Sowing Tender Seeds Outdoors

Some seeds are too tender to withstand freezing temperatures and can be sown outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed. We sowed our tender seeds near the end of April since our last frost date was April 20. We purchased some seeds from Park's Seeds and some from Jesse Israel's Garden Center. Here is a brief summary of my experience with the seeds and my recommendations.

Excellent Success Rate - Highly Recommend

Pole Bean Kentucky Blue - The plants came up moderately quickly - in about 12 days, with a near 100% success rate. The plants are still growing steadfastly, and I expect some good beans from this crop.

Corn Honey 'n Pearl Hybrid - The plants came up moderately quickly - in about 12 days, with a near 100% success rate. The plants are still growing steadfastly, and I look forward to some fresh corn this summer.

Ferry Morse Cucumber Marketmore 76 - The plants came up moderately quickly - in about 14 days, with a near 100% success rate. The plants are growing slowly, but cucumbers require warm weather for growth, and it has just started to stay around 80 degrees in this area. I expect a good crop, as the plants seem healthy.

Questionable Success Rate - Purchase with Caution

"Olds Seed" Honeydew Sweet Delight - The plants came up moderately slowly - in about 20 days, with a modest success rate of about 75%. There were only 10 seeds in the packet, so a lower success rate means no chance to resow. The plants are growing very slowly, but melons require warm weather for growth, and it has just started to stay around 80 degrees in this area. I am not sure what to expect from these plants, but hopefully they will produce some nice fruit.