These two seed are BEST planted directly in the soil when the danger of frost has passed. they do not transplant well .... not imposible to transplant but......

Checked them out but they are too expensive for me - minimal return for big upfront output.

And I agree with George - direct seeding is best - by far - for both squash and cucumbers.

Dave

I've been starting cucurbits in pots for 30 years with great success. You will have a mighty short season in zone 5 if you don't start inside.

Never tried them. Even though these seeds like direct planting, why is it harmful to use peat pots for them? I mean, there really isn't any transplant shock because you are planting the whole peat pot with the seedling. Transplanting shock is more with removing seedlings and disturbing roots when transferring between mediums.

If you plant the seeds in cow pots, it would be better for the plant. The plant would not get "root-bound" like in peat pots, nor do you have to tear the peat pot as commenly done. I think Cow Pots is a much better pot all around. So much so, I started selling them and I agree with alot of people that they are pricey, but that are all around a better product than peat. These are my prices. I can deliver for free with in the Columbia & Hallsville Missouri surrounding area.
My prices:
(12) 3" pots $4.80 (tax & shipping not included)
(12) 4" pots $6.00 (tax & shipping not included)
(700)3" pots $252 (tax & shipping not included)
(300)4" pots $135 (tax & shipping not included)
Call for larger orders. I am the cheapest prices you will find. If not, Please let me know.

I've just been looking at them online and came here to see if anyone else already posted thread.

Cheapest price found is 12/$8.49 (plus shipping) for 4" which is expensive even when starting just a couple hundred seedlings...mostly flowers.

My goal is to avoid transplant shock but I'm winter sowing a number of things outdoors and wasn't sure if they'd hold up to winter weather even though placed in draining Sterlite containers (already have) with clear sheeting domed on top.

Also considered them for starting more select items under lights as needed to get some things to good size and bloom for late spring/early summer.

They are attractive option. Never used peat pots. Was wondering if newspaper pots achieved same avoidance of transplant shock but assumed they'd be gloppy mess in winter sown containers by Spring. Assume roots can penetrate thawed newspaper pots as well as Cow Pots but without built-in nutrient benefits.

Only my second year growing from seed and I still don't have a "system" set in my mind and plans. Takes time and experience to get this process down!

Looks like Cow Pots would be good option for reducing transplant shock if one can afford them in quantities larger than 12 but less than 300-700. Assume leftovers can be stored from one year to next but this time of year seeds and soilless starting mix as well as fall conditioning items have already added up cost wise. That, and my father is already threatening to trash all the supplies I already have spread around basement, garage, back deck/patio and piles of decomposing leaves/grass.

I still have to buy a better light set up for more coverage area/better control as seedlings got leggy using Dad's shop light last winter/early spring and didn't have enough room for all seedlings needing early start to bloom first year. Yes, I know I should build my own light set up but not mechanically or electrically inclinded in the least.

Cow Pot website says they're available at local Whole Foods markets but presume they're as comparatively expensive as most of their items.