how cold?

[hoping4tomatoes]

I've successfully started my seeds on top of my fridge. However my lights are in my garage. It seems colder this year than last. How cold can it be before it will hurt brand new seedlings? I would estimate that my garage hovers around 40 degrees at night....Do I need to bring them in each night? I have covered the light setup with a clear painters drop cloth....

[dice]

Can you put a thermometer in there (under the drop cloth)?

[robin303]

I lost my pumpkin plant at 37 and my tomato seedlings did ok but when it got to 35 I lost 6 out of 20. They were already planted. To lazy to cover them up I guess.

[hoping4tomatoes]

I actually fell asleep early last night, and did not bring them in...They're still there....but yes, I was thinking about the thermometer....I think that will help me truly gauge going forward...

[ddrsheden]

You have a spare room in the house to set up lights? I'm using our living room which has a south facing picture window, and the basement for my light set up. Tomatoes like warm temperatures.

[Ruth_10]

You have a spare room in the house to set up lights? I'm using our living room which has a south facing picture window, and the basement for my light set up. Tomatoes like warm temperatures.

...but you will have stockier, sturdier seedlings with better root development if the temperature is in the 55-65 F range. Most basements are in the right temperature range.