Basement temp.

[augiedog55]

I'm thinking about growing my tomato seedlings in my laundry room in the basement. There is no heat register in the room . I went down this morning with a thermometer and it 58 degrees. Is that to cold for growing my tomato seedlings.. I'll be starting my seeds in a month ,it may warm up a bit in a month when its not so cold outside.

[matilda'skid]

I have a cool basement too. I start the seeds upstairs in the kitchen on top of the refrigerator; they don't take up much room at that stage. After they sprout they go to the basement under lights. 58 degrees will be OK for the seedlings.

[augiedog55]

Thanks for your response. I'll be starting my seedlings up stair in the computer room on a heat mat before moving them down stairs to put under lights. Sorry I didn't make myself clearer.
Miltaskid , I see you are from Mo too. When will you start planting your seeds for your plant out in early may?

[matilda'skid]

I will put some out early sometime in April using walls of water. I have too many plants anyway not worried about losing some. When I put them out depends on the weather forecast. I have some empty stock tanks that I put the biggest ones in for a while before I risk in the ground with no cover. The stock tanks can be partially covered with a big storm window I have or plastic. I have to watch that on sunny days and put more cover on for cold days. If there is a threat of very cold weather I drag the whole mess back inside. I don't really have a plan and I always plant too early. Last year I potted several up in gallon or larger pots before I found a place for them.

[Cole_Robbie]

Your lights will make a little bit of heat.

[matilda'skid]

Sorry, I didn't read carefully. I have already started seeds; a few are up just this week.

Also do a search on cold treatment of tomatoes Ami posted about it.