Give Vine Crops an Early Start

While many gardeners start tomatoes and other garden plants indoors, few include vine crops in indoor planting. This happens primarily because vine crops are more difficult to transplant than many vegetables, and require some special handling. However, it is possible to start them indoors in April to develop small plants ready to move into the garden in May after the soil has warmed well. In this way slightly earlier production may be expected.

Cucumbers are often the most rewarding for this extra effort. They are best started in individual pots at least three to four inches in diameter. While those planted in a seeding mix placed in peat pots may be planted intact, those in Clay or plastic pots must be removed carefully so the soil mass is not broken or roots disturbed during planting. Seeds should be planted about three weeks before the young plants can be moved outdoors. Bush varieties of cucumbers often start production earlier than normal types, and a few might be included for an extra early picking.

Varieties that are gynectious types also tend to produce earlier than normal varieties and could also be used for early planting. Plant two to three seeds in each pot. Use a good seeding mix which is well moistened before planting. Place the pots in a warm location at about 70 to 75 degrees until the seeds begin to germinate. The young plants will need very bright light as soon as they begin to emerge so they will not become leggy. Seedless watermelons are another vine crop that can benefit from indoor planting.

The seeds are more difficult to germinate than normal watermelon varieties, and therefore better germination often occurs indoors at high temperatures than outdoors under normal soil conditions. Since seedless watermelon seeds are more expensive, better germination is a real advantage. Remember that seedless watermelons need a few normal watermelon varieties to serve as pollinators. Such varieties are often included with a seedless variety, and should be started at the same time.

Cantaloupes and squash may also be started indoors, but normally little is gained in earlier production. Vine crops started indoors will need a period of adjustment before they can be planted into full sun and wind in the garden. Because they are rapid growers under warm conditions indoors, the foliage is very tender and easily damaged. Therefore, place the plants outdoors in light shade for a few days, and gradually shift them to a more exposed location. After about a week of this treatment, they can be planted into the garden.

A total time from seeding to planting into the garden should not be more than three to four weeks. Delayed planting can stunt the plants, and lose the time expected to be gained. If starting plants earlier indoors is inconvenient, vine crops might also be planted a little easier by warming the soil with a covering of black plastic for a few weeks before planting. This can be done if the soil is not too wet. The black plastic will warm the soil during the day, and get it ready for earlier germination. When moving plants outdoors, allow only about two plants per hill.

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