New to growing your own tomatoes? This is the forum to learn the successful techniques used by seasoned tomato growers. Questions are welcome, too.
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January 29, 2010 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Corpus Christi,Texas Z9
Posts: 1,996
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cold temps
I normally keep my seedlings inside until about the 4 week mark and then gradually introduce them to the outside elements. This year I have introduced them to the outside much earlier. They have been outside for a week now, no direct sun but filtered sun along with some wind and such. Temps have been cooler outside than they are inside and I am hoping for less leggy plants. Anyway, they are under the lights on a covered patio/deck and tonights temp will drop to around 38. Will they be fine or should I bring them in overnight.
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Duane Jones |
January 29, 2010 | #2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chillicothe Ohio - left Calif July 2010
Posts: 451
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If it drops to near freezing you can lose them - a few weeks ago in OC Calif we got 32 degrees AND LUCKILY LISTENED TO WEATHER THE NIGHT BEFORE and covered them - one of the covers came off in the wind and that plant is dust - then 2 weeks later it was only supposed to get to 40 degrees but when I got up in the am to walk the doggies there was ice on the grass - lost 4 plants - have 5 left all with maters - luckily I haven't started plants at my plots yet and starting seeds anyday
guess it is better to be safe than sorry Dennis Last edited by mtbigfish; January 30, 2010 at 06:11 PM. |
January 29, 2010 | #3 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 398
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I remember reading on a thread here on TV that if it drops below 40, the plants should be protected/brought in. Unfortunately, I can't remember where that thread is.
But I agree with Dennis, better safe than sorry! Quote:
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January 29, 2010 | #4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Corpus Christi,Texas Z9
Posts: 1,996
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Better safe than sorry. Enough said
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Duane Jones |
January 30, 2010 | #5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Corpus Christi,Texas Z9
Posts: 1,996
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Glad I brought them in as it got colder than expected. I put them in an unheated laundry room and the leaves have a purple tinge to them this morning. Going to pot them up tomorrow
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Duane Jones |
January 30, 2010 | #6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chillicothe Ohio - left Calif July 2010
Posts: 451
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hope those leaves don't turn black and croak
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January 31, 2010 | #7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 317
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I am potting up to gallon jugs even now, but I'm in no hurry about it. Better a few more days of overcrowding (doesn't seem to hurting; cf. my last photo from my "wee ones" thread) than frost-lost (low tonight officially 38 but might go lower).
Don't worry dj, I don't waste a single seedling, so if yours do bite the big one, I'm going to have plenty in surplus. Mind you, you'll have to drive up here to Houston to get 'em...
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February 1, 2010 | #8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Corpus Christi,Texas Z9
Posts: 1,996
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My seedlings are just fine, color returned to normal after they warmed up a bit
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Duane Jones |
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