Can I start vegetable and fruit vines indoors?

Posted by Kevin Quinlan ADD COMMENTS

There are many different types of plants that can easily be started indoors. For those of us who live in colder areas where the growing season is much shorter, the ability to start plants indoors is essential. Even if it is only by six weeks, our growing season can still be extended.

The problem that I have found is that many vegetable vines do not start well indoors. The purpose of this article is to discuss which plants can be started indoors and what types of consequences you can expect if you do.

The first plant I’d like to discuss is the pumpkin. Without a doubt, you can easily plant your pumpkin seeds indoors and they will grow like crazy once you get them outside into the ground. The only problem I’ve had getting pumpkins started is a good light source. Pumpkins become VERY leggy indoors if you do not put a plant light directly over them.

I’ve tried to start watermelons indoors but I have never had much luck. I don’t know if it is the particular variety I’m using or not. I have no problem getting the seeds to sprout. The problem I encounter is that they develop really tiny leaves and they grow very slowly. It is simply not worth it for me to start these plants indoors as a result.

Gourds. I know what the package says. Sow the seeds directly in the soil after the last frost – do not attempt to transplant. I’ve seen other seeds behave far more temperamentally than a gourd plant. Specifically, I grow bottleneck gourds. As long as you place them in a sunny location in a reasonably sized peat pot, your gourd seeds will sprout. Simply plant your peat pot into the desired location outside and your gourd will continue to grow vigorously!

The cantaloupe vine is a lot less sturdy than a pumpkin vine. For this reason, I will start my cantaloupe seeds inside. After approximately six weeks, I move the small plants to the porch and let them acclimate to the outdoors for roughly another week before planting them into the ground.

Leaving plants on the porch, or any shaded area, is a great way to introduce your indoor seeds to the great outdoors. First, they won’t be terribly shocked by the sudden change in their environment. Second, the breeze will still be able to shake their leaves about and will help to strengthen the overall plant.