When to Start Cucumber/Squash/Pumpkin Seeds in the PNW, and Why You Should Wait | Zone 8b

Hello Friends, this video is all about why it is important to wait to start cucumber, winter squash, summer squash and pumpkin seeds. I know many people who start them early but there is a very important reason- all of these plants grow really fast and do not like being transplanted and they do not like their roots disturbed. Direct seeding is preferred, but starting these seeds in pots or trays needs to be delayed so the outside weather is more favorable for transplanting them quickly after germination.
Also, funny story time, as you watch this video, you will notice a certain cat snuck up into the seedling trays and continues to walk across. I usually restrict her access, or try, to the seedlings but she took advantage of me filming, lol.
As always thank you for watching and please feel free to share any tips below or what you have learned in starting cucumbers/squashes.
#pnwgardening #gardeningforbeginners #seedstarting #zone8b #growingfood

[@aylingfam5733]

Camano Island beginner gardener here! My transplanted squash and cucumbers are all dying! This makes sense! Hopefully it's not too late. I will try again by direct sowing this evening!

[@chrysslyn]

I am so glad I found this video... although I wish I had found it a couple months ago haha. First time I've ever even gotten it together to start things indoors in ten years of gardening, and it turns out a bunch of what I planted, I shouldn't even have started indoors, lolllll. That's okay though, now I know!

[@missmaziecat5058]

You're spot on about the 'just kidding' part! lol. You made me feel better about starting some things later, but getting them in the ground when still small enough not to damage roots. Hey, don't apologize for the cat shenanigans or having to pause, that's a cat for ya! I caught my kitty laying on my grow table, laying on a bunch of seed packets. Ha Ha Today, it was supposed to rain all day, but when it paused, I ran outside like a mad woman and planted some things that needed to be in the ground. Next week is looking better... yay! Have a great weekend, Christi!

[@medicvaldez]

Literally just spit my tea out at the "just kidding" 😂😂😂😂😂SOOOO TRUE!!!!

[@nouveauvieille]

It's really hard to wait for the weather to warm up once spring is official.

[@lisamorgan9151]

Good idea about the squash and transplanting them when there two true leaves are visible! Thx

[@Grendel1974]

I am super new and this is helpful thank you. Been struggling the last 2 years with slugs chickens and for some reason not getting desired yield which is 0-very little lol

[@SharonGalipeau]

Great video Christi, thanks for all this information! Your PNW weather comment about "just kidding" made me LOL...it's so true!

[@mariannerose9702]

I love how you are with your animals. And as always this info is SO helpful. Thank you!!

[@rheannonvandevoorde1048]

Happy to watch you argue with your kitty for however long kitty wants to join! My cats are also troublesome helpers with my seed starting this time of year!

[@DomsBackYard]

LISTEN TO HER 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣I donated mine from February to my chickens lol

[@travisevans7502]

I start my cucurbits mid to late April for plant sale seen peppers tomatoes and squash at home Depot today crazy way to early

[@gr8312]

Thank you for this video. My cucumber harvest in Bellingham, WA was pathetic last year (too early & too big transplants). I'm going to wait and follow your advice!

[@krisk6256]

Thank you for this info! I'm going to try growing them inside just until the true leaves! I've started them inside for the last few years but have grown them on for a longer period of time inside and haven't been happy with their overall growth and production once moved outside. I'll direct sow some and try this method inside too. Cover all the bases lol!! Thanks again and happy growing to all!

[@alexkunnen]

Really good video!

[@emilyliu6506]

Washington green gardener here. love your video with so much info that applies to weird weather here😂. When zone 5 warm up and we are still in jackets！

[@kenhenke592]

Nice to hear your take on starting the warm weather veggies. Particularly the segment where you mention starting them in the greenhouse, but later than most seed companies recommend. With a new greenhouse, it has opened up some new possibilities for seed starting in our cooler climate. I suspect I will actually try to grow some of the tomatoes and most of the peppers in grow bags in the greenhouse. Just not convinced it is warm enough in the summer for peppers to be at their most productive. Cheers!

[@hollyf1380]

Haha this was me yesterday with my cat. He loves to hang out in the garden with me and he thinks my potting bench is his domain, glad to see my kitty isnt the only seedling squishing terrorist 😽

[@emilybh6255]

You talked about transplanting pumpkins at the ideal time but do you do the same thing with melons and cucumbers? I'm in SC zone 8a here but the weather has been so erratic - from 80s in Jan and Feb down to high 20s in early March at night for 3 nights or so. Right now (again) after temps in the high 70s and 80s it is only in the low 40s. I guess I'll be waiting until "ideal" conditions to plant my cukes and melons both from seeds and transplanting the seedlings I started inside knowing their roots (of the cukes anyway) don't like to be disturbed. Thanks for the reminder!

[@berryster]

In Seattle 8b my current soil temps are still just over 50 F, so haven't planted much more than the most hardy spring type plants so far, like lettuce and radish. It's funny to see some of the overwintered asian greens going to flower already.