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Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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Posted by sailfish Boston, North (My Page) on Sun, Mar 22, 09 at 15:15
| The Mrs. and I built a camp in Southern Piscatiquis County. Zone 4B I believe. I planted some Butternut squash last year and the deer ate it as it came out of the ground. This year we're putting up a fence around a 100'x100' plot and planting Blue Hubbard squash. I'd like to start the seeds indoors so I have a better chance at seeing 100 days of growth and ripening. My guess is to introduce the transplants to the ground about the last week of May. Anybody have any experience starting their squash indoors? How long before I transplant them should they be started? I have a southern exposed wall with a lot of glass but there's no heat. Is this even too early to start them indoors? TIA |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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| I started my Hubbards last year about 6 weeks before setting them out here in Oxford County. They grew healthy plants in the seed trays and I didn't repot them though they were on the verge of becoming root bound. Set them out about the last week of May as you are planning and they did well with a few enormous fruits and a lot of good mediums. Though you might grow them for fun, they can produce a whole lot of useful food. Wayne |
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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| Interesting, I have never tried starting the Hubbard inside. I always assumed that squash don't transplant well as the seed packets usually say to start outside. I might try starting some indoors this year. How big were they at 6 weeks? I need to budget my indoor growing space carefully. |
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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| I actually found a greenhouse in the area that is willing to start the 400 jiffy pots for me. They said they needed six weeks before planting and they'll harden them up for me. I'm sure I'll enjoy all the squash I can eat. I'll be baking them in a wood fired oven this fall. Can't wait to make some maple squash pies. Food pantries in the area will take the squash I hope. I think there is a plant a row for the hungry program in Maine. I wonder if they have a truck? I think planting one species and keeping up with the pests will be some good experience. I have a MOFGA book that outlines pest control. I'll see If I can't post some pics as the project moves along. Should be fun. |
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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| Thanks for the the reminder, andirondack. I'll plant mine tonight---a little late for here, I bet. |
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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Lots of Roks wrote: "Interesting, I have never tried starting the Hubbard inside. I always assumed that squash don't transplant well as the seed packets usually say to start outside"
I too was warned that transplanting squash was risky at best. I noticed the plants seem to wilt right down as I introduced then to the soil. I guessed this was a soil temp thing because I was so carefull not to disturb the plant as I covered the pots. They popped back up in a few days. If the deer havn't eaten them yet I would guess they are weeks ahead of ground started plants due to the gloomy start we had. I think this worked for me. Should I be lucky enough to see a crop of squash, Most of is destined to a local food cupboard. |
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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| Wow sailfish, that's really cool that you're giving the squash to the food cupboard. Good for you! Make sure to save a couple for yourself. I just planted some Blue Hubbard seed on Saturday so we'll see how it goes. I really wish I had tried some inside this year, it has been so wet and chilly. We need some sun. |
RE: Blue Hubbard Just for Fun
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| So sailfish, how your Hubbards do? My chickens ate the first hundred blossoms off mine, but I did end up getting five good-sized fruit. I'd never grown them before and am glad that you and Adirondack inspired me. We're having them for Thanksgiving. |
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