Repotting Courgette&B'nut Squash Seedlings/planting out seedlings?

[Albanach]

I've got 3 courgettes seedlings I've grown on the windowsill in yoghurt pots-they've got good roots but are getting too big for their boots and they are a bit leggy, when potting into bigger pots can I pot up to the young leaves or do I leave some stem showing? Can they be put into theblowaway or should I keep them on the windowsill?

Same questions for the butternut squash?

I've got spring onion, beetroot, cabbage which are getting to the point of outgrowing their seedling trays-at what height should I plant them out? Should I harden them off outside first?

[Capsid]

You are a bit early for courgettes and squash. I won't be sowing mine until May.

I'd pot them on into bigger pots and put them in the blowaway as you need to protect from frost , but going outside will slow their growth as it's still cold which isn't desirable hence why you should sow later.

I would prick out the seedlings into individual pots and then they can be gradually hardened off before planting out.

My method, is to sow the seeds of spring onion, beetroot and brassicas individually spaced in deep seed trays (mushroom containers from supermarket) becuase the seeds are big enough to handle singly. Then I can plant them out direct to their final growing space in the garden by separating them from each other as a root ball with attached compost. This saves having to prick them out and uses less seed.

[Albanach]

Could I prick them out into mushroom trays rather than individual pots?

[Capsid]

Could I prick them out into mushroom trays rather than individual pots?

Yes for the spring onions, beetroot and brassicas but you need big pots (~5-7") for the squash and courgettes.

[Albanach]

Cheers! Do I plant the courgettes and squashes up to the young leaves or do I leave a lot of stem showing?

[rustylady]

Up to the seed leaves, but be careful not to overwater them.

[Newtothis]

This is a useful thread - I had exactly the same questions about courgettes.....

thanks

David

[Albanach]

Up to the seed leaves, but be careful not to overwater them.

I take it just carry on watering from the bottom?

[Florence Fennel]

I water mine from the bottom, it prevents overwatering.

[Bigmallly]

My courgettes are currently in 3" pots in the greenhouse, growing crazy but will stay in their pots till ready to go outside.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I sow my spring onions every two weeks in 3 inch pots two pots at a time. When they show through I let them get a couple of inchs high and then plant into their final container. They don't usually need thinning as they push themselves apart. Any thinnings that are removed are put on a sarnie.

Colin

[kentishgal]

I must say Im really loving my courgettes and pumpkins! I dont care if they do overtake the windowsill and I was too early, its just nice to have something growing that is so beefy and substantial looking!!
(its my first year GYOing...can you tell??LOL)