
2) Soil amendments or new soil? I have compost, shredded leaves, pit moss, can buy any mix they sell in stores. Watermelons love rich soil. I typically plant mine in Pure compost and will add 13-13-13 though out the year
3) Is it enough space for Sugar Baby? I can let it grow to my compost piles behind. If you can let them grow in your compost pile you will be happier in the long run. As long as they get 6+ hours sun
4) How many should I plant - one or two? If two - how close to each other? You typically want to plant them 36-48 inches apart. The vines can grow 10-25 ft in length so make sure you have the space (10 feet min).
Hope that helps and let me know what you decide.






I'm counting 7 plants? How many in your family? For the 2 of us one plant of each zuk and crookneck are more than enough for us and the neighbors! Just a thought! Nancy
Last year I did one of each and had problems with powdery mildew and what I think was poor pollination (we only picked about 4 squash and zucchini ) . So I hope to have 2 of each this year. I put in soaker hoses instead of overhead watering to help prevent powdery mildew and hopefully more flowers will help with better pollinating.
I'm only growing 5 or 6 types of veggies this year so I have the space. Next year I hope to try some new things once I get the hang of all this.