Did I jump the gun? - Page 2

pershing · March 6, 2014

Extremely cold, we just had some ice and deep freeze for a couple of days. Was going to chance it once high 30's and 40's low temps showed up

feldon30 · March 6, 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by pershing

Looking kind of thin and tall. Getting concerned...

-P

That light is insufficient. Lights must be a maximum of 2 inches from the top of the leaves. Use DVD/CD cases, whatever you can to raise up the plants so that they are right up against the lights.

pershing · March 6, 2014

I just raised the lights cause it was burning the top leaves. Also I have varying heights. Trying to keep them alive, did not expect to still have them inside so late.

Tom A To · March 7, 2014

40's low temps is ok. How about during the daytime? I would start setting them out in the light of day, starting with 45 minutes direct sun (longer if cloudy) the first day and increase by an hour each day. Move them inside at night. Shuffling tomato plants around frequently is part of the process if you are serious about it. Temperatures are not really a problem within limits. Light is more important at times.

pershing · March 7, 2014

Daytime hi's seem to be in the 50-60 range. However in the next 10 days there will be two 35 degree nights. My plan was to start hardening off now with a plant in goal of about 10 days to 2 weeks.

pershing · March 19, 2014

Planted 5 tomato and 5 pepper test plants in the yard. But the forecast changed and there are now 37-39 degree nights coming. Going to hold and see if they make it before risking the others. Hoping by this weekend my greenhouse is operational and can leave them in there waiting.

-P

Dewayne mater · March 19, 2014

Pershing - 37 will be fine so long as there is some wind protection for the young plants. A howling wind and 37 can do a lot of damage though. Personally, I'd plant out now and cover them the nights you are concerned. Timing is everything as far a fruit set goes. Once its consistently 93 plus, your fruit set will slow dramatically and stop for many varieties. Plant out early or you will be disappointed in your yield. Of all the hundreds of tips I've picked up on Tvill through the years, plant early and cover has been the number 1 tip that increased production for me.

I planted out last Friday and Saturday. Covered on Sunday night. With the exception of breaking a plant at the stem while covering, all plants are doing great and show no ill effects from the temps that night which I believe hit 34 at my house.

Dewayne mater

pershing · March 24, 2014

Well, last night dropped to 35. Hoping they held out. Would I know right away if they were damaged beyond repair? Or would I have to give it a few days? Looks like similar weather for the next 2 nights. Rest of the seedlings stayed in greenhouse but it also drpped in there. Anyone have suggestions for a cheap safe way to keep them warm during the night. Space heater?

- P

March 7, 2014	#19
Tom A To Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Pilot Hill, Ca. Posts: 307	40's low temps is ok. How about during the daytime? I would start setting them out in the light of day, starting with 45 minutes direct sun (longer if cloudy) the first day and increase by an hour each day. Move them inside at night. Shuffling tomato plants around frequently is part of the process if you are serious about it. Temperatures are not really a problem within limits. Light is more important at times. __________________ -Dennis Audios, Tomatoville. Posted my final post and time to move on.

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March 6, 2014	#16
pershing Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Mckinney, TX Posts: 41	Extremely cold, we just had some ice and deep freeze for a couple of days. Was going to chance it once high 30's and 40's low temps showed up

March 19, 2014	#21
pershing Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Mckinney, TX Posts: 41	Planted 5 tomato and 5 pepper test plants in the yard. But the forecast changed and there are now 37-39 degree nights coming. Going to hold and see if they make it before risking the others. Hoping by this weekend my greenhouse is operational and can leave them in there waiting. -P

March 19, 2014	#22
Dewayne mater Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2008 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 1,212	Pershing - 37 will be fine so long as there is some wind protection for the young plants. A howling wind and 37 can do a lot of damage though. Personally, I'd plant out now and cover them the nights you are concerned. Timing is everything as far a fruit set goes. Once its consistently 93 plus, your fruit set will slow dramatically and stop for many varieties. Plant out early or you will be disappointed in your yield. Of all the hundreds of tips I've picked up on Tvill through the years, plant early and cover has been the number 1 tip that increased production for me. I planted out last Friday and Saturday. Covered on Sunday night. With the exception of breaking a plant at the stem while covering, all plants are doing great and show no ill effects from the temps that night which I believe hit 34 at my house. Dewayne mater

March 24, 2014	#23
pershing Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Mckinney, TX Posts: 41	Well, last night dropped to 35. Hoping they held out. Would I know right away if they were damaged beyond repair? Or would I have to give it a few days? Looks like similar weather for the next 2 nights. Rest of the seedlings stayed in greenhouse but it also drpped in there. Anyone have suggestions for a cheap safe way to keep them warm during the night. Space heater? - P